Press Releases

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

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

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

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