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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
AutomationDirect’s ProductivityOpen Arduino-compatible automation controller enabled this company to deliver reliable HVAC controls enhanced with modern computing capabilities. The hands-on attitude of Frank Bicknell led him to start Bicknell Heating & Cooling in the Cincinnati area to support commercial and industrial clients with all types of HVAC needs. In an April 2022 InTech article bylined…
If you work for any type of industrial facility, whether it’s Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Automotive or any other type, then you are constantly buying cables for new installations or repairs. If this is the case, a good design practice is to minimize the variety of types and colors to simplify ordering and reduce waste,…
There are a variety of solutions for heating, cooling, and dehumidifying electrical and control enclosure interiors to protect the components housed inside. While some electrical and electronic devices can be used unprotected in the field, most are installed within enclosures to protect them from the elements. Designers need to provide these enclosures with the right…
ApplicationApplication StoriesIssue 49, 2023Machine ControlMotorsPLCProductProgrammable ControlVariable Speed Drives
Opening the Automation Door
A home project to upgrade a garage door system with an AutomationDirect PLC, HMI, and VFD made the equipment run better, added many functional features, and provided extensive visibility and diagnostics. Industrial automation components have many applications outside the factory. Home and hobbyist projects can be a great way for learning how to execute larger…
The AutomationDirect ProductivityOpen is a versatile Arduino-compatible controller designed into a tough form factor suitable for industrial environments. Hobbyist-grade Arduinos and other microcontrollers are interesting for a variety of applications, but they are simply too frail for any type of industrial application. AutomationDirect has listened to the needs of end users, systems integrators, OEMs, makers,…