Machine designers must consider many factors when deciding on safety system architectures for factory automation. Larry Reynolds, product engineer for safety components at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the September-October 2019 issue of ISA’s InTech titled Integrated or Separate Safety Systems. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Factory equipment…
InterConnecting Automation, an AutomationDirect system integrator, helps in-house staff to upgrade an aging and highly manual control system into a modern and easy-to-configure design. Todd Timpa, assistant general manager at CTC Crushing, wrote an article for the October 2019 issue of Control titled Modern Controls, System Integrator Automate Rock Crushing. Here’s a summary, click on…
Do you have an HMI project coming up? Here are some helpful tips and guidelines for you to remember during your planning and implementation. 1. Story Boards are a Good Start A good starting point for HMI design is a text-based outline documenting each screen’s content. With the operator’s point-of-view and ease-of-use in mind, detail…
There are three router-based methods for establishing remote access to industrial systems via a PC or mobile device—with each providing a different level of security, required implementation effort and integrated features. In today’s Internet of Things (IoT) world, remote mobile access is a necessity for many industrial applications. There are several ways of implementing this…
Some automation applications don’t need a full-blown control system, and today’s lightweight devices can offer targeted and economical options. Bill Dehner, a Technical Marketing Manager at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the September 2019 issue of Industrial Equipment News titled Lightweight Automation Options. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text….
There are two leading methods exist for establishing mobile HMI connectivity, with one providing more cybersecurity. Jonathan Griffith, product manager for Industrial Communications & Power Supplies at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the September 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled Selecting HMI Remote Access Options. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the…
These pointers shed some light on how end users can choose between general-purpose and mission-specific position sensors. Andrew Waugh, Product Manager for Sensor and Safety products at AutomationDirect, recently authored an article for the September 2019 issue of Design World titled Applying the right position sensor. Following is a summary, click on the preceding link…
The Do-more PLC has an awesome tool set that’s gets you up and running with PID quickly and reliably. The videos shown below take you from novice to expert with short hands-on live tutorials. Resources like Do-more Designer Project files, excel spreadsheets, block diagrams, etc are included below each video for you to download and…
Today’s machines/systems are more connected than ever before with many utilizing cloud networks for remote access. Cloud networks come with inherent security risks and the StrideLinx platform goes above and beyond to ensure data security. This whitepaper outlines StrideLinx’s approach to security for the StrideLinx Cloud platform and the associated router. StrideLinx’s security strategy is…
Proper motor sizing precludes equipment failures, ensures efficiency and reduces maintenance issues Bryan Sisler, a product manager for drives and motors at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the August 2019 issue of Plant Engineering titled Three Steps to Size Motors. Following is a summary, please click on the link above for the full text. Electric…