What is an HMI?
Operator InterfaceProduct

What is an HMI?

A digital graphical human-machine interface is usually the best way for users to interact with any type of monitoring or control system, and industrial versions are specially designed to withstand challenging environments. For practically every type of machinery or equipment ever put into service, there has been a need for some type of operator interface…
DC Power Supplies: Fundamental Components for Industrial Automation Systems
Product

DC Power Supplies: Fundamental Components for Industrial Automation Systems

What is a Power Supply? Industrial power supplies are an integral part of manufacturing and automation. They convert AC power to reliable DC power for a wide range of equipment, such as PLCs, HMIs, relays, sensors, actuators, and drives.  By ensuring a consistent, clean DC power source, these power supplies significantly enhance the performance, reliability,…
The Benefits of High-Performance Power Supplies
Electrical PowerProduct

The Benefits of High-Performance Power Supplies

The decision to purchase a high-performance power supply is often a balancing act between upfront costs and long-term benefits. While standard power supplies may be sufficient for basic operations, high-performance models offer a range of advanced features designed to enhance efficiency, reliability, and overall system performance. While the initial expense may be higher, it is…
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…
Options for Open Industrial Programming
ProductProgrammable Control

Options for Open Industrial Programming

Industrial automation designers now have a variety of ways to incorporate an open programming approach for their projects. Although industrial-grade digital technologies have been available for over five decades, much of that time the hardware and software has been specialized and even proprietary. This is at odds with a large segment of the commercial market,…
PLCs Can Deliver Advanced Motion Control
ProductProgrammable Control

PLCs Can Deliver Advanced Motion Control

Motion-optimized PLC platforms combine traditional controls functionality with advanced multi-axis motion control, providing a streamlined automation solution. Industrial motion control applications range from simple to complex and are generally considered a design specialty. Currently, there are some entry-level solutions, and designers are also aware of high-performance motion control platforms. However, there are many cases where…
Starting Digital Transformation from the Edge
ProductProgrammable Control

Starting Digital Transformation from the Edge

Edge-enabled PLCs are an accessible and affordable way for most users to collect and create value from use field-sourced data. While many operations personnel at production and manufacturing companies are aware that their automated equipment can be a source of valuable data for analytics and other purposes, far fewer companies are positioned to create the…
Don’t Be Another Statistic—Protect Your Machinery and Personnel
Content CollectionsProductSafety

Don’t Be Another Statistic—Protect Your Machinery and Personnel

In 2022, OSHA reported 5,486 fatal industrial accidents. Many more accidents resulted in injuries or lost work productivity. These accidents may have been avoidable. Proper training and machine safeguarding could’ve prevented many of these accidents, reducing injuries, downtime, and deaths. Industrial safety starts with training. In addition to training, proper machine protection is another layer…
New Custom Paint Options for Select Saginaw Enviroline Series Enclosures from AutomationDirect
Enclosures & AccessoriesProduct

New Custom Paint Options for Select Saginaw Enviroline Series Enclosures from AutomationDirect

May 29, 2024 – AutomationDirect now offers custom paint selections for Saginaw carbon steel Enviroline series single-door enclosures with ¼-turn latches. These enclosures can be custom-ordered with one of 15 color options in addition to the standard gray or light gray color. Custom paint options include graphite black, gentian blue, light blue, pebble gray, traffic…