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…
M.G.M. Electric IEC Motors and Brake Motors from AutomationDirect
Issue 53, 2024NewsNotebook IssuePress ReleasesPress Releases

M.G.M. Electric IEC Motors and Brake Motors from AutomationDirect

July 24, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added M.G.M. Electric IEC standard and brake motors that are manufactured in Italy using state-of-the-art, high-quality processes and are rated for general-purpose and inverter duty. IEC motors provide the same power output as NEMA motors but have a smaller footprint and feature a lightweight aluminum construction. IEC standard motors…
Bucher Hydraulic HPUs, Heat Exchangers, and Solenoid Valves from AutomationDirect
Issue 53, 2024NewsNotebook IssuePress ReleasesPress Releases

Bucher Hydraulic HPUs, Heat Exchangers, and Solenoid Valves from AutomationDirect

July 17, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added hydraulic power units (HPUs), heat exchangers for HPUs, and hydraulic solenoid valves from Bucher Hydraulics, a well-respected name in the industry. Hydraulic power units contain a reservoir, pump/motor, filter, and all necessary controls to power a hydraulic system. They are offered in the single-phase powered M-series and three-phase…
LS Electric DC Servo Systems (EtherCAT®, Pulse, and Indexing Control) from AutomationDirect
Issue 53, 2024NewsNotebook IssuePress ReleasesPress Releases

LS Electric DC Servo Systems (EtherCAT®, Pulse, and Indexing Control) from AutomationDirect

July 17, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added LS Electric PHOX servo systems that operate with 24-80 VDC input power and accept a wide variety of control inputs.  These flexible systems are suitable for both single-axis use and for advanced multi-axis motion control systems. With output power from 100W to 300W, these four matched sets of…