How Low-Code and No-Code Visual Programming Tools Can Simplify and Accelerate Seamless Industrial IoT Connectivity
Issue 54 - 2025Notebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

How Low-Code and No-Code Visual Programming Tools Can Simplify and Accelerate Seamless Industrial IoT Connectivity

In this article, we explore the transformative impact of low-code/no-code PLC programming in industrial automation with Tim Shippy, a veteran AutomationDirect Product Engineer. With a wealth of experience spanning decades in industrial and enterprise software development, Tim has been at the forefront of integrating industrial systems with enterprise connectivity. His expertise in both traditional and…
Six Tips to Help You Build a Better, Safer Machine
Issue 54 - 2025Notebook IssueProductSafety

Six Tips to Help You Build a Better, Safer Machine

By: Joshua Draa and Larry Reynolds, Automation Direct Safety is an essential aspect of machine design and operation, protecting personnel, guarding against equipment damage, and maximizing productivity. The purpose of a safety system is to bring a machine to a known safe state as quickly as possible after a safety sensor detects a hazardous condition…
Cultivating Curiosity with Automated Edu-tainment
AutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 54 - 2025Notebook IssueStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

Cultivating Curiosity with Automated Edu-tainment

Crafting agricultural education experiences that are also fun is a specialty requiring a mix of creativity and technology. Byline: Justin Hiemstra, Heemer Crafted Capturing the interest of a young person today can be a tough task, especially considering the proliferation of mobile devices and the obsession with screen time. However, there are still important opportunities…
Recipe for Success: Automation Proves to Be a Key Ingredient
Application StoriesFood and BeverageHMIIndustryIssue 54 - 2025Operator InterfaceProduct

Recipe for Success: Automation Proves to Be a Key Ingredient

The right mix of automation elements is crucial for creating a consistent process yielding high-quality donuts and baked goods. By Roger Dyer, Mel-O-Cream Donuts International Mel-O-Cream, a commercial bakery in Springfield, IL, has been baking and perfecting donuts since 1932. From measuring precise ingredient amounts and maintaining a consistent mixing process, to ensuring uniform dough…
BrainTeasers - Issue 54, 2025
Issue 54 - 2025Notebook Issue

BrainTeasers - Issue 54, 2025

Application Complication The programmer for the gasket applicator robot at the puzzle factory noticed that there were a number of different tool paths that could be used to program the gasket path required for a new mechanical puzzle.  The complete pattern is shown below.  He must apply the gasket in a continuous bead along all…
Unshackling Industrial Data Access
Issue 54 - 2025Notebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductProgrammable Control

Unshackling Industrial Data Access

Modern PLCs and HMIs make it easy to implement extensive data connectivity and analytics. By: Damon Purvis, AutomationDirect Modern consumers are increasingly familiar with tailored experiences, abundant information, and generally getting things “their way.” Those working in the industrial manufacturing and automation sectors, on the other hand, have not always enjoyed such flexibility. Fortunately, hardware…
Industrial Strength Identification is Essential for Manufacturing
IdentificationIssue 54 - 2025Notebook Issue

Industrial Strength Identification is Essential for Manufacturing

Applying the right barcode, RFID, and vision technologies addresses the increasing demand for data-driven manufacturing, improved quality control, and compliance with track-and-trace requirements. By Larry Reynolds, AutomationDirect Automation systems routinely use a variety of sensors to detect the position, motion, weight, and many other physical characteristics of products and other targets. This type of monitoring…
Advantech Gateways & Ziplink Connector from AutomationDirect
Issue 54 - 2025NewsNotebook IssuePress ReleasesPress Releases

Advantech Gateways & Ziplink Connector from AutomationDirect

December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Advantech serial-to-Ethernet Modbus gateways allowing connections of isolated serial devices to the Internet for centralized machine communication management. Advantech Modbus gateways provide easy integration of Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU/ASCII networks and offer two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for LAN redundancy. These gateways can be set up and…
Endress+Hauser Soliphant® FTM20 Vibration Rod Level Switches from AutomationDirect
Issue 54 - 2025NewsNotebook IssuePress ReleasesPress Releases

Endress+Hauser Soliphant® FTM20 Vibration Rod Level Switches from AutomationDirect

December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Soliphant vibration rod level switches to detect fine- or coarse-grained, non-fluidized bulk solids in silos, hoppers, and bins. They can even detect solids underwater, such as sediment buildup in a tank. These robust switches are insensitive to buildup, providing maintenance-free operation and easy setup with no calibration required….