Automating a Donut Packaging and Labeling Line
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookDrivesFood and BeverageFood Beverage AutomationIndustryIssue 25 – 2013Learning ResourcesMachine ControlMaterial HandlingNotebook IssuePackagingPLCProductProgrammable ControlUser SolutionsVariable Speed Drives

Automating a Donut Packaging and Labeling Line

When people hear the name Mel-O-Cream, they usually think of donuts. Founded in 1932 as a retail shop in Springfield, Ill, Mel-O-Cream International (www.mel-o-cream.com) manufactures bakery products, primarily for wholesale distribution to supermarkets and bakeries.
AutomationDirect's SI Direct Program is Now in Canada!
Automation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 22 – 2012Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductProgrammable ControlSIDirectSystem IntegratorsVariable Speed Drives

AutomationDirect's SI Direct Program is Now in Canada!

RPM Automation Inc. is a system integration firm located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. As a member integrator of the SI Direct Program, RPM provides an array of design and integration services across industries including manufacturing, oil/gas, water/wastewater, material handling and pulp/paper. Stephen Goodwin founded RPM Automation in 2005, with the goal of delivering technical solutions…
Automated Volleyball Server
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightDrivesEducation/DIYEntertainmentHMIIndustryIssue 19 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlMotorsNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCPLC eBookProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent SpotlightVariable Speed Drives

Automated Volleyball Server

Larry May, a student at Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU), contacted AutomationDirect and outlined his goal of building a volleyball setting and serving machine for his senior design project. Larry is active as a recreational volleyball player and is the father and coach of a competitive high school player. Larry is also a long time…
PCA Provides Complete Turnkey, Cost-Effective Control System Solutions for a Variety of Industries
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightData CollectionIssue 19 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductProgrammable ControlSIDirectSystem IntegratorsVariable Speed Drives

PCA Provides Complete Turnkey, Cost-Effective Control System Solutions for a Variety of Industries

Pacific Coast Automation, Inc., located in Modesto, California, was founded in 2008 based upon the need for a competent, dependable and reasonably priced control system engineering firm, and not just a “controls tech” company which bases its existence on service calls. Since its meager beginning, PCA has seen an almost 500% growth from 2009 to…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology BriefVariable Speed Drives

Top 10 Tips: Specifying VFDs (Part Two of a Two-Part Series)

This is part two of a two-part series on variable frequency drives. In Part One, we discussed how choosing the right variable frequency drive (VFD) can reduce energy consumption, improve realtime control, and lengthen motor life. Here are more expert tips to consider. Select the Proper Control Mode VFD control mode choice greatly depends on…
Automation NotebookCircuit ProtectionIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesMotorsNotebook IssueProductVariable Speed Drives

Motors and Drives

Premium Efficiency Motors The IronHorse™ general purpose AC motor line now includes cast iron three-phase premium efficiency motors available in horsepower ranges from 1 to 200 hp. Motors are available in speeds of 1200, 1800, and 3600 RPM and are electrically reversible. The three-phase industrial duty T-frame and TC-frame TEFC motors feature ribbed cast iron…
Top 10 Tips: Specifying VFDs (Part One of a Two-Part Series)
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookEnergy/UtilitiesIndustryIssue 20 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTechnology BriefVariable Speed Drives

Top 10 Tips: Specifying VFDs (Part One of a Two-Part Series)

This is part one of a two-part series on variable frequency drives. VFDs can reduce energy consumption, improve real-time control, and lengthen motor life; selecting the right one for your application requires asking the correct questions. Here are some expert tips to consider. Determine if a VFD is right for your application. The primary function of…
AAA Absolute Automation and Electrical Services, Inc. Implements Energy Savings Through Machine Control
ApplicationAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightIndustryIssue 17 – 2010Learning ResourcesMachine ControlMotion ControlNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlSIDirectSystem IntegratorsVariable Speed Drives

AAA Absolute Automation and Electrical Services, Inc. Implements Energy Savings Through Machine Control

AA Absolute Automation And Electrical Services, Inc. is an independent control systems and industrial electrical company based in Covington, Georgia. They provide solutions to both end user and OEM clients in many industries including material handling, chemical processing, food and beverage, metals processing, plastics, recycling and general manufacturing. Services offered range from complete turnkey automation…
Denim Manufacturer Upgrades Controls to Add Flexibility to Process Lines
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookIndustryIssue 15 – 2009Learning ResourcesMachine ControlManufacturingMaterial HandlingNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser SolutionsVariable Speed Drives

Denim Manufacturer Upgrades Controls to Add Flexibility to Process Lines

Nestled along the Chatooga River, in Trion, Georgia, Mount Vernon Mills is one of the largest and oldest textile mills in the United States. Its long history dates back to 1845. The initial 5,000 square foot two-story mill had 40 employees and produced 5-lb. bunches of yarn to sell to local merchants from wagons. Over…
Motor Questions Answered
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 10 – 2008Learning ResourcesMotorsNotebook IssueProductVariable Speed Drives

Motor Questions Answered

FAQS Question: Can IronHorse™ motors be used with a drive? Answer: IronHorse™ motors can be used with drives, but there are some limitations. Depending on your application, there may be good reasons to step up to an inverter-duty motor in your application. Question: What’s the difference between a General Purpose motor and an Inverter Duty motor? Answer: General…