Proper Air Preparation for Automated Machines
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesPneumaticsPneumatics MoreProduct

Proper Air Preparation for Automated Machines

Available in many combinations, filters and regulators are a must-have on any machine. Other devices to perform functions such as energy isolation, lockout tagout and lubrication should also be considered. Chip McDaniel, technical marketer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the January 2019 issue of Design World magazine, titled Proper Air Preparation for Automated Machines….
Selecting a Software Programming Platform
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesProductProgrammable Control

Selecting a Software Programming Platform

PLCs are typically programmed with PC-based software, and selecting the right platform is critical to project success and ongoing operations. Bill Dehner, technical marketing engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the February 2019 issue of NASA Tech Briefs titled Selecting a Software Programming Platform, here’s a summary. Dehner says software development and testing is…
Compressed Air Can Be Lethal
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesProductSafetySafety Common Sense

Compressed Air Can Be Lethal

Compressed air can cause many hazards to workers’ eyes in manufacturing facilities, so review of applicable OSHA standards, common misuse and how to minimize hazards is always a good idea. Jim Krebs, technical marketing engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the January 2019 edition of ISHN magazine titled Compressed air can be lethal. Here’s…
Honing in on Machine Automation
+Tech TopicsApplicationApplication StoriesEnergy/UtilitiesHMIIndustryLearning ResourcesMachine ControlManufacturingOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable Control

Honing in on Machine Automation

The automation and electrical system on a large, 82-year-old cylinder honing machine was replaced with a variety of AutomationDirect hardware to improve cycle time, safety and quality. Andrew Marks, Maintenance Foreman and Master Electrician at Exline Leasing Inc., wrote an article for the January 2019 issue of Control Design magazine, titled Honing in on Machine…
Pneumatic System Components: A Basic Overvie
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesMachine ControlManufacturingPneumaticsPneumatics MoreProduct

Pneumatic System Components: A Basic Overvie

In machine automation a pneumatic system provides a simple and cost-effective means to move, clamp, rotate, grind and screw. A pneumatic system is a collection of interconnected components using compressed air to do work for automated equipment. Examples can be found in industrial manufacturing, a home garage or a dentist office. This work is produced…
Industrial Controller Selection: Look Beyond the Basics
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesProductProgrammable Control

Industrial Controller Selection: Look Beyond the Basics

Winn Paulk, automation controls group product manager at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the January 2019 issue of Control Engineering magazine, titled Industrial controller selection: Look beyond the basics. See below for a summary, or click on the link above for the full text. Industrial Controller Selection Most industrial controllers, such as programmable logic controllers…