An Industrial-Grade Serial Communications Solution
ProductProgrammable Control

An Industrial-Grade Serial Communications Solution

Even though Ethernet is a widely-adopted standard, there remains a great need to connect with commercial, industrial, and laboratory devices using enduring serial RS232/RS485 communication technology. Chris Kregoski, product engineer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for Industrial Equipment News September/October, titled Making Serial Connectivity Industrial-Grade. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the…
Selecting Discrete Sensors
Discrete SensingProduct

Selecting Discrete Sensors

By considering these application characteristics, specifiers can identify the best industrial sensor candidates for their applications. Discrete object detection refers to methods used to sense the presence—or the absence—of a target material or product, resulting in an “on” or an “off” signal. There are many options for these types of sensors on the market, so…
VFD Speed Control Versus Torque Control
ProductVariable Speed Drives

VFD Speed Control Versus Torque Control

Speed control is the most common VFD control mode, but many of today’s VFDs can also perform in torque control mode, which is needed for certain applications. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) let designers optimize equipment operating speeds, save energy, and even minimize mechanical wear—but VFDs can play another important role other than standard speed control….
Future-Proof Ethernet Installations
CommunicationsProduct

Future-Proof Ethernet Installations

AutomationDirect has the Ethernet devices and installation media needed to future-proof factory and machine networking installations. Consumer- and commercial-grade Ethernet networking has been common since the 1980s, and it has evolved significantly over the decades. Yet, Ethernet for industrial applications generally lagged behind commercial installations. In an Industrial Ethernet Book July/August 2023 article titled Advancing…
Tech Brief - HMIs
Issue 50 - 2023Operator InterfaceProduct

Tech Brief - HMIs

Human beings are visual creatures. It’s believed that our brains can process visual information 60,000 times faster than text, with 90 percent of information transmitted to the brain being visual and over half of the brain being devoted directly or indirectly to vision. Knowing that, it’s easy to see how a visualrepresentation of an automated…
In-House Automation Focuses on People, Plant, and Profit
ApplicationApplication StoriesFood and BeverageHMIIndustryIssue 51 2024Machine ControlOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable Control

In-House Automation Focuses on People, Plant, and Profit

A cheese manufacturer developed in-house automation capabilities to keep legacy equipment running and responsively adjust to production demands. Many companies rely on external firms for automation upgrades and changes, and this works well for countless applications. But Pacific Cheese Company faced a dual challenge of maintaining and improving manual and legacy systems, while at the…
Supplier Profile: Peninsular Cylinder, Co. | Superheroes of Cylinders
AutomationDirect SpotlightPneumaticsProductSupplier ProfilesSupplier Profiles

Supplier Profile: Peninsular Cylinder, Co. | Superheroes of Cylinders

The Marvel Cinematic Universe™ is full of superheroes with incredible powers and abilities. But even superheroes need the right tools and equipment to get the job done. Just like how Iron Man’s suit is equipped with hydraulic and pneumatic systems, Peninsular Cylinder Co.’s cylinders can provide the necessary power and precision for your machinery to…