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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…