The Ethernet Explosion | AutomationDirect.com
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The Ethernet Explosion | AutomationDirect.com

In the world of technology, nothing seems to evolve faster than communication and the effects are felt across many industries with industrial automation being no exception. When you think of how much communication has changed and how many options are available today in terms of transmission media and protocols, it’s really quite astounding and that’s…
Equipment Safety | Protect More Than Just Your Equipment with AutomationDirect
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Equipment Safety | Protect More Than Just Your Equipment with AutomationDirect

No matter what industry you’re in, there is always electrical/electronic enclosures and cabinets along with the machinery and other ancillary equipment that independently or together contribute to complete a process efficiently. Some of this equipment is designed to run automatically controlled by a PLC and other automation equipment depending on existing conditions in a production…
Simple PLC & HMI Solutions for Small Applications
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Simple PLC & HMI Solutions for Small Applications

What do you need in a PLC or HMI? Are you looking for ones with advanced features like onboard data logging or a built-in webserver? Great, we can help you with that. Or do you just need something basic, a simple controller or interface that’s easy to program and that almost anyone can maintain? Well,…
Practical Guide to Pneumatics eBook
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Practical Guide to Pneumatics eBook

Learn the ins and outs of PLCs with a variety of articles from AutomationDirect such as “What is a PLC?” to more complex topics involving ladder logic. There’s something from the beginner to the expert. Don’t forget to download our eBook to dive even deeper into the topic. Click to learn more.
Pneumatics, Pneumatics & More Pneumatics!
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Pneumatics, Pneumatics & More Pneumatics!

The wonderful world of pneumatics is one you’ll want to explore for all of your linear power transmission projects. Although alternatives such as hydraulics and electric work better in certain machine automation applications, pneumatics is often the preferred solution. This is particularly the case when lower upfront costs and reduced long-term maintenance are important, along…
The How’s and Why’s of HMIs
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The How’s and Why’s of HMIs

One of my favorite parts of automating a system is designing the HMI. Laying out an HMI screen to be both informative and visually pleasing to an operator can be fun and challenging. Many times, “leaving well enough alone” is a good phrase to go by to avoid over complicating the design. Animations, colors, alarms,…
Sensors! The Eyes and Ears of Automation
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Sensors! The Eyes and Ears of Automation

Sensors are a vital component used in any type of automation. Sensors allow us to know when an object is present, in place, missing, or maybe even defective. Other sensors may tell us even more about what is going on such as how close or far away an object is or how big or small…
Safety, It’s Not Just Common Sense
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Safety, It’s Not Just Common Sense

Do you need to protect the machinery and personnel in your manufacturing facility? According to OSHA’s website, machinery and machine Guarding was the 9th most frequently cited standard violated during the fiscal year 2018. Not only can this result in a costly fine, but injuries and fatalities can also occur by ignoring this. These are uncomfortable statistics…
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Automation for the Food and Beverage Industry

In a recent Food Engineering magazine survey, respondents chose automation as a top priority for the Food and Beverage industry. Automation is the number two concern according to the survey, but it holds the key to solving almost all of the major concerns listed. For example, the survey found that the number one concern for…