Press Releases

AutomationDirect adds Helical Bevel Gearboxes with Cast-Iron Frames

The new IronHorse® HBR series of helical bevel gearboxes combines the helical gearset with a bevel gearset to create an output that is perpendicular to the input. All HBR series gearboxes are hollow shaft output and accept double or single shafts. Dual and single output shaft kits are available. Helical gears offer a smoother, quieter … Read More

Leadshine 2-phase Digital Stepper Drives from AutomationDirect

Leadshine Technology is an industry leading motion control supplier offering high value steppers that are simple, easy to use, long-lasting, and reliable at very affordable prices. Leadshine factories are ISO9001 certified. These high-qualiity, 2-phase, digital stepper drives offer a basic feature set at an unbeatable value. Leadshine 2-phase digital micro-stepping drives with micro-stepping motor movement … Read More

High Bus Voltage (AC Input) Stepper Drives and Motors from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added a high voltage AC drive and compatible high torque motors to its stepping system motion control product offering. The AC stepper drive is powered from 90 to 240VAC and is intended for use with step motors designed to handle a high bus voltage of 340VDC. MTRAC motors are specially designed to work … Read More

Continuous Flexing Profinet Cable from AutomationDirect

DataMax Extreme® Industrial Profinet cables are a two-pair shielded construction with 22AWG twisted pair conductors and 7/30 stranded tinned copper with color coded high-density polyethylene insulation. Shielded constructions include both a tinned copper braid shield and aluminized polyester foil overall shield. The cable’s outer jacket is pressure extruded Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) with excellent moisture, chemical, … Read More

Compact Thermoplastic and Halogen-Free Limit Switches from AutomationDirect

The new AEP series of reinforced thermoplastic compact limit switches includes a variety of actuator types including metal plunger, side rotary lever, adjustable lever, rod actuator, and 360-degree spring actuator. These compact-sized plastic limit switches have standard U.S. 25mm mounting hole spacing; housings are double-insulated and epoxy resin-filled, providing IEC IP67 protection. Contacts are Snap-action … Read More

Eaton Electronic Overload Relays up to 175A added by AutomationDirect

Eaton XT series self-powered electronic overload relays are self-contained units available at up to 175A. Eaton XT electronic overload relays are the most compact, high-featured, economical products in class, offering additional trip classes, universal connections to any contactor, and a wide amperage range. Accessory 24VDC and 120 VAC remote reset modules provide remote overload reset … Read More

2020 FIRST Robotics Digital Animation Award

The 2020 Digital Animation Award is offered to help encourage students to cultivate skills in design and creation of animation including, but not limited to, storytelling, creativity, use of computer software, and an understanding of different techniques and forms of animation. This award is open to all FIRST Robotics Competition teams.

Greater Sensing Distance Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors from AutomationDirect

SU, UK, UT and TU series round body and UQ series cubic plastic ultrasonic distance sensors from AutomationDirect are now available in sensing distance ranges from 60mm to 8000mm, in metal or plastic housings, and M18 (18mm) and M30 (30mm) barrel or head sizes. Discrete and analog output sensors and models with both analog and … Read More

Photoelectric Sensors added by AutomationDirect for more Distance Applications

4mm (smooth) and 5mm (M5 threaded) round photoelectric sensors are now available from AutomationDirect in a wider range of sensing distances in both diffuse and through-beam sensing configurations. These DC-powered metal sensors provide high accuracy in minimal mounting space and are ideal for use in a variety of short or long-distance sensing applications. Diffuse photoelectric … Read More

Micro-Processor Based Digital DC Drives from AutomationDirect

The IronHorse® GSD8 series of DC drives is a microprocessor-based design with non-volatile memory storage that is programmable with adjustable parameters, programmable alarm outputs and offers a digital closed-loop algorithm for motor control. GSD8 output power available is 1/2 to 1hp at 120 VAC input and 1 to 2hp at 240 VAC input; output voltage … Read More

NITRA Pneumatic Coalescing Air Filters for Mist and Vapor Filtration

The NITRA® pneumatic AC Series of coalescing air filters from AutomationDirect allows finer removal of moisture, vapor and oil mist from compressed air applications to provide optimal performance for pneumatic systems and components. NITRA coalescing filters are available in a range of port sizes from 1/8″ to 1/2″ FNPT; replaceable 0.3-micron filter elements are standard, … Read More

Continuous Flexing Control Cable and Profibus-DP Cable from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect now offers continuous flexing control cables and continuous flexing Profibus-DP cables that are designed to be exposed to constant flexing during operation and to withstand millions of flex cycles. These cables are available cut-to-length in one-foot increments with a 20-foot minimum length. igus CF130US and CF140US series tray rated control cables are specifically designed, … Read More

ProSense Thermal Flow Sensors from AutomationDirect

ProSense® FTS series thermal flow sensors offer a very cost-effective solution for monitoring water, glycol solutions, or air flow for applications where high accuracy is not required. With no moving parts, thermal flow sensors are a reliable alternative to mechanical flow switches and other flow sensing technologies. Using the 4-digit, two color alphanumeric display with … Read More

AutomationDirect adds PID Control Functionality to CLICK Ethernet PLCs

PID loop control capability (up to 8 loops simultaneously) has been added to the CLICK® Series of stackable, Ethernet-capable micro brick PLCs. CLICK PID control is streamlined with only the features that most users need, including direct or reverse acting control, pulse width modulated control outputs, bumpless transfer, anti-windup, auto-tuning, process variable alarms, process variable … Read More

StrideLinx Mobile VPN allows secure connections for C-more & 3rd party mobile apps

The new StrideLinx Mobile VPN feature allows 3rd party mobile apps to utilize the StrideLinx secure VPN tunnel when connecting to remote machines. Mobile apps like the C-more remote HMI app provide on-the-go access to remote machines for monitoring and control. Using StrideLinx Mobile VPN with the C-more app simplifies your network configuration and adds … Read More

AutomationDirect adds NewSentry PVC Enclosures from AttaBox

AttaBox NewSentry series thermoplastic PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) junction boxes are extremely rugged and light enclosures for harsh, aggressive environments and are well-suited for extremely wet and corrosive environments. Uses vary from high-end electronics to extreme corrosive applications both indoors and out, and their small footprint allows use in tight spaces. The easily workable PVC construction … Read More

HPS Sentinel Ventilated Transformers (NEMA Rated) from AutomationDirect

HPS Sentinel G ventilated stand-up distribution transformers meet the latest federally mandated energy efficiency standards as outlined by DOE 2016 and NRCan 2019 requirements. These dry-type 3-phase distribution transformers are open coil/core ventilated, NEMA 3R (outdoor enclosed) rated and offer significant energy savings and environmental benefits. The HPS Sentinel models are rated up to 75kVA, … Read More

Flowline Non-Contact Reflective Ultrasonic Level Sensors from AutomationDirect

Non-contact EchoPod® and EchoTouch® reflective ultrasonic liquid level sensors feature Flowline’s proprietary Reflective Technology™ that delivers reliable level measurement in condensing environments. Condensation is the most commonly encountered variable in liquid level applications and attenuates the acoustic signal of non-reflective ultrasonic sensors, weakening signal strength and reducing measurement reliability. These innovative reflective level sensors replace … Read More

AutomationDirect adds ProSense Vibration Fork Liquid Level Switches

ProSense® VFL Series Vibration Fork Level Switches from AutomationDirect are designed using tuning fork technology for reliable liquid point level detection for monitoring, alarming, and control applications. The switch tuning forks vibrate at their natural frequency. When the forks contact a liquid, the fork vibration frequency changes and triggers the switch output. Suitable for use … Read More

AutomationDirect adds Headless C-more Remote HMI without Attached Display

Intended for the user who doesn’t require a built-in HMI display, needs a larger display, or would rather strictly use the C-more mobile app, the C-more® EA9 series remote (headless) HMI unit provides all the functionality of an EA9 touch panel without the extra cost of a touchscreen interface. The headless unit supports an HD1280x720 … Read More

AutomationDirect Operator Interfaces Voted as a Readers’ Top Choice

Automation professionals have voted for the AutomationDirect family of operator interface hardware and software, once again making them a top choice for their applications. AutomationDirect operator interface (OI) hardware and software were recently recognized in Control Design 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards. You can find the magazine issue online here. This awards program invites readers with … Read More

STRIDE Industrial MQTT Gateways from AutomationDirect

The STRIDE® MQTT gateway connects industrial Modbus devices to an MQTT cloud-based data logging solution. MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a machine-to-machine “Internet of Things” connectivity protocol that provides low power usage, minimized data packets, and efficient distribution of information to one or many receivers. The STRIDE MQTT gateway provides easy hardware setup to … Read More

Power Machine Tray Cable Cut-to-Length from AutomationDirect

Power Machine Tray Cable is available in sizes from 18 AWG to 8 AWG with 3 to 25 unshielded conductors. Individual conductors are bare copper and stranded for flexibility, with black PVC/Nylon insulation and marked with numbers for easy identification. The black Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) cable outer jacket is flexible and resistant to sunlight, oil, … Read More

Universal Input Signal Conditioners and Isolators from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect’s ProSense universal input conditioners/isolators accept a wide range of RTD, thermocouple, resistance, potentiometer, mA or voltage inputs, and offer current, voltage and/or relay outputs with programmable ranges and functions. The ProSense conditioners operate on 21.6 to 253 VAC or 19.2 to 300 VDC supply voltage and provide 3-way isolation between input, output and power. … Read More

AutomationDirect adds Safety Mats, Edges and Bumpers

Safety mats, edges and bumpers from ASO Safety Solutions are used to protect people and machinery from harm. Mats detect the presence of personnel on horizontal surfaces (usually the floor), edges can be used on any surface, usually near possible crushing or shearing points, and bumpers are used in applications involving vehicles or other moving … Read More

Metrol Precision Limit Switches from AutomationDirect

Metrol limit switches provide precision, repeatability and a long service life. Four new types of Metrol precision limit switches are now available from AutomationDirect. The actuator of new sliding/angled offset limit switches (from $63.00) detects objects traveling straight on or sliding into the actuator from an angle with 5-micron repeat accuracy. Metrol low contact-force limit … Read More

Cut-to-Length Heavy Duty DLO Power Cable from AutomationDirect

DLO Heavy Duty Cable is a 2kV rated flexible power cable with a variety of possible applications including industrial control panel power distribution, power feeds for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), motor leads in non-drive related applications, and in non-traditional industrial applications such as drilling rigs, railroad/transit car wiring, and mining equipment. With RHH and RHW-2 … Read More

Single-Phase Open Core Industrial Control Transformers from AutomationDirect

Hammond HPS Spartan® industrial open core control transformers offer an efficient and economical solution for applications where high inrush or machine tool duty are not necessary. These transformers are open style units in ratings from 50VA up to 5000VA. Units from 50VA to 3000VA (30 amps) include molded terminal blocks. Optional finger guards and a … Read More

Capacitive Proximity Sensors with Potentiometer Adjustment from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect’s line of sensors now includes capacitive proximity sensors with potentiometer adjustment for sensitivity. Capacitive proximity sensors allow sensing of metal and non-metal objects through insulating materials such as wood or plastic and are often used to sense fill levels of liquids or powders. New lower priced 18mm and 30mm capacitive proximity sensors have a … Read More

More BRX Analog and Temperature 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 discrete and analog I/O to the BRX PLC system 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 BRX Remote … Read More

AutomationDirect adds FDA Compliant Harsh/Duty Micro (M12) Cables

AutomationDirect now offers harsh duty micro cables that are FDA compliant for food and beverage applications. The new FDA compliant M12 quick-disconnect cables are IP69K rated to withstand high pressure, high temperature wash-down applications. These harsh-duty quick-disconnect cables and patch cables are used to easily connect field devices in industrial installations. The FDA compliant IP69K … Read More

Slim Interface Electro-Mechanical Relays from AutomationDirect

New space-saving slim electromechanical relays are now available from AutomationDirect.  Klemsan Series slim interface relays are compact and lightweight relays especially useful where cabinet space is a consideration. Encased in a self-extinguishing plastic housing, these high-quality relays offer a long useful life. These 35mm DIN rail mount KPR series compact 6.2mm relay modules include LED … Read More

Open Drip Proof and 4-in-1 Marathon Motors from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has extended the line of Marathon motors to include open drip proof (ODP) and 4 in 1 series AC motors. ODP motors are available in single phase, rigid base and C-face footed (rigid base) versions with NEMA Service Factor ratings. 4-in-1 motor configurations include single-phase, totally enclosed motors; and XRI 4N1 general purpose, 3-phase, … Read More

NSF Certified Potable Water Solenoid Valves from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect’s family of potable water components (valves, regulators, fittings, tubing and hoses) 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. Stainless steel or thermoplastic bodies and synthetic seating and sealing materials makes NS series valves … Read More

More Capabilities for the AutomationDirect Productivity1000 PLC

The Productivity1000 Stackable Micro PLC provides communications, user-friendly programming, integrated data storage, and a full lineup of discrete, analog and specialty I/O modules in a super-compact size. A new CPU, more power supplies, analog I/O modules and specialty high-speed I/O and PWM modules are now available for the P1000 PLC from AutomationDirect. The P1-550 CPU, … Read More

Signal Towers, Audible Alarms and Industrial LED Lighting from AutomationDirect

New all-in-one Patlite signal towers provide large signal horn and light tower combinations with ultra-bright 100mm LEDs and alarm volumes up to 105 dB. The signal towers have 1, 2, 3 and 4 LED light tiers with continuous or flashing lights and up to 32 alarms. Patlite LKEH series stacklight alarm towers start at $402.00. … Read More

Wall Mount Polycarbonate Enclosures from AutomationDirect

Three new sizes of INTEGRA Premium Series polycarbonate enclosures with lift-off screw cover, hinged screw cover and single door hinged cover are now available from AutomationDirect. All are available with clear or opaque cover. The Premium series features INTEGRA’s unique T-Rail mounting system for dead-front panels, swing-out panels, layering subpanels, and/or infinitely variable subpanel height. … Read More

Control and Signal Cable in Specified Cut Lengths from AutomationDirect

Control and signal cable from AutomationDirect is available in customer specified one-foot increment lengths in sizes from 22 AWG to 16 AWG with 2, 3 and 4 conductors, shielded and unshielded.  The cable carries both UL and CSA approvals. Individual conductors are stranded tinned copper with PVC insulation in black, red, white and green color … Read More

STRIDE Pocket Portal IoT Bridge Cloud Data Logger with IO from AutomationDirect

The “Internet of Things” for industrial applications (IIoT) allows greater visibility and access to machine and process data through cloud computing. The STRIDE Pocket Portal is a low-cost ($120.00) industrial wireless IoT end-to-end cloud data logger that connects industrial equipment and sensors to the cloud. The Pocket Portal has an RS-485/power port, input/output port, browser … Read More

AutomationDirect adds Snap-Action Micro Limit Switches

IDEM high precision, snap-action 15A-rated micro limit switches from AutomationDirect are available in plunger and lever actuator styles. Plunger Series types include pin plunger, spring plunger, and roller plunger actuator. Lever Series types include lever, hinge lever, and roller lever. These micro limit switches are suitable for a wide range of operating conditions. Snap action … Read More

The P1000 Received Plant Engineering’s 2018 Engineers’ Choice Bronze Award

AutomationDirect’s Productivity1000 PLC was selected for its ability to provide cost-effective control of machines and processes. AutomationDirect’s Productivity1000 PLC was announced as a Plant Engineering 2018 Engineers’ Choice Awards Bronze Winner for the Automation & Control category. You can find more info on the Productivity1000 PLC here and explore if it would be a good … Read More

Choosing an Industrial Automation Controller – White Paper from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect announces the release of a new White Paper, “How to choose an Industrial Automation Controller”, which discusses the evaluation of critical factors required in the specification of an automation controller for the industrial environment. The controller selected, such as a PLC or PAC, can control a single station, a machine, a process unit, a … Read More

High-Speed I/O and Communications Expansion Modules for the BRX Micro PLC System

AutomationDirect has added high-speed I/O modules and a serial communications expansion module to its BRX Micro PLC product line. BRX expansion modules add discrete I/O, analog I/O and now high-speed I/O and communications functions as needed to expand machine and process control applications. BRX expansion modules easily snap onto the side of any BRX Micro … Read More

Speed/Standstill Safety Relay Modules from AutomationDirect

Safety relay modules consist of safety relays that are controlled by built-in monitoring functions and assure a reliable opening and closing for safety applications. Safety relay modules provide a high level of fail-safe operation for critical processes and protection. These speed safety relays provide overspeed, under speed and/or standstill detection for single- or three-phase motors … Read More

DYMO XTL Series Industrial Label Printers from AutomationDirect

XTL series industrial label printers simplify industrial labeling with a large, viewable screen, intuitive controls, and a wide range of functions. XTL series label makers can print using continuous tape, pre-sized labels, heat-shrink tubes, and small format safety labels. The XTL 300 is a smaller, lighter system ideal for on-the-go label making, capable of printing … Read More

AutomationDirect Expands Free Online PLC Training Program

AutomationDirect’s free online PLC training program has been expanded with over a hundred additional training videos. The complete video training series encompasses various levels of training from entry level programming to advanced PLC functions and is available to anyone interested in learning about industrial controllers. The training video library is offered to all registrants free … Read More

AutomationDirect adds AcuAMP Solid Core AC Current Transformers

AcuAMP® Solid Core AC current transformers from AutomationDirect are instrumentation grade (commercial class) and provide a very cost-effective means of measuring primary current. Two different window openings and two mounting styles along with numerous secondary ratios are available to meet most applications. Available in primary current ranges up to 1000A, the AC transformers are compact, … Read More

Self-Adjusting Rotatable Die Crimping Tool from AutomationDirect

The new DN-FE-16T crimping tool from AutomationDirect has a rotatable die and a trapezoidal crimp profile. The crimper is self-adjusting for use with insulated and non-insulated wire ferrules in sizes from 26 to 8 AWG. The crimp head is rotatable to accommodate crimping from the side or from the front. This new crimper is identical … Read More

SureStep IP65 Rated Stepping Motors from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added motors designed for washdown environments to its stepper systems product line. SureStep® IP65 rated high-torque stepping motors are completely protected from solids and dust ingress and from low pressure water jets from any direction, making them suitable for many washdown applications. These fully sealed, single-shaft motors are available with industry-standard NEMA 17, … Read More

AutomationDirect adds Basic Single Loop Temperature Controllers

Economical SOLO® Basic temperature controllers from AutomationDirect provide single loop control for heating and cooling processes using a thermocouple or RTD input signal and a relay, voltage pulse, or current output signal (depending on model). The 1/16 DIN panel size SOLO basic controller operates on 100 to 240 VAC 50 / 60 Hz input power. … Read More