Automated Integration replaced many relays, an old PLC and what seemed like miles of wire when it upgraded the control and safety system on the Hurricane roller coaster in New Mexico. By Manny Salazar, Manager, Automated Integration, LLC. The Hurricane roller coaster was purchased from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk in California, where it was originally…
Planning the details and remembering the small stuff pays off when designing a pneumatic system. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the January 2020 issue of Design World titled How to Build a Pneumatics Bill of Material. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Maybe…
New electric motors with multiple ratings simplify selection and use. Bryan Sisler, Product Manager for Drives and Motors at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the February 2020 issue of Machine Design titled Newer Motor Designs Combine Functionality. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. A “one-size-fits-all” approach might be acceptable…
AutomationDirect is offering $0.00 cut charges and free same-day shipping on orders over a small minimum to demonstrate the benefits of cut-to-length cable adoption by OEMs, end users, and system integrators. Jim Krebs, Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the December 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled How to Specify Cut-To-Length Cable….
Automation methods used in a distillery are adapted for use in the fermentation process at a brewhouse. By: Avi Aisenberg, CEO and Proprietor at South Florida Distillers South Florida Distillers is the oldest distillery in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company is now branching out into the design business by working with 26°…
Generators efficiently convert low-grade waste heat from diesel generators into power. Joe Thibedeau, a control systems engineer with ElectraTherm, wrote an article for the November 2019 issue of Power titled Innovative Technology Captures Energy from Waste Heat. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Dutch Harbor power plant in the…
Pneumatic components can incorporate analog electronic controls and sensors to improve operations. Winn Paulk, automation controls group product manager at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the November 2019 issue of Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazine, titled Integrating Analog Controls into Pneumatic Systems. See below for a summary or click on the link above for the full…
Cloud technologies enable remote connectivity for industrial applications, but can introduce issues unless built from the ground up with cybersecurity in mind. Jonathan Griffith, product manager for Industrial Communications & Power Supplies at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the November 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled Secure Remote Connections with Cloud Technologies. Here’s a summary,…
Basic position sensing concepts take on added importance for precision applications because new issues must be considered. Andrew Waugh, Product Manager for Sensor and Safety products at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the Nov 2019 issue of Design World titled When Precision Sensing Solutions are Critical. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for…
Pneumatic grippers are a common and useful way for machines to handle product and other items, but they must be properly selected to match the payload. Pat Phillips, PE, product manager for fluid power and mechanical products at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the October 2019 issue of Fluid Power World titled Getting a Grip…