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VFDs Keep the Good Times Pumping When the Triple R Camping Resort enhanced their facility to include a waterpark with interactive water features, they also needed to upgrade some behind-the-scenes elements, such as pumps and the VFDs controlling them. AutomationDirect VFDs were installed to control waterpark systems, and in the process the resort added the…

4-20mA Analog Transmitter Troubleshooting Although most current loops are easy to install and commission, sometimes there can be a snag on initial setup, which requires a bit of troubleshooting to overcome. This article looks at some 4-20mA basics, and how to check on problematic installations. Read more Selecting Discrete Sensors Discrete object detection refers to…

Future-Proof Ethernet Installations Consumer- and commercial-grade Ethernet networking has been common since the 1980s, and it has evolved significantly over the decades. Yet, Ethernet for industrial applications generally lagged behind commercial installations. However, many more recent developments have elevated Ethernet to today?s preferred industrial networking technology. Read more Tech Brief ? HMIs Human beings are visual…

In-House Automation Focuses on People, Plant, and Profit Many companies rely on external firms for automation upgrades and changes, and this works well for countless applications. But Pacific Cheese Company faced a dual challenge of maintaining and improving manual and legacy systems, while at the same time upgrading operations to responsively meet changing consumer demands….

Control Panels are Changing Due to Distributed Automation Control panels have long been essential for protecting automation and electrical components associated with OEM machines and industrial manufacturing. While control panels will continue to be with us for the foreseeable future, several technologies are reducing the size of and need for control panels. Read more Prevent…

Supplier Profile: Peninsular Cylinder, Co. | Superheroes of Cylinders The Marvel Cinematic Universe? is full of superheroes with incredible powers and abilities. But even superheroes need the right tools and equipment to get the job done. Just like how Iron Man?s suit is equipped with hydraulic and pneumatic systems, Peninsular Cylinder Co.?s cylinders can provide…

Vacuum Gripper Advantages Modular gripper system kits provide a versatile way for designers and OEMs to quickly create material handling and robot end-of-arm tooling solutions.OEMs and designers put a lot of work into gripping systems because dropping a payload can lead to waste and downtime. Custom-engineered systems are often the norm, but these can be…

Modern PLCs Provide Support for Advanced Data AccessAlthough many think of PLCs as primarily for real-time control, modern versions make it easy to implement extensive data connectivity and analytics. While everyday consumers are familiar with getting things their way, this type of flexibility has often been less available within the industrial manufacturing arena. This is…

Linear Actuator OptionsLinear actuators, driven with servo or stepper motors, are an effective way to implement accurate automated machine motion. Linear actuators can also be driven by pneumatic or hydraulic methods, depending on the force, speed, accuracy, and cost requirements of an application. Electrically-driven actuators are the preferred solution for many applications, especially when automated…

Light-Operate or Dark-Operate Photoelectric Sensors. Which is Better for your Application?When choosing a photoelectric sensor for an application there are many things to consider. One of these considerations is whether to select a light-operate or dark-operate photoelectric sensor. The terms ?light-operate? and ?dark-operate? refer to when the sensor activates its output.Learn more Making a Clean…