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…
Micro VFDs Provide Big Features
ProductVariable Speed Drives

Micro VFDs Provide Big Features

Trickle-down technology has resulted in modern micro VFDs with capabilities formerly available only on top-tier models. Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer with AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the May/Jun 2022 issue of InTech titled Micro VFDs Gain Macro Features. This article points out the many advanced features now available even on micro VFDs, which help…
PLCs Do More
ProductProgrammable Control

PLCs Do More

Modern PLCs and PACs deliver the improved processing, connectivity, and security needed by end users. Damon Purvis, PLC Product Manager at AutomationDirect, was interviewed by Mike Bacidore, the Editor-in-Chief of Control Design,  for an editorial article that ran in their  April 2022 issue titled PLCs Do More with Data To Spare. This Q&A covers some…
NEMA 4X VFDs Simplify Installations and Cut Costs
ProductVariable Speed Drives

NEMA 4X VFDs Simplify Installations and Cut Costs

AutomationDirect washdown-rated VFDs help users add control functionality and realize cost savings even in challenging locations. Kevin McClelion, product engineer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the May 2022 issue of Processing titled Reducing complexity and cost with NEMA 4X VFDs. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. VFDs are…
Control Panel Design and Assembly Steps
Enclosures & AccessoriesIssue 49, 2023Product

Control Panel Design and Assembly Steps

Here are basic steps for creating control panel designs. Chris Kregoski, product engineer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article posted in April 2022 on PanelBuilderUS.com titled Designing and Assembling Control Panels. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Modern digitally controlled machines, equipment, and systems incorporate increasing numbers of smart devices…
Making the Cut with Upgraded Automation
Application StoriesCommunicationsOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable Control

Making the Cut with Upgraded Automation

Using the AutomationDirect Do-more BRX PLC, an extrusion company progressively upgraded and simplified their legacy manufacturing lines, greatly improving performance, while minimizing scrap. The situation is common at many manufacturing sites: production equipment is old, degrading, and mismatched, leading to operational and maintenance inefficiencies and nightmares. In an April 2022 Automation.com article bylined by Gary…
IIoT Edge Gateways Provide Fortified Factory Connectivity
CommunicationsProduct

IIoT Edge Gateways Provide Fortified Factory Connectivity

AutomationDirect IIoT edge gateways are the straightforward way for users to provide secure connectivity to factory automation assets. Jonathan Griffith, product manager for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the April 2022 issue of Efficient Plant titled Edge Gateways Deliver Secure Connectivity. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. A familiar…