Safe Automation Design through a Layered Approach
ProductSafety

Safe Automation Design through a Layered Approach

Industrial automation safety designers should implement a hierarchy of controls. Josh Draa, PLC Product Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the August 2022 issue of Applied Automation. The article is titled Implementing a Hierarchy of Automation Safety, and it describes the importance of project and operations. Responsible industrial automation safety design requires a combination…
IO-Link is the Smart Choice for I/O Connectivity
CommunicationsProduct

IO-Link is the Smart Choice for I/O Connectivity

New sensors and connectivity devices supporting digital IO-Link communications let users easily gather extended diagnostic and device data. Chris Kregoski, product engineer for AutomationDirect, authored an article posted August 2022 on the Automation.com website titled A Stronger Link for I/O. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. A concept called…
Designing Control Panels for Processing Plants
Operator InterfaceProductProgrammable ControlVariable Speed Drives

Designing Control Panels for Processing Plants

Modern processing plants need control panels built in accordance with specific design details. Chris Kregoski, product engineer for AutomationDirect, authored an article for the July 2022 Processing magazine titled Process Control Panel Design Basics. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Processing plants typically incorporate extensive automation. The control panels…
Cloud Connectivity Supports Smart HVAC
CommunicationsProduct

Cloud Connectivity Supports Smart HVAC

IoT cloud connectivity lets experts effectively support increasingly complex HVAC systems, such as refrigerant-side economizers for data centers. Robbie Hyde, owner of Interface Mechanics LLC, wrote a success story article for the July 2022 online version of Smart Industry titled Cloud-Based IoT Supports Complex Control Systems from Anywhere. Here’s a summary, click on the link…
Select the Right Transformer for Your Application | White Paper
Learning ResourcesMechanical Power TransmissionProductWhite PapersWhitepapers

Select the Right Transformer for Your Application | White Paper

Transformers of various types are needed for most automated machinery, so it is important to understand the selection and sizing basics. Power transformers play a key role in any electrical distribution system, and also for end-use equipment like industrial control panels. Although many engineers, designers, and installers encounter transformers during the course of their professional…
Old Reliable Just Got a Little Smarter
Content CollectionsPneumaticsProduct

Old Reliable Just Got a Little Smarter

When we think of pneumatics we think of simple, reliable, easy to troubleshoot, easy to fix, and just all-around something that always gets the job done and always works. It is no wonder why either since in manufacturing facilities, compressed air is so widely used that it is often regarded as the fourth utility after…
Controlling Keg Cleaning
ApplicationApplication StoriesIssue 49, 2023PLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control

Controlling Keg Cleaning

This microbrewery owner used AutomationDirect products to create a highly efficient keg cleaning system, which is used to improve in-house operations and support other similar small business owners. Microbreweries and brewpubs have gained in popularity in recent years. Many of these are smaller operations owned by passionate craftspeople who perform many of the brewing functions…
Determining the Best-Fit Sensor Options
Discrete SensingProduct

Determining the Best-Fit Sensor Options

Designers need to be familiar with the many discrete object sensing technologies so they can specify properly-performing and cost-effective products for their applications. Bill Sonnenthal, technical marketing engineer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the June 2022 issue of Industrial Equipment News titled Expanding Equipment Sensor Options. Here’s a summary, click on the link above…
CLICK PLUS Micro-PLCs Elevate Equipment Operation
ProductProgrammable Control

CLICK PLUS Micro-PLCs Elevate Equipment Operation

For many types of machinery and test equipment, modern micro-PLCs go beyond basic control by enabling capable communications to higher-level systems. Bill Dehner, technical marketing engineer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the June 2022 issue of Tech Briefs titled Powerful Micro-PLCs Enhance Equipment and Testing Systems. Here’s a summary, click on the link above…
What is a VFD?
Issue 48 -2022Notebook IssueProductVariable Speed Drives

What is a VFD?

Variable frequency drives are devices for starting, stopping and varying the speed of AC motors to improve control of equipment control and save energy. A variable frequency drive (VFD) is an electronic device used to vary the frequency of an AC voltage to adjust the speed of an AC motor. VFDs also provide start and…