PLCs: Predicting the Next 10 Years
ProductProgrammable Control

PLCs: Predicting the Next 10 Years

Improved technologies and expanded user demands have pushed the evolution of industrial automation technologies, and PLCs continue to advance and meet these needs. Almost a decade ago, Jeff Payne at AutomationDirect wrote a Control Engineering article titled Future of the PLC . At that time, PLC technology was already 50 years mature but still a…
Installing a Rock-Solid Automation Retrofit
Application StoriesHMIOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable Control

Installing a Rock-Solid Automation Retrofit

This electrical contractor relied on AutomationDirect PLC and HMI hardware and software to rapidly rip-and-replace the controls on a failing rock crusher. Equipment used in rock quarrying operations is subjected to extremes of dirt, vibration, heat, and more, pressing mechanical and electrical systems to the limit. When the crushing equipment legacy automation at one site…
From Ethernet to EtherCAT and Beyond
Motion ControlProductProgrammable Control

From Ethernet to EtherCAT and Beyond

Once only suitable for sheltered office installations, Ethernet media and protocols can now efficiently serve and future-proof a variety of industrial applications. Once upon a time (think 1980s), Ethernet was a relatively specialized computer connectivity technology, administrated by experienced gurus under highly-controlled office settings. Since then, technology and performance have advanced incredibly, and much of…
Mining Sunbeams – Solar Thermal Leverages the Sun for Producing Heat Energy
Application StoriesHMIOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable Control

Mining Sunbeams – Solar Thermal Leverages the Sun for Producing Heat Energy

Solar thermal installations need advanced control systems to optimize energy harvesting, storage, and distribution at remote mining operations. For certain applications in the right geographic areas, solar thermal can be a cost effective and low carbon way to supply large-scale heat energy. Flemming Jørgensen, of Jorgensen Thermal solutions, supplies these systems, and he needed to…
Distributing I/O and Pneumatics Closer to Field Devices Supports Smarter Installations
PneumaticsProduct

Distributing I/O and Pneumatics Closer to Field Devices Supports Smarter Installations

Electro-pneumatic I/O and solenoid systems save control panel space while simplifying installation and maintenance. Machine builders and OEMs everywhere are striving to meet customer demands to deliver smarter, more modular, and physically compact systems—often requiring more instrumentation and control points. In a Fluid Power World January/February 2024 article titled Distributed Electro-Pneumatics Streamline Equipment Designs, AutomationDirect’s…
Intelligent Instruments for Machine Automation
Process Sensing & ControlProduct

Intelligent Instruments for Machine Automation

Smarter sensors and practical digital networking make premium automation capabilities accessible for discrete manufacturing applications. Large food and chemical production plants are typically called “process” operations, while machinery and equipment are considered “discrete” manufacturing, but both categories need effective detection and measurement technologies. Some technologies, such as smart sensors and digital fieldbuses have largely been…
What is EtherCAT?
Motion ControlProduct

What is EtherCAT?

EtherCAT, which stands for Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, is a high-performance industrial network protocol based on standard Ethernet. It’s specifically designed for real-time communication and deterministic data exchange, making it ideal for motion control applications like robotics, assembly lines, and packaging machines.  Key Features:  Motion Control using EtherCAT:  Benefits of using EtherCAT for Motion…
Redundancy Options for Smaller Automation Systems
Electrical PowerOperator InterfaceProcess Sensing & ControlProductProgrammable Control

Redundancy Options for Smaller Automation Systems

There are many practical and cost-effective ways for designers to incorporate automation redundancy for systems of any size. Automation redundancy has largely been reserved for larger process automation systems due to cost and complexity. However, there are now more products and design strategies suitable for applying redundancy to smaller-scale systems. Rin Irvin at AutomationDirect covers…