Three Steps to Size Motors
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesMotorsProduct

Three Steps to Size Motors

Proper motor sizing precludes equipment failures, ensures efficiency and reduces maintenance issues Bryan Sisler, a product manager for drives and motors at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the August 2019 issue of Plant Engineering titled Three Steps to Size Motors. Following is a summary, please click on the link above for the full text. Electric…
What is a Contactor?
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesMotor ControlsOnline BlogProductRelays & Timers

What is a Contactor?

Contactor Definition Contactors are a specialized form of relay capable of switching higher power loads such as motors, lighting and electric heaters. Turning large electrical power loads such as motors, lighting and heaters on and off is a common automation requirement. Applications are found in commercial buildings, industrial equipment and vehicles. The fundamental device for…
Benefits of Connecting a PLC to the Internet
+Tech TopicsCommunications and EthernetIIoT and DataProgrammable ControlTech Thread

Benefits of Connecting a PLC to the Internet

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are now gaining information technology (IT) abilities to interact directly with the internet, creating new automation and information possibilities. Bill Dehner, a Technical Marketing Manager at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the July 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled Benefits of Connecting a PLC to the Internet. Here’s a summary, click…
Pneumatics for Mechanical Motion
Learning ResourcesOnline BlogPneumaticsProduct

Pneumatics for Mechanical Motion

Pneumatics are often the best fit for executing mechanical motion in a reliable, simple, and cost-effective manner. Pat Phillips is the Product Manager for Fluid Power and Mechanical products at AutomationDirect, and he authored an article for the June 2019 issue of Tech Briefs titled Pneumatics for Mechanical Motion. Here’s a summary, click on the…
Specifying Performance Instead of Parts
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesOperator InterfaceProductProgrammable Control

Specifying Performance Instead of Parts

Specifying performance instead of parts when purchasing machines and process skids cuts costs, reduces lead time and guarantees reliable operation. Bill Dehner, Automation Specialist at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the June 2019 issue of Applied Automation titled Specifying performance instead of parts. Here is a summary of the article, click on the link above…
What’s the Difference Between Traditional and Hosted VPNs?
CommunicationsIssue 42 - 2019Learning ResourcesOnline BlogProduct

What’s the Difference Between Traditional and Hosted VPNs?

Jonathan Griffith, Product Manager, Industrial Communications & Power Supplies at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for Machine Design April 2018 titled What’s the Difference Between Traditional and Hosted VPNs? Griffith points out that connecting programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human machine interfaces (HMIs) and other automation system components to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) for remote…
PLC Package Handling
ApplicationAutomation NotebookDistribution/LogisticsIndustryIssue 42 - 2019Issue 46, 2021Learning ResourcesMaterial HandlingNotebook IssuePackagingProductProgrammable Control

PLC Package Handling

PLCs play a major role when it comes to material or package handling operations. Conveyors, motors, drives, object detection sensors and of course controllers are used quite often when it comes to delivering your suitcase to the right airplane or getting the laptop you ordered to the right delivery truck. But how would you go…