Press Releases

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

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