Benefits of Connecting a PLC to the Internet
+Tech TopicsCommunications and EthernetIIoT and DataProgrammable ControlTech Thread

Benefits of Connecting a PLC to the Internet

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are now gaining information technology (IT) abilities to interact directly with the internet, creating new automation and information possibilities. Bill Dehner, a Technical Marketing Manager at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the July 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled Benefits of Connecting a PLC to the Internet. Here’s a summary, click…
Improving Pneumatic Energy Efficiency
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePneumaticsProductTech Thread

Improving Pneumatic Energy Efficiency

Following these tips and techniques can reduce pneumatic system energy costs by as much as 35 percent. Reducing energy consumption is a priority in manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities as electricity bills continue to rise due to green power and other government mandates. No company can afford to waste money by using machines or…
Pressure Switch Basics and Selection Tips
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 27 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProcess Sensing & ControlProductTech Thread

Pressure Switch Basics and Selection Tips

Pressure switches are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. To meet the varying demands of these applications, numerous pressure switch designs are available. The key to selecting the best pressure switch for your application is understanding the differences in pressure switch designs. Read on to learn more about pressure switch…
"Starting With Steppers" Part Two of a Two-Part Series
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 22 – 2012Learning ResourcesMotion ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTech Thread

"Starting With Steppers" Part Two of a Two-Part Series

Part One of this series (in Fall 2011, issue 21) started with a complete reference to the technical information available from AutomationDirect that can help you understand and select components from the SureStep family for an open-loop motion application. It also reviewed the hardware methods for controlling your system, including PLC high-speed I/O or counter…
+Tech TopicsIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesMotion ControlNotebook IssueProductTech Thread

"Starting With Steppers" Part One of a Two-Part Series

You’ve determined that an open-loop motion control system will handle the accuracy and requirements of your application and therefore you have chosen to use a SureStep Stepping System. The following is a complete reference to the technical information available at this time from AutomationDirect which can aid you in understanding and selecting components and determining…
PLC-Based System Works Where Single Loop Temperature Controllers Fell Short
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookIndustryIssue 20 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlManufacturingNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlTech Thread

PLC-Based System Works Where Single Loop Temperature Controllers Fell Short

In many applications, single loop temperature controllers are sufficient to provide control of heating and cooling. But in some applications, including the one detailed in this article, closely coordinated control among many temperature control loops is needed. In those cases and others, PLC-based temperature control can be the best solution. A meltblown machine, a melted…
Online Resources Provide A Wealth Of Information
Automation NotebookCompany TopicsIssue 13 – 2009Learning ResourcesNewsNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTech Thread

Online Resources Provide A Wealth Of Information

Visit our primary Web site at www.AutomationDirect.com and take advantage of the information and assistance available to you with the click of a mouse, including obtaining quotes and real-time stock checks. If you are a registered user, you can access additional details such as pending orders, processed orders and invoice history. For even more time savings, check…
Understanding the Advanced Recipe Function of the C-more® Touch Panel
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 10 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductTech ThreadWhy HMI

Understanding the Advanced Recipe Function of the C-more® Touch Panel

Recipes are used in a multitude of control applications including batch processing for the food, beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as complex applications such as robotics. Recipes, when used with an HMI, provide a simple and effective way to change the data in a large number of tags with the push of a…