Benefits of Connecting a PLC to the Internet PLCs have traditionally excelled at using wired inputs and outputs (I/O) to execute automation logic quickly and reliably. Now, users are recognizing the internet contains a wealth of information useful for PLC applications either directly in the logic or for operator displays. Many websites can programmatically deliver…
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. Many plants and facilities rely on pre-packaged machines and process skids purchased from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) suppliers. They want the components installed in this equipment to match what they…
As electricity bills continue to rise due to new government mandates, manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities are making reducing energy consumption a priority. No company can afford to waste money by using machines or processes that consume too much energy. Since pneumatic systems are ubiquitous throughout manufacturing and can consume a large share of a plant’s power costs, ensuring they consume only the air required is extremely important.
Machine Automation Basics Automation systems must integrate multiple power and control subsystems and components into a coherent whole. Faced with ever-increasing cost pressures and demands for improved performance, machine builders are actively seeking new automation solutions with improved cost/performance ratios. In response to these demands, vendors must often incorporate commercial off-the-shelf components and other technologies…
Free Online PLC Training Program AutomationDirect’s free online PLC training program has been expanded with over a hundred additional training videos. The complete video training series encompasses various levels of training from entry level programming to advanced PLC functions and is available to anyone interested in learning about industrial controllers. The training video library is…
Newsletter Volume 21 Issue 2 Productivity1000 PLC receives an Engineers’ Choice Award AutomationDirect’s Productivity1000 PLC was announced as a Control Engineering 2019 Engineers’ Choice Awards Honorable Mention in the Machine and Embedded Control – PLCs category. Check out the new Productivity1000 PLC and see what it can do for your next application. Check out the…
Newsletter Volume 21 Issue 1 Absolutely FREE PLC Training Well, we’ve heard you and we are now offering free unlimited online PLC training to go along with our extensive library of eBooks, whitepapers, how-to videos and more. We have also expanded this training offering to include non-customers as well. The more the merrier, right? And…
Let’s take some time to appreciate! Celebrate your joys! What brought you joy this year? A satisfying personal accomplishment, a new or improved relationship, serving others, a renewed commitment to your deepest beliefs, a professional milestone? Big or small, we hope you experienced many joyful moments, and that remembering them at this time of year…
Newsletter Volume 20 Issue 11 Panel Builder Checklist There are many things to consider when building an automation control system. Some control systems are extremely simple, like a pump control system that consists of a pump, level controller, and a contactor, or they can be complicated and control a full production line with a series…
Boo! Did we scare you? Thankfully, there’s more treats than tricks in this month’s newsletter like a free download of our brand new AC Motors eBook and a mystery product giveaway! In the spirit of Halloween we’ve also added an installment in our Halloween DIY series. Don’t miss out on our articles about our new…