Reducing Total Cost of Ownership
+Tech TopicsApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookCover StoriesEnergy/UtilitiesFacilitiesIndustryIssue 24 - 2012Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control

Reducing Total Cost of Ownership

Automation is a key component when developing strategies to help customers reduce their operating costs. Many times when making buying decisions, people look only at the initial price of an item without considering other factors that contribute to the overall cost of owning that product. For example, a certain laptop may seem like a great…
Bio Diesel Fuel Gets a Boost from Automation
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEnergy/UtilitiesHMIIndustryIssue 23 – 2012Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCPneumaticsPneumaticsProcess ControlProcess Sensing & ControlProductProgrammable ControlSimple PLCUser Solutions

Bio Diesel Fuel Gets a Boost from Automation

Systems produce bio diesel for a total cost as low as 67 cents per gallon, turning waste into profit. Imagine if restaurants and other commercial food enterprises could turn used kitchen oil into fuel instead of simply disposing of it. Then imagine if they could do that in an economic and automated way for a…
Important Considerations for Replacing and Sizing AC Motors
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 23 – 2012Learning ResourcesMotorsNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief

Important Considerations for Replacing and Sizing AC Motors

How to determine whether to rewind or replace a motor, and how to find the right motor size for your application. Every business is trying to conserve energy in the face of high utility costs, so getting the best return on investment (ROI) is critical for maintaining a healthy balance sheet. The decision to replace…
CH2M HILL Joins AutomationDirect’s SIDirect Team
Automation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 23 – 2012Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlSIDirectSystem Integrators

CH2M HILL Joins AutomationDirect’s SIDirect Team

Since its beginning in 1946, CH2M HILL has become a global leader by providing full-service consulting and design, as well as design-build and operations and program management in over 80 countries. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, CH2M HILL was founded on the principle of meeting high-end challenges and creating technical innovations. CH2M HILL provides turnkey solutions…
Industrial Strength Enclosure Heater and Enclosure Lighting Options
Automation NotebookEnclosures & AccessoriesIssue 23 – 2012Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProduct

Industrial Strength Enclosure Heater and Enclosure Lighting Options

STEGO enclosure heaters, thermostats, hygrostats and hygrotherms protect against condensation while providing the greatest possible air circulation. Touch-safe convection heaters are designed to utilize natural convection, resulting in a circulating current of warm air while minimizing surface temperatures on the accessible side surfaces of the housing. The compact, DIN rail-mountable units are available in 12…
"Starting With Steppers" Part Two of a Two-Part Series
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 22 – 2012Learning ResourcesMotion ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTech Thread

"Starting With Steppers" Part Two of a Two-Part Series

Part One of this series (in Fall 2011, issue 21) started with a complete reference to the technical information available from AutomationDirect that can help you understand and select components from the SureStep family for an open-loop motion application. It also reviewed the hardware methods for controlling your system, including PLC high-speed I/O or counter…