Press Releases

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

ProSense Air Differential Pressure Gauges from AutomationDirect

For use with air and compatible non-combustible gases, ProSense® DGA differential pressure gauges are used to measure and display difference in air pressure between two reference points in inches of water. Applications include air/gas flow indication, filter monitoring, cabinet purging, room positive or negative pressure status and more. These high-quality gauges feature an industrial grade … Read More

Larger 325 Frame Size Cast Iron Worm Gearboxes from AutomationDirect

The AutomationDirect mechanical power transmission lineup now includes larger 325 frame size cast iron worm gearboxes from IronHorse®. These 3.25” input to output shaft distance gearboxes areavailable in ratios of 10:1, 15:1, 20:1, 30:1, 40:1, & 60:1 with outputs in left hand shaft, right hand shaft, dual shaft, and hollow shaft. The 325 gearbox C-face … Read More

Harsh Duty and Quadruple Sensing Distance Proximity Sensors from AutomationDirect

The AutomationDirect line of inductive proximity sensors now includes additional harsh duty sensors and new standard duty sensors with quadruple sensing ranges. Contrinex DW series 4mm, 5mm, 8mm and 12mm diameter round body inductive proximity sensors have been added. Priced at $99.00 and intended for harsh duty applications, 4mm smooth and 5mm (M5 threaded) models … Read More

NITRA Pneumatic Miniature Solenoid Valves & Manifolds from AutomationDirect

NITRA GVP series pneumatic miniature solenoid valves are an excellent choice for many automation applications with low flow requirements. These two- and three-port valves are typically used for on/off flow control or with single-acting cylinders. Starting at $26.00, GVP series 12 or 24 VDC solenoid valves are available in 10mm and 15mm valve widths and … Read More

RHINO PSV “Value Series” DC Power Supplies from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added economical PSV series power supplies and universal battery control modules to the RHINO DC power supplies lineup. RHINO PSV “Value” series DIN rail power supplies are available in a wide selection of voltage and wattage ranges. 5V RHINO DC supplies are available in 15 and 25-watt ratings with 12V supplies at 48W. … Read More

AutomationDirect adds Ease-of-Use 22mm Pushbutton Legend Plates

AutomationDirect now offers easy-to-use metal and plastic legend plates for 22mm pushbutton devices. Some special purpose 22mm pushbutton legend plates require a locator notch to be filed off in order for the legend to fit over standard pushbuttons. With no filing required, these new legend plates offer ease-of-use with all 22mm pushbutton devices. Plastic legend … Read More

Five-Conductor Flexible Portable Cord from AutomationDirect

Type SOOW and Type SEOOW flexible cord with 5 conductors in 16, 14, 12 and 10 AWG have been added to the existing 2, 3 and 4-conductor styles available from AutomationDirect. Flexible portable cord or service cord is used for electrical power connections requiring flexibility in indoor and outdoor wiring applications. Grounded Wye or 5-wire … Read More

AutomationDirect Offers Free Online PLC Training

AutomationDirect first partnered with Interconnecting Automation in 1996 to create a hands-on training program to familiarize customers with the ins and outs of their PLCs. Eventually, this program led to the creation of an online video training series that encompasses various levels of training from entry level programming to advanced PLC functions. Due to the … Read More

Premium-Efficiency, Cast-Iron Three-Phase AC Motors from AutomationDirect

IronHorse MTCP2 industrial duty motors meet the premium efficiency requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. MTCP2 motors are offered in T-Frame (1 to 300 hp) and TC-Frame/C-Face (1 to 30 hp). C-face kits are available for motors over 30hp. These motors are available in 1200, 1800, & 3600 RPM and have … Read More

High Efficiency and Ruggedized DC Power Supplies from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added PSH series high efficiency power supplies and PSX series rugged IP67 rated power supplies to the RHINO DC power supplies lineup. RHINO high efficiency PSH series 12, 24 and 48 VDC power supplies offer best-in-class efficiencies up to 94.5%, temperature performance range of -25°C to 70°C and agency approvals for extreme conditions. … Read More

WEG High-Performance, Compact Size AC Drives from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added a new line of AC variable frequency (VFD) drives for motor speed control and other industrial control applications. The WEG CFW300 variable frequency drive is a high-performance VFD for three-phase induction motors. It is ideal for applications on machines or equipment that require precise control with easy setup and operation. The CFW300 … Read More

AttaBox Brand Polycarbonate and Fiberglass Enclosures from AutomationDirect

The AttaBox brand from Robroy Enclosures offers large selections of non-metallic corrosion-resistant polycarbonate, fiberglass-reinforced polyester, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) enclosures for equipment protection in a wide range of applications. AttaBox non-metallic industrial enclosures offer significant economic savings over metallic alternatives such as stainless steel while providing comparable or superior physical properties. AttaBox models are available … Read More

MOSAIC Modular Safety Integrated Controller System from AutomationDirect

A new system of safety monitoring and control devices has been added to the AutomationDirect line of safety-related products. The ReeR MOSAIC safety controller system is modular, expandable and configurable for managing all safety functions of a single machine or an entire plant. As a stand-alone controller, the M1 master MOSAIC module has 8 inputs, … Read More

NITRA Hybrid PVC Hose for Air and Water Use from AutomationDirect

A new hybrid PVC hose introduced by AutomationDirect is suitable for air and water use. NITRA® Hybrid PVC Hose is a blend of PVC and rubber with a polyester braided reinforcement. The PVC gives light weight, color stability and hardness for higher working pressures while the rubber gives improved flexibility and operating temperature range. The … Read More

AutomationDirect adds SureStep Stepping System Motors, Encoders & Inertia Dampers

New stepper motors, encoders and inertia dampers have been added to the SureStep® system of step motor control. SureStep series high-torque industry-standard NEMA 14, 17, 23, and 34 stepper motors now provide holding torque from 8 to 1288 oz-in. The new smaller frame size NEMA 14 motors (1.4″ wide) start at $22.00 and are available … Read More

Basic Pneumatic Circuits – White Paper from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect announces the release of a new White Paper, “Basic Pneumatic Circuits”, which discusses common pneumatic circuits that can be used alone or as building blocks in larger pneumatics systems. This white paper examines pneumatic design best practices and presents four basic pneumatic circuits commonly used in machine automation. The four basic pneumatic circuits examined … Read More

New Factor 1 Ferrous, Non-Ferrous & Weld Applications Sensors

AutomationDirect’s line of inductive proximity sensors now includes harsh duty Factor 1 sensors for ferrous and non-ferrous metallic object detection and harsh duty coated sensors for weld applications. KS series Factor 1 proximity sensors, with stainless steel housing, have a correction factor K=1 and provide a constant sensing range without adjustment on all ferrous and … Read More

More Productivity1000 PLC I/O capabilities from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added more AC, DC and analog I/O modules to increase the capabilities and versatility of the Productivity1000 micro-modular PLC. The micro stackable P1000 PLC system 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. The P1000 PLC system can be … Read More

Graphical Panel Meters from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added Trumeter graphical panel meters to its line of electrical power products. These meters measure voltage, current or frequency and provide analog meter-style visual and accurate numeric readings. User-selectable measurement options include 0-600 AC or DC voltage, current at 0-5A direct or 0-9,999A via transducer, and frequency from 2 to 400 Hz. The … Read More

AutomationDirect adds U-Frame, L-Frame and Harsh Duty Fork Sensors

Fork sensors (slot sensors) from AutomationDirect are U or L shaped through-beam object detecting sensors that have the transmitter and receiver built into the opposing “fork” arms of the sensor housing. New PS series fork sensor additions include harsh duty U-frame sensors for food applications, L-frame or angled fork sensors for unique mounting situations, and … Read More

Patlite 40mm Tower Lights from AutomationDirect

Patlite LR4 Series Tower Lights from AutomationDirect have a modular “Twist and Lock” system that easily customizes and reconfigures LED and sound modules. Pre-assembled two-, three- and 4-tier LED modules are available, and a fifth tier can be added. LED modules are interchangeable and color sequences are changeable by adding or removing up to five … Read More

StrideLinx Cloud Notify License for Remote Alarms & Messages from AutomationDirect

The new StrideLinx Cloud Notify License is an add-on service that provides remote “alarm” emails and push notifications when control limits are exceeded on HMI / PLC devices connected to the StrideLinx VPN router. The service provides customized alarm names, priority level and instructions for each alarm, and customized alarm recipients. Cloud Notify expands StrideLinx … Read More

Thermal Overload Relays for Fuji Contactors from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added more thermal overload relays to its motor controls lineup. The new Fuji TK26E Series Thermal Overload Relays for 9 to 25A contactors protect motor windings from burning due to overloads, locked rotor current, or open-phases. Maintenance and inspection safety has been improved by employing a finger protection mechanism to cover exposed terminals … Read More

Continuous Flexing Cut-to-Length Motor Supply Cables from AutomationDirect

Continuous flexing motor supply cable is now available from AutomationDirect in customer specified one-foot increment lengths. igus Chainflex® continuous flexing CF30 and CF31 motor supply cables are specifically designed, tested, and manufactured to be exposed to constant flexing, providing a cable service life between 5 million and 10 million cycles. The cables are available with … Read More

Multifunction Electrical Power Meters from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added multifunction power meters to its line of electrical power products. Socomec DIRIS A power meters are easy to install and use power measurement devices with extended functionality for measuring electrical values in low voltage networks. Socomec power meters offer solutions for industry, infrastructure and data centers and provide reduced costs, reduced production … Read More

UL 1008 Rated Manual Transfer Disconnect Switches from AutomationDirect

Socomec SIRCOVER UL 1008 rated manual transfer switches provide safe transfer and are extremely durable, tested and approved for use in the most demanding applications such as resistive load or total system applications. The switches provide reliable operation with a double breaking per pole sliding bar contacts system. SIRCOVER manual transfer switches have three stable, … Read More

Integrated Stepper Motors and Drives from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has added Integrated stepper motors and drives to its SureStep line of stepper motion control products. Integrated stepper motor/drives save panel space, require less wiring and are less expensive. The new SureStep integrated drive/motor units provide accurate micro-stepping position and speed control for smooth motion and step response and require only 2 components, power … Read More

High Density Process Signal Conditioners from AutomationDirect

High density process signal conditioners (narrow width) have been added to the AutomationDirect process measurement and controls lineup. ProSense® SC6 Series signal conditioners are housed in a narrow 6mm width package that allows high density mounting on a 35mm DIN rail to optimize panel space. Models are available for conversion of standard DC voltage and current … Read More

More Enclosures including HMI Window Door Kits from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect has expanded its extensive enclosures offering to include additional double door freestanding enclosures with removable hinge pins, stainless steel screw cover junction box enclosures, polycarbonate pushbutton enclosures, and new deep hinged window door kits in painted and stainless steel. Universal deep-hinged doors with concealed hinges offer a viewing window for clear visibility and are … Read More

Pneumatic Pushbuttons and Selector Switch Pilot Devices from AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect’s NITRA® brand of pneumatic products now includes new 22mm pushbutton and switch pilot devices intended for use with pneumatic valve bodies. These pneumatic pushbuttons can also combine valve bodies and electrical contact blocks. ECP series 22mm pneumatic pushbuttons and switches are used with EVP series valve bodies to create manual valve assemblies, or hybrid … Read More

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