Big Rig Custom Shop Accelerates Automation into the Passing Lane
Application StoriesIssue 52, 2024Notebook IssuePLC

Big Rig Custom Shop Accelerates Automation into the Passing Lane

Modern PLCs and HMIs have empowered a big rig customization shop to create increasingly sophisticated automated lighting effects for their customers. Byline: Dustin Dickerson, Dickerson Custom Trucks “Less is more” and “function over form” are phrases often associated with the design of objects—anything from office supplies up to buildings or larger—to promote a concept of…
Zero Trust — Your Best Industrial Cybersecurity Defense
Issue 52, 2024Notebook Issue

Zero Trust — Your Best Industrial Cybersecurity Defense

Protecting control systems from bad actors requires a holistic approach that includes technology, standards, and most importantly, a “never trust, always verify” attitude. By Tim Wheeler, Cybersecurity Manager, Automation Direct Industrial enterprises worldwide face ever greater numbers of cyberthreats, especially from malware and ransomware. According to global data and business intelligence platform Statista, last year,…
The Evolution of the Human Machine Interface
Issue 52, 2024Notebook IssueOperator InterfaceProduct

The Evolution of the Human Machine Interface

From high resolution graphics to more interconnectivity and mobility, the HMI has become instrumental to plant productivity. Around 40 years ago, operator interfaces on the factory floor consisted of manual push buttons, switches, and dials. More sophisticated versions might incorporate a few indicator lights that could flash or change color to communicate alerts sent by…
Investigating Smarter I/O Options
CommunicationsIssue 52, 2024Notebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

Investigating Smarter I/O Options

IO-Link modules, sensors, and other automation field devices help designers architect intelligent and cost-effective digital solutions so they can easily connect with industrial edge data for monitoring and controlling equipment. Byline: Kevin Kakascik and Chris Kregoski, AutomationDirect Traditional hardwired input/output (I/O) works well for monitoring and controlling sensors, actuators, and other field-installed devices associated with…
Motion Control for the Many
Issue 52, 2024Notebook Issue

Motion Control for the Many

Recent advances in micro-PLCs that support integrated motion, and also drive/controller devices, make it possible to take advantage of high-performance servo motor motion control without breaking the bank. By Chip McDaniel and Joe Kimbrell, AutomationDirect Servo motor motion control is a mainstay for many types of machinery and equipment. For example, this technology can be…
Endress+Hauser Ceraphant Series Digital Pressure Sensors from AutomationDirect
Issue 52, 2024NewsPress ReleasesPress Releases

Endress+Hauser Ceraphant Series Digital Pressure Sensors from AutomationDirect

May 15, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Ceraphant series digital pressure transmitters featuring a compact stainless steel construction, a 4-digit LCD display, and IO-Link compatibility for easy setup, integration, and on-the-fly configuration changes. Ceraphant PTP31B series digital pressure transmitters offer dual 1/2” NPT male / 1/4” NPT female process connections and are available in…