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…
Open PLCs Boost HVAC Automation
Application StoriesOpen SourcePLCProductProgrammable Control

Open PLCs Boost HVAC Automation

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…
Designing Enclosures to Keep Their Cool (and Hot)
Enclosures & AccessoriesProduct

Designing Enclosures to Keep Their Cool (and Hot)

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…
Opening the Automation Door
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…
Open-Source Controllers Now Fit for the Factory
Application StoriesPLCProductProgrammable Control

Open-Source Controllers Now Fit for the Factory

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,…