Government Spending: Some Positive Returns
Automation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 15 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProcess Sensing & ControlProduct

Government Spending: Some Positive Returns

For the past nine years, the Navy has sponsored an Opportunity Forum for their Phase II SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) contractors. The purpose is to publicize these government funded developments thereby helping viable business products to evolve beyond Navy needs. Successes triply benefit the small business, the Navy, and the American economy, and obviously…
Transformers: Application, Construction and Efficiencies
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookElectrical PowerIssue 15 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief

Transformers: Application, Construction and Efficiencies

Part One of a Two-Part Series Although most of us have encountered transformers in our professional lives, it’s surprising just how little the average designer or technician knows about them. A transformer’s principal function is to “transform” alternating current from an undesirable voltage to a voltage that is appropriate for the circuit at hand. A…
Pneumatic Cylinders
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 15 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePneumaticsProduct

Pneumatic Cylinders

Check out this Q&A about all things pneumatic cylinders! Q. What pneumatic cylinders and accessories are available from AutomationDirect?  A. The NITRA A-Series non-repairable stainless steel round body cylinders includes bore sizes from 7/16” to 2” and stroke lengths from 1/2” to 18” to meet a broad range of applications. These high quality cylinders are…
Productivity3000
Automation NotebookIssue 15 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

Productivity3000

In past articles we have discussed the definitions of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Programmable Automation Controller (PAC), and PC-based control and how each plays a role in today’s industrial marketplace. Today we will discuss the Productivity3000, a new control platform recently released by AutomationDirect. Some say this resembles a PLC; others say it’s a…
The Future Of Technology
ApplicationAutomation NotebookIssue 14 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlStudent Spotlight

The Future Of Technology

Who: Diyan Zagarov From: Bulgaria Attending College: Lanier Technical College, North Georgia Childhood Dreams Diyan Zagarov grew up in Bulgaria. Growing up, Diyan thought of himself as the adventurous type and often felt the desire to travel and see the world. However, he grew up under the shadow of the Soviet Union, so for a long time traveling…
Automating the Bottom Line
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData CollectionHMIIndustryIssue 14 – 2009Learning ResourcesManufacturingManufacturingNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions

Automating the Bottom Line

Metcam is a manufacturing company located in Alpharetta, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. Founded in 1989, the company specializes in custom sheet metal fabrication serving a diverse industry base including commercial HVAC, healthcare, electronics, automotive, food service and air filtration. Metcam provides many value-added services such as metal finishing, custom coatings, electronic assembly, packaging and…
Fuses or Circuit Breakers: Which should you use?
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookCircuit ProtectionIssue 14 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief

Fuses or Circuit Breakers: Which should you use?

Circuit Protection For most of us who work in the electrical design field, the question of circuit protection is omnipresent in our day-to-day efforts. There are a myriad of circuit protection technologies available that address phenomenon such as high voltage transients, inductive kick-back, capacitive coupling, high inrush currents and ground faults, just to name a…
Motor Questions Answered
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 10 – 2008Learning ResourcesMotorsNotebook IssueProductVariable Speed Drives

Motor Questions Answered

FAQS Question: Can IronHorse™ motors be used with a drive? Answer: IronHorse™ motors can be used with drives, but there are some limitations. Depending on your application, there may be good reasons to step up to an inverter-duty motor in your application. Question: What’s the difference between a General Purpose motor and an Inverter Duty motor? Answer: General…