Embedded HMIs Do More With Less
CommunicationsOperator InterfaceProduct

Embedded HMIs Do More With Less

Dedicated HMIs can do many of the same things as industrial PCs, often making them the best choice for automation applications. Bill Dehner, technical marketing engineer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the August 2020 issue of Control Engineering titled Embedded HMIs Excel in Automation Applications. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for…
Choosing Electrical Enclosures
Enclosures & AccessoriesProduct

Choosing Electrical Enclosures

Specifying the right electrical enclosure protects personnel and equipment. Jim Krebs, Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the July 2020 issue of Processing titled Specifying the Right Electrical Enclosure. Here is a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Electrical enclosures are ubiquitous throughout public areas, buildings, and industrial…
Common Overlooked Safety Violations
ProductSafety

Common Overlooked Safety Violations

While we sometimes say things like “safety first” or “safety is no accident”, and I’m sure you’ve heard, “safety is a choice”, there are times when safety details are overlooked. We have the best of intentions but can be negligent regarding full safety protocol. Have you ever bypassed a safety device to save a few…
PLC or Open-Source Controller?
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesProgrammable Control

PLC or Open-Source Controller?

Deciding between a PLC or Industrialized Open Source Controller can be difficult. These two control platforms are often compared against one another in the battle for which is better. Saying that one platform is better than the other is impractical. Both platforms have advantages and disadvantages dependent on the environments that they will be used…
Choosing VFD Control Modes
ProductVariable Speed Drives

Choosing VFD Control Modes

Modern variable frequency drives incorporate several control modes to help users fine-tune operation for various applications. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the June 2020 issue of Processing titled Choosing VFD Control Modes. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) always…
PLCs Help the Show Go On
Application StoriesPLCProductProgrammable Control

PLCs Help the Show Go On

How industrial automation plays a leading role in show-biz scenery. In February 2020, Control Design posted a website article by Ryan Poethke of Showman Fabricators, titled Motor Control When Hanging From The Ceiling. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Industrial automation can play a role in many situations beyond…
Pneumatic Fitting Tips
PneumaticsProduct

Pneumatic Fitting Tips

Properly identifying pneumatic fitting and component sizes, especially on older equipment, is easier with these tips. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the June 2020 issue of Fluid Power World titled Cracking the Code on Existing Pneumatic Fittings. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text….
Safety Standards Update Summer 2020
ProductSafety

Safety Standards Update Summer 2020

Safety standards are vitally important to follow, understand, and implement to eliminate and avoid injuries to personnel from machinery. This is our biennial update as to major changes to American National Standards Institute or ANSI code, and most specifically the B11.0 dedicated to “Safety of Machinery”. Since 1922, the B11 standards for machine safety were…
VFDs Expand Process Control Options
ProductVariable Speed Drives

VFDs Expand Process Control Options

Improved performance, ease of use, and energy savings combined with IIoT capabilities make VFDs the right choice for many process industry motor applications. Bryan Sisler, Product Manager for Drives and Motors at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the May 2020 issue of Processing titled Beyond Process Control with VFDs. Here’s a summary, click on the…
Keep Industrial Electrical Safety First
ProductSafety

Keep Industrial Electrical Safety First

For industrial machinery and systems, designers must apply the right products for physical, electrical power, and automation safety. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the May 2020 issue of Machine Design titled Electrical Safety on the Factory Floor. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text….