PLCs Provide a Conduit for Better Predictive Maintenance
ProductProgrammable Control

PLCs Provide a Conduit for Better Predictive Maintenance

AutomationDirect PLCs can now easily bridge the OT/IT gap, pulling data from the field and pushing it to the cloud to support predictive maintenance programs. Damon Purvis, PLC Product Manager at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the August 2021 edition of Plant Engineering. The article is titled PLCs Improve Predictive Maintenance, and it shows how…
Simpler Servos Speed Solutions
Motion ControlProduct

Simpler Servos Speed Solutions

Servo systems are a leading way to implement high-performance motion control, and the latest servo drives offer functional, programming, and diagnostics capabilities to help users quickly create and commission solutions. Chip McDaniel, technical marketer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article posted July 2021 on Control Design titled Servo Systems Lead the Way to Implement High-Performance Motion…
Cloud-Capable PLCs Enable More IIoT Applications
CommunicationsProductProgrammable Control

Cloud-Capable PLCs Enable More IIoT Applications

PLCs can now be directly integrated with cloud-based computing platforms, empowering end users and OEMs to quickly and easily add IIoT functionality to their systems. Damon Purvis, PLC Product Manager at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the August 2021 edition of Machine Design. The article is titled Modern PLCs Simplify Cloud-Based IIoT and it talks…
What is a VPN?
CommunicationsProduct

What is a VPN?

VPNs are just as important for securing industrial automation systems as they are for personal internet connectivity. Here is what a VPN does, and how industrial users can quickly implement VPNs for all their sites and users to provide upgraded cybersecurity. If you spend any time at all watching TV, browsing websites, or listening to…
Solenoid Valve Banks Provide Machine Automation Options
PneumaticsProduct

Solenoid Valve Banks Provide Machine Automation Options

Networked electro-pneumatic solenoid banks can be distributed on machines for better control and more efficient installations. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer with AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the June 2021 issue of Fluid Power World titled Distributed Electro-Pneumatics Maximize Machine Automation Options. It examines how intelligent solenoid manifolds save space, minimize installation effort, and provide…
Putting Advanced VFDs to Work in More Applications
ProductVariable Speed Drives

Putting Advanced VFDs to Work in More Applications

New VFD features and technologies improve the control, safety, networking, and efficiency of motor control for a growing number of applications. Jeff Payne, product manager for the drives & motors group at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the June 2021 issue of Plant Services titled Advanced Variable Frequency Drives are Working in More Applications. Here’s…
Fermenting a Homebrew Automation System
ApplicationApplication StoriesManufacturingPLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control

Fermenting a Homebrew Automation System

AutomationDirect PLCs and products help a hobbyist automate his homebrew equipment, taking quality to the next level. Back in 2012, Jason Wilson toured a local brewery, and soon thereafter became a homebrew enthusiast. He was fascinated by the detailed science and math underlying the production process, and quickly realized automation would be key to precisely…
Quick and Clean Automation Implementation
ApplicationApplication StoriesIssue 47 -2022Machine ControlManufacturingPLCProductProgrammable Control

Quick and Clean Automation Implementation

To help meet COVID-19 needs for sanitizing wipes, an HVAC contractor used their multiple-discipline experience and AutomationDirect products to quickly create automated filling machines. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic during the summer of 2020, a St. Louis manufacturer wanted to utilize available factory space to produce pails filled with sanitizing wipes. They engaged…