Press Releases

AutomationDirect adds Remote I/O to BRX Micro PLCs

AutomationDirect has added remote I/O capabilities to its BRX Micro PLC product line. BRX Remote I/O controllers allow thousands of additional I/O to be added to the BRX PLC system. Each remote controller unit can be expanded with up to eight I/O expansion modules providing up to 256 I/O points per remote rack. Six controller … Read More

More BRX PLC I/O Expansion Modules from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added more I/O expansion modules to its BRX Micro PLC product line. BRX I/O expansion modules add digital and analog I/O as needed to expand machine and process control applications. BRX expansion modules easily snap onto the side of any BRX Micro PLC Unit (MPU) or the new BRX Remote I/O controller. Three … Read More

AutomationDirect offers Cut-to-Length VFD Cables

VFD cables from AutomationDirect are now available in customer specified lengths in one-foot increments. VFD cable is used to organize and protect the input and motor power wiring for variable frequency drives. It is specially designed using grounding, shielding & insulation to reduce VFD-related interference (EMI) on nearby equipment. AutomationDirect VFD cables utilize cross-linked Polyethylene … Read More

AutomationDirect offers StrideLinx Premium Branding License

The new StrideLinx Premium Branding License from AutomationDirect allows the creation of a custom company IoT platform with a user-specified domain name, the company logo on the login screen, and customized support and contact information. The Premium Branding license is $1,850.00 (one-time charge). StrideLinx provides secure access over the “industrial internet” to remotely connect, monitor, … Read More

Fuji Electric 30mm Pilot Devices from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added Fuji AR30 series pilot devices to its Fuji switches, pushbuttons and indicators product line. The Fuji Electric AR30 series includes a selection of 30mm pushbuttons, non-illuminated as well as illuminated models, with flush round heads, extended round heads, and mushroom style heads. Other Fuji 30mm pilot devices include emergency stop pushbuttons, selector … Read More

AutomationDirect adds WDP Definite Purpose Contactors

Definite purpose (DP) contactors are electrically activated switches designed for application-specific use to provide load control that can handle lower locked rotor switching needs. WDP series definite purpose contactors provide compact load control in applications such as HVAC, compressors, pumps, resistive heating, power supplies, refrigeration equipment, food service equipment, motors, compressors and welding. These reliable … Read More

AutomationDirect Offers Customer Specified Cut-to-Length Cable by the Foot

Bulk multi-conductor industrial automation cable from AutomationDirect is now available in customer specified lengths in one-foot increments from 20 to 5000 ft. Cut-to-length cable eliminates waste and lowers cost (only as much cable as required is purchased). With a low minimum cut length of 20 feet, the price per foot per cable type is the … Read More

More Precision Limit Switch Options from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect now offers mini stopper and stopper bolt precision limit switches from Metrol. Mini stopper limit switches incorporate a mechanical stop along with the limit switch function, eliminating the need for a separate stop in many applications.  With 10 micron repeatability, long service life, and high contact force, these stainless steel switches are ideal for … Read More

AutomationDirect Adds Safety Limit Switches

AutomationDirect has added a complete line of limit switches for safety applications to its Safety Products offering. Safety limit switches from IDEM provide positively operated switching contacts to verify the position of machine elements or other moving parts for safety related purposes. A wide range of housing types are available, and each offers a variety … Read More

New Bidirectional Serial / Ethernet Modbus Gateways added by AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect’s new line of STRIDE® Modbus Gateways offers even more connectivity choices for Modbus applications. Communication networks vary greatly from site to site and often change as technology advances. Converters and gateways provide connections between different protocols and standards that exist in the industrial automation field. STRIDE Modbus Gateways provide the bridge between Modbus RTU/ASCII … Read More

Fail Safe Force Guided Relays from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has extended its offerings of relays and safety products by adding Dold force guided relays. Force guided relays are electromechanical switching devices that offer safe operation via mechanically linked contacts to ensure that all contacts move at the same time, and prevent movement if any contact is immobilized. Dold force guided relays have at … Read More

AutomationDirect Adds Polymer Bearings and Compatible Aluminum Linear Shafts

AutomationDirect has added three styles of polymer (plastic) bearings and compatible hard anodized aluminum linear shafts to its mechanical power transmission line. Igus DryLin R series linear plain bearings (from $6.00) are dimensionally interchangeable with other popular brands, and offer a low-cost alternative to recirculating ball bearings. The low-friction polymer material is suitable for wet … Read More

STEGO Enclosure Fan Hoods, Heaters, Thermostats and LED Lighting from AutomationDirect

54 new STEGO part numbers have been added to AutomationDirect’s enclosure thermal management and enclosure lighting product lines. New products include hose-proof hoods for filter fans, hazardous area heaters, thermostats/hygrostats/hygrotherms, and a new line of Ecoline LED lights. The new hose-proof hoods fit existing filter fans and the newer Filter Fan Plus line, and are … Read More

Marathon Stainless Steel and Jet Pump Motors from AutomationDirect

New Marathon Powerwash SXT washdown duty motors are designed for use in food and beverage processing and other washdown environments. The all stainless-steel totally enclosed motors are available in single and three-phase. C-face with rigid base (footed) and C-face footless mounting options are available. Marathon stainless steel motor prices start at $309.00. Jet pump motors … Read More

AutomationDirect adds IronHorse MTR2 series general purpose, rolled-steel AC motors

New MTR2 series IronHorse® general purpose, rolled-steel motors from AutomationDirect are available in 1-phase and 3-phase versions and offer better performance specifications, improved cosmetic appearance and quieter operation.

Linear Shafts, Shaft Supports and Rotary Shafts from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added linear and rotary shafts to its line of mechanical power transmission products.

AutomationDirect Adds Entry-Level 3-inch C-more Micro HMI Panels

Starting at $98, two new 3-inch C-more Micro HMI panels are now available from AutomationDirect. C-more Micro panels display text, graphics, and bitmaps to effectively communicate critical HMI data to the operator.

AutomationDirect Adds More Touch Panels to the C-more HMI Line

AutomationDirect’s C-more EA9 series of touch screen HMIs now includes a 10-inch widescreen model and a 15-inch base model touch panel.

AutomationDirect adds CLICK Ethernet PLC Units with Built-in Analog I/O

CLICK Series stackable micro brick PLCs are now available from AutomationDirect with both Ethernet communications capabilities and analog I/O built-in. 12 new units provide both discrete and analog I/O including four discrete inputs, four discrete outputs, two or four analog inputs and two analog outputs.

AutomationDirect adds Affordable Cloud Enabled Remote Access

Remote access with cloud data logging options has been added to AutomationDirect’s line of industrial communications products. StrideLinx provides secure access over the “industrial internet” to remotely connect to monitor and troubleshoot multiple field devices. StrideLinx easily and affordably cloud enables any Ethernet-ready device.

AutomationDirect adds flexible multi-conductor shielded control cable

AutomationDirect now offers flexible multi-conductor control cable in shielded and unshielded versions ranging in sizes from 18 to 10 AWG and with three to 41 conductors (including green/yellow ground). Individual stranded copper conductors have black PVC/Nylon insulation and are marked with identification numbers.

AutomationDirect Introduces Next Generation DURApulse GS4 Series AC Drives

The AutomationDirect DURApulse GS4 series of AC sensorless vector drives includes many of the same standard features as current GS drives including dynamic braking, PID, and removable keypad, as well as major enhancements.

AutomationDirect adds more Koyo incremental and absolute encoders

AutomationDirect has expanded its Koyo encoder product line to include additional incremental encoder output options and higher resolutions for absolute encoders.

Gen 2 Linear Slide Actuators from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added second generation (Gen 2) linear motion slide actuators to its SureMotion line of motion control products. The SureMotion lineup includes both motor-ready actuator assemblies and an assortment of sliding components and accessories to provide a wide variety of motion control solutions for X-Y and X-Y-Z positioning systems.

AutomationDirect adds BRX Analog I/O Expansion Modules

The versatile BRX PLC system from AutomationDirect combines powerful features in a compact, stand-alone footprint. One of the unique features of the BRX platform is its ability to expand its capability to fit the application. New analog I/O expansion modules are available in high-resolution current/voltage and temperature models.

AutomationDirect Adds Safety Relays from IDEM

AutomationDirect has extended its offering of safety products to include Viper Safety Relays from IDEM. Viper Safety Relays are designed with enhanced LED diagnostics and simplified wiring. These DIN rail mount units have screw and pluggable connection options and can be used in conjunction with guard switches, E-Stop switches and non-contact switches. Six new configurations … Read More

AutomationDirect adds NITRA Pneumatic Rotary Actuators & Grippers

AutomationDirect’s line of NITRA® pneumatics now includes rotary actuators and pneumatic object grippers.

EtherNet/IP protocol added to the Protos X field I/O system

AutomationDirect now offers EtherNet/IP protocol communication for the Protos X line of field I/O. The Protos X “Xpansion” field I/O system is a modular system consisting of a Bus Coupler and its associated input/output terminals. The Protos X slim design and various I/O configurations allow the exact I/O needed with the smallest footprint possible.

AutomationDirect adds 3-Color and 12-Color Sensors

Wenglor color sensors from AutomationDirect reliably select color objects in automated high-speed processes based on previously defined reference colors. The sensor pulsed white light is insensitive to extraneous light and makes reliable color recognition possible even at varying scanning distances.

Stride® Industrial Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Switches from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added PoE+ switches to its unmanaged Ethernet switches lineup. Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows Ethernet network cables to also carry electrical power. Normally two connections are required, a network connection and a power connection. PoE reduces the time and expense of having electrical power cabling installed.

AutomationDirect Adds Industrial Cat5e M12 Ethernet Patch Cables

AutomationDirect has released a new series of Ethernet cables for industrial communications applications.

AutomationDirect adds SapiSelco Cable/Wire Ties and Installation Tools

AutomationDirect has added a complete new line of cable and wire ties from the manufacturer SapiSelco. SapiSelco® has been a leader in the manufacture of cable ties for more than 65 years, offering a wide variety of standard and specialty cable ties.

STEGO Filter Fan Plus enclosure cooling fans

AutomationDirect has added the new STEGO Filter Fan Plus series of enclosure fans to its enclosure thermal management devices lineup.

More Sensor Mounting Brackets from AutomationDirect

32 new sensor mounting brackets from Wenglor have been added to AutomationDirect’s sensor accessories offering. New brackets are available for inductive, magnetic, capacitive and ultrasonic proximity sensors, along with photoelectric, laser and fiber optic sensors, and in 3, 4, 5, 6.5, 8, 12, 18 and 30mm sensor sizes.

NITRA Current to Pneumatic (I/P) Transducers added by AutomationDirect

NITRA NCP Series electro-pneumatic transducers from AutomationDirect convert a 4-20 mA current signal (I) from a PLC or other controller to a linear pneumatic output pressure (P).

AutomationDirect adds Continuous Flexing Industrial Cat5e Ethernet Cable

DataMax Extreme Ethernet cable from Quabbin® has a specially designed jacket developed to survive the many industrial hazards that commercial jackets will not. The DataMax cable jacket is pressure extruded over the cable core, “locking” the conductor pairs in place. This type of jacket construction provides very stable electrical performance, even when impacted, bent, or … Read More

ProSense Digital Pressure Gauges from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect’s ProSense DPG1 digital pressure gauges are ideal for industrial and general purpose applications requiring an accurate and reliable device with easy to read digital display.

AutomationDirect Takes Embedded Help to a Whole New Level | Do-more! Designer 2.0

With the launch of the newest Do-more! controller, the BRX PLC, AutomationDirect released an enhanced version of the Do-more! Designer programming software. Do-more! Designer 2.0 has many new features added to improve programming efficiency.

AutomationDirect adds new line of Precision Limit Switches

AutomationDirect has added a new line of high precision limit/position switches from Metrol. Traditional limit switches and even electronic proximity sensors are limited in terms of accuracy and repeatability. These cost-effective, ultra-precise mechanical limit switches have repeatability down to 10, 5, 3, and even 0.5 microns (µm) depending on the specific model.

IronHorse® Shaft Mount Gearboxes added by AutomationDirect

New IronHorse Shaft Mount Gearboxes (speed reducers) from AutomationDirect feature shafts and gears manufactured from the highest grade steel, case hardened and precision ground to AGMA standards for long lasting durability.

Enhanced DirectLOGIC DL405 PLC CPUs added by AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added two new feature-enhanced CPUs to its DirectLOGIC DL405 programmable logic controller product line. The D4-454 and D4-454DC-1 provide all the capabilities of the D4-430, D4-440 and D4-450 CPUs, using updated microprocessor technology allowing the D4-454 to be the CPU of choice for the DL405 family.

New C-more Micro HMI Touch Panels with built-in Ethernet from AutomationDirect

Two new C-more Micro HMI touch panels are now available from AutomationDirect. C-more Micro panels display text, graphics, and bitmaps to effectively communicate critical HMI data to the operator.

Adjustable Industrial Temperature Switches from AutomationDirect

New design improvements have been made to AutomationDirect’s ProSense® line of temperature switches. TSDA25 series temperature switches are a direct replacement for the TSD25 series and provide higher accuracy and a standard sized 6mm diameter probe.

AutomationDirect Adds Wide Area Sensors

AutomationDirect has expanded its sensors offering to include wide area sensors for object detection. The new area sensors from Micro Detectors (MD) are multi-beam, through-beam sensors with emitter and receiver elements used for detecting the presence of any object by sensing the light beam intensity returning from the receiver. The area sensors have an IEC … Read More

AutomationDirect Adds More Polycarbonate Enclosures

AutomationDirect’s INTEGRA polycarbonate enclosure offering now includes the new Premium Series of screw-cover wall mount enclosures in addition to the existing Impact Series of wall mount, single-door enclosures.

AutomationDirect adds NSF Certified Potable Water Solenoid Valves

AutomationDirect’s family of potable water components (valves, regulators, fittings, tubing and hoses) now includes potable water solenoid valves. These NS-Series NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified valves (from GC Valves) are an excellent choice for food and beverage grade potable water applications.

AutomationDirect Adds New Line of Digital Temperature Sensors

AutomationDirect’s ProSense® line of instrumentation products now includes the ETS series digital temperature sensors. The ETS series combines a precision RTD sensing element, measuring electronics, and process fitting all in a single stainless steel temperature transmitter probe.

AutomationDirect adds Total Air Preparation (TAP) Units and Ethernet/IP (EIP) Modules

AutomationDirect’s line of NITRA pneumatics now includes new Total Air Prep (TAP) units and NITRA Ethernet/IP protocol compact modular valve (CMV series) modules.

New Assorted Wera Hand Tools from AutomationDirect

Wera, a leading manufacturer of wrenches, ratchets, socket sets and screwdriving tools, is known for their attention to quality, ease of use, and a safety-friendly design.

AutomationDirect Offers Additional Stride Managed Ethernet Switches

AutomationDirect’s line of Stride Managed Industrial Ethernet Switches now offers even more connectivity choices for Ethernet applications. Stride managed switches allow networks to be configured/managed to assure the highest performance and security levels. New Stride SE2 series switches provide Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP management capability. The Stride Web-based configuration tool is used for monitoring, setup … Read More