Microcontrollers versus PLCs: There’s a Clear Winner for Your Industrial Applications
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Microcontrollers versus PLCs: There’s a Clear Winner for Your Industrial Applications

The world of single-board computers and microcontrollers offers interesting and inexpensive opportunities for automation applications, but can these components be trusted in critical production applications? The assortment of microcontrollers emerging in the “maker” world has been growing rapidly, with no signs of abating. These devices—including Arduino, BeagleBone, Raspberry Pi and others—offer extraordinary capabilities, along with…
System Integrator and AutomationDirect partner Affinity Energy Designed, Built and Installed a Research Chamber Temperature Control System
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System Integrator and AutomationDirect partner Affinity Energy Designed, Built and Installed a Research Chamber Temperature Control System

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill spends almost $1 billion on research annually, ranking eighth among universities in the U.S. However, it was spending too much money and time supporting an existing temperature chamber control system.
What is IP69K?
Equipment SafetyFood and BeverageFood Beverage AutomationIndustryLearning ResourcesOnline BlogOnline Only

What is IP69K?

IP69K Definition IP69K is a product standard rating developed to ensure that products carrying this rating comply with required simulated environmental conditions. The most common areas requiring IP69K devices are areas where heavy washdowns are required. Therefore, IP69K rated devices are a must to prevent damage to electronic devices and instrumentation during the washdown procedures….
Robotics Is So Much More Than Robots
AutomationDirect SpotlightCompany TopicsIssue 38 - 2017Learning ResourcesNewsNotebook IssueOnline BlogOnline OnlyStudent Spotlight

Robotics Is So Much More Than Robots

If you subscribe to any of our media channels then I’m sure you know about our involvement with after-school robotics programs in our community. These programs prepare students for careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields by getting them excited and engaged when it comes to not only learning new skills, but…
Compact Modular Valves Simplify Pneumatic Design and Operation
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Compact Modular Valves Simplify Pneumatic Design and Operation

A quick look online for control of fluid power shows many types of pneumatic valves for use in factory automation, most of them standalone and individually mounted. But there are also many valve manifold options, including compact modular valves, which are often the best option in multivalve applications because they simplify selection, installation, use and…