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February 28, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Pfannenberg PYRA and PATROL series heavy-duty signal beacons to their growing lineup of visual and audible signaling devices. These versatile devices can withstand severe environments, are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and satisfy numerous alarm, warning, and indication requirements. The PYRA series focuses on visual alerts and…

Featured Products BRX micro PLC units offer outstanding features including built-in data logging, universal analog and temperature I/O, motion control and customizable communication PLCs starting at $205 STELLAR SR35 soft starters are fully digital, offered in three frame sizes to control 1- and 3-phase AC induction motors, and provide overload and SCR failure protection starting…

February 21, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added WAGO Eco2 series power supplies that offer performance and value, featuring high efficiency and a compact, space-saving design, making them ideal for space-limited applications. These economical power supplies provide reliable performance and long service life for a variety of applications such as industrial automation, building management systems, machine…

February 21, 2024 – AutomationDirect adds new ReeR Micron series light grids, available in detecting or measuring versions, that use multi-beam photoeye arrays to detect the presence of objects anywhere within the controlled height of the sensor array. They are perfect for detecting, measuring, and counting various sized and shaped objects at random positions as…

February 21, 2024 – New additions of quality wiring solution products from Murrplastik provide fast and efficient ways to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and to install cable conduits for cobots and small robotic machinery. Murrplastik ZL-AB series discharge plates (for use with ZL series strain relief plates) and Murrplastik DIN-rail-mounted EMC cable clips provide easily…

February 21, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Industrial Ethernet, Profinet, and Profibus Cables from LUTZE. The new LUTZE MOTIONFLEX® continuous flexing shielded Ethernet cables with 4 twisted pairs, Cat5e or Cat6a standards, and an abrasion, sunlight, and oil-resistant TPE jacket are designed for harsh industrial environments and operating conditions with high noise levels. MOTIONFLEX cables…

Automation Expands a Machine Shop?s Success By partnering with a local systems integrator and using AutomationDirect products, this machine shop enhanced its capabilities, allowing it to deliver the services required by its customers. Par Electric and Engineering founder Pete Baker explains how the two companies teamed up to deliver a high-performance pressure testing solution. Read more…

The Do-more BRX PLCs are very powerful controllers that utilize device-centric programming, allowing common functions to be configured as “devices” that run in the background without any ladder code and independent of the PLC scan. One such function is Modbus communication which, with the release of Do-more Designer 2.9.1, can be done via the new…

This award, sponsored by AutomationDirect, celebrates the art of digital animation and its close relationship to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). The 2023 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…

February 7, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added the new AchieVe WDW series wire duct that provides more options for easy wire management at great prices. This rugged, wide finger, rigid wall wire duct is made of self-extinguishing UL 94 V-0 rated flame-retardant PVC material. AchieVe wire duct features convenient upper and lower score lines to…

There are many practical and cost-effective ways for designers to incorporate automation redundancy for systems of any size. Automation redundancy has largely been reserved for larger process automation systems due to cost and complexity. However, there are now more products and design strategies suitable for applying redundancy to smaller-scale systems. Rin Irvin at AutomationDirect covers…

To improve performance and reliability, this grain blending company knew it needed to upgrade its homebrew controls to a modern control system platform. Many small- and mid-sized manufacturing operations have some degree of automated equipment, but lack the in-house skill to perform upgrades and capital projects. Ethan Taylor founded Taylor Controls to help this market…

What makes the ‘swoosh’ noise happen when a soda can opens? What powers the gates, brakes, and passenger restraint systems on a roller coaster? What makes animatronics work at an amusement park? Compressed air is the magic that makes all these things happen – and much more. Compressed air consists of the same mix of…

January 31, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more quality Wera tool choices to their great selection of industrial tools. Wera is a well-known leading manufacturer of quality, ergonomic, and safety-oriented tools. Our new additions include Kraftform Plus standard hex tip screwdrivers and slotted terminal block tools, Kraftform Micro precision screwdrivers, Zyklop Mini ratcheting screwdrivers with…

January 31, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added a variety of ProSense and AchieVe brand submersible level transmitters to their growing lineup of level sensors.  ProSense GPLT series general-purpose submersible level sensors are designed for water applications and offer a slim housing diameter in several sensing ranges and cable lengths. ProSense NFLT series non-fouling, submersible level…

January 31, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added a wide assortment of black-colored FATH T-slotted hardware components to match their SureFrame black anodized T-slotted rails. These components include cube connectors (2D and 3D) and angle connectors; joining plates including straight flat plates, square flat plates, rectangular flat plates, Tee flat plates, cross flat plates, L-shaped flat…

January 31, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added LUTZE SUPERFLEX control cable that is well-suited for short to medium-length articulated drag chain (C-tracks) installations requiring moderate to high performance. The High Glide TPE insulation and PVC outer jacket provide resistance to sunlight, oil, and moisture penetration, and make this cable ideal for indoor wet and dry applications…

Featured Products Productivity2000 series PLCs are packed with features you’d pay thousands for elsewhere including built-in data logging and tag name programming CPU starting at $299 w/FREE software C-More CM5 HMIs offer lower cost, high-performance HMIs in sizes from 4 inches to an impressive 22 inches. They provide an amazing 1.6 GHz processor in the…

Automating a Big Rig Light Show A truck customization shop expanded their capabilities by offering AutomationDirect PLCs and HMIs to control expansive on-vehicle lighting displays.Just as many car owners like to customize their rides, there is a growing convoy of truck operators who like to do the same as a personal and promotional statement. Dickerson…

January 24, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added a low-cost CODESYS PLC solution for those who prefer CODESYS programming. CODESYS is the most widely used manufacturer-independent IEC 61131-3 development system on the market, and the new P2CDS-622 CPU features a CODESYS engine housed in a Productivity2000 controller form factor. This CPU offers plenty of communication capabilities…

January 24, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added WAGO Pro2 communication modules that easily snap into place as an add-on to WAGO Pro2 power supplies.  These modules are available with various communication protocols and their respective communication ports. With this added connectivity, remote access to features, settings, and real-time data monitored by the power supplies is…

January 17, 2024 – AutomationDirect adds CCEA TRACKALPHA-PRO series LED light bars to expand their offering of industrial LED fixtures. Their rugged industrial-grade anodized aluminum construction makes TRACKALPHA-PRO ideal for use with medium to large-sized industrial machine tools and for use in wet environments. These 120 VAC-rated high-powered LED lights provide intense, uniform lighting, with…

January 17, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added EtherCAT controller modules for the LS Electric XGB PLC family.  These new modules work in conjunction with our new lineup of LS Electric iX7 EtherCAT servo systems for highly accurate multi-axis motion control functionality. Both 4-axis and 8-axis EtherCAT controller modules are available; up to two of these…

January 17, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added new compact power supplies from LUTZE, which has been an industry leading manufacturer for over 60 years. LUTZE DIN rail mounted compact switching power supplies are high-efficiency units that offer space and cost savings. These smaller-than-industry-standard power supplies are offered in four series. ECO series power supplies are…

January 17, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Cerabar series pressure transmitters to their growing lineup of process control and measurement devices. Endress+Hauser supplies process control sensors/instruments to a wide variety of industries worldwide and is known for highly reliable, accurate, and innovative measurement devices. The Cerabar series of pressure transmitters offers both ceramic and…

By partnering with a local systems integrator and using AutomationDirect products, this machine shop enhanced its capabilities, allowing it to deliver the services required by its customers. Throughout the country, networks of small businesses—including machine shops and systems integrators (SIs)—innovate and integrate to deliver successful projects. One example is a collaboration between Stephens Machine and…

Students in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, have found a way to combine their passion for video games with the industrial controls coursework they are studying at the Centennial Secondary School. The team  of 11th  and 12th year students was guided by their instructor; John Harpell, an electronics and automation controls veteran with thirty years of experience….

January 10, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added modular Z-Range safety switch system components to their existing portfolio of safety products. The Z-Range safety switch system offers simplicity and modularity, allowing up to 30 Z-Range safety devices to be connected to one safety relay while maintaining PLe performance rating. These devices are an excellent choice for…

January 10, 2024- AutomationDirect has added the versatile and highly flexible Helukabel TRAYCONTROL 600V control cable that is ideal for industrial control, power, and instrumentation applications. The individual bare copper conductors are stranded for flexibility and are covered with a black PVC/nylon insulation with white numbering for easy identification. A green with yellow stripe ground…

Toshiba International Corporation (TIC) is a Toshiba America Inc. (TAI) Group Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, and comprised of various business units including – Motors & Adjustable Frequency Drives, Power Electronics, Automotive Systems, Transportation, and Transmission & Distribution Systems. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, TIC provides application solutions to a wide range of…

Intelligent HMI advances can justify upgrades based on significant improvements associated with ease-of-use, cybersecurity, and other advanced features. Consumers are accustomed to rapidly upgrading their personal electronic devices by buying new hardware and updating apps, but the industrial automation world usually works at a slower and more delayed pace in this regard. Greg Philbrook, HMI…

VFDs Keep the Good Times Pumping When the Triple R Camping Resort enhanced their facility to include a waterpark with interactive water features, they also needed to upgrade some behind-the-scenes elements, such as pumps and the VFDs controlling them. AutomationDirect VFDs were installed to control waterpark systems, and in the process the resort added the…

December 13, 2023 – AutomationDirect is pleased to announce the addition of world-renowned Wiha tools to our vast selection of industrial tools. The new Wiha tool offering includes various types of standard, insulated, and miniature/precision screwdrivers; multi-bit, hex, and impact bit drivers; general purpose, insulated, cutting, crimping, and precision pliers; cable shears; many tool set…

December 13, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added new Code barcode scanners to their portfolio of identification products. CR1500 series barcode scanners are compact hand-held devices with a dual-field optical platform that adds the ability to read laser etched, DPM, or high-density codes. CR5000 series barcode scanners are table-top presentation mode scanners that facilitate hands-free operation….

December 13, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added the new AchieVe series of inductive proximity sensors which offers great value for general industrial applications. These tubular inductive proximity sensors made from stainless steel are offered in 8mm, 12mm, and 18mm barrel sizes. Flush and non-flush mount styles offer a range of sensing distances up to 8mm….

A truck customization shop expanded their capabilities by offering AutomationDirect PLCs and HMIs to control expansive on-vehicle lighting displays. Just as many car owners like to customize their rides, there is a growing convoy of truck operators who like to do the same as a personal and promotional statement. Dickerson Custom Trucks has been catering…

December 6, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added new quality-built Saginaw carbon steel and stainless steel HMI enclosures available in various sizes with NEMA 3R/4/12/13 ratings (stainless steel units are also rated NEMA 4X). These enclosures protect human machine interfaces (HMIs) from harsh industrial environments, helping to prolong HMI service life and ensure reliable operation. They…

December 6, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added STRIDE SE3 series unmanaged Ethernet switches that offer low-cost networking solutions for industrial applications. Built with a rugged IP30 metal housing, this series offers Fast (10/100 Base-T) and Gigabit (1000 Base-T) speeds, fiber optic connections (ST 100FX, SC 100FX, and SFP ports), and up to 16 ports total….

December 6, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added Metal Work Regtronic series electro-pneumatic transducers that utilize two internal solenoid valves to convert an electronic signal from a PLC or other controller to a regulated precision linear pneumatic output pressure. This dual solenoid design eliminates continuous supply air consumption, reducing operational costs. Regtronic transducers feature a maximum…

Established in 1941, ELESA began by producing handles, knobs, handgrips, and handwheels for machines. Over 80 years later, ELESA is a leader in the design, fabrication, and distribution of plastic and metal standard machine parts for medical and mobile equipment, machine tools, packaging machinery, and more. Design and production for ELESA are concentrated in Monza,…

Featured Products ProductivityOpen open-source controller has all the great features of a standard Arduino plus the added power and reliability of an industrial controller CPU priced at $69 C-more touch panels provide complete system visibility and utmostcost savings for your interface needs Touchscreen models starting at $340 w/FREE software NITRA pneumatic air cylinders in disposable,…

4-20mA Analog Transmitter Troubleshooting Although most current loops are easy to install and commission, sometimes there can be a snag on initial setup, which requires a bit of troubleshooting to overcome. This article looks at some 4-20mA basics, and how to check on problematic installations. Read more Selecting Discrete Sensors Discrete object detection refers to…

November 29, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added BLITZDUCTORconnect yellow/line compact data and signal surge protectors to their growing lineup of surge protective devices. These surge protectors feature a modular, compact design for system protection in industrial environments, information technology signal interfaces, and automation or measuring and control systems. The integrated LifeCheck monitoring function helps ensure…

November 29, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added the P1AM-200 open-source CPU to their ProductivityOpen line of controllers. This CPU can be programmed in C++ using the Arduino IDE or in CircuitPython using any text editor. CircuitPython is a derivative of the Python programming language built specifically for microcontrollers and uses a runtime interpreter instead of…

November 29, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added more ProSense XTH2 series fixed range, head-mounted temperature transmitters to their lineup of temperature transmitters/signal conditioners. The XTH2 series fixed-range transmitters are for Type Pt100 3-wire RTDs and are ready to use out-of-the-box with pre-configured measuring ranges up to 500°F (260°C). These new convenient head-mounted temperature transmitters are…

November 15, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added additional CSmicro and new CSlaser series infrared pyrometers to their growing lineup of temperature sensors. Infrared pyrometers use non-contact sensing to determine the surface temperature of an object based on its emitted infrared radiation. Optris CSmicro LTH, 3ML/3MH, and 2MH series miniature infrared pyrometers feature a rugged stainless…

November 15, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added new RHINO BASIC PSR series power supplies that feature high power density, high efficiency, and overcurrent protection in constant current mode, making them ideal for charging applications. PSR series power supplies offer an ultra-slim design in a rugged aluminum housing, adjustable output voltage, and are available in: The…

UCalgary Racing has been using the Gefran PZ12-A-0050-L for the past 3 years to measure the suspension travel of the car. The potentiometers provide data that enable the team to understand and study the behavior of the vehicle at any given moment. It provides information that when analyzed, reveals how the car responds to road…

November 1, 2023 – AutomationDirect recently added the EQP Global SD severe duty motors from Toshiba. The Toshiba EQP SD series motors are designed to withstand the most severe conditions. Since most AC motor failures are a result of failed bearings, these inverter-duty motors feature oversized 300-series bearings for maximum motor longevity. The Toshiba EQP…

November 1, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added Patlite NE series visual and audible-visual signaling beacons to their portfolio of industrial signaling devices. These signaling devices are offered as visual-only beacons or as combination devices with a buzzer or selectable tone alarm (8 different tones) and signal beacon. Mono-color beacons are available in red, yellow, green,…

November 1, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added ACCU-Torq motors from Nidec U.S. MOTORS to their motor category. These 3-phase motors are high-performance inverter duty motors that are an excellent cost-effective solution for applications that require 100% torque down to zero speed. These motors offer premium efficiency and are available in 230/460 VAC 1800 rpm models…

Featured Products ProductivityOpen open-source controller has all the great features of a standard Arduino plus the added power and reliability of an industrial controller CPU priced at $69 IronHorse ACN NEMA 4X AC drives have features normally only found on more expensive drives, in a NEMA 4X enclosure and at a great price starting at…

Future-Proof Ethernet Installations Consumer- and commercial-grade Ethernet networking has been common since the 1980s, and it has evolved significantly over the decades. Yet, Ethernet for industrial applications generally lagged behind commercial installations. However, many more recent developments have elevated Ethernet to today?s preferred industrial networking technology. Read more Tech Brief ? HMIs Human beings are visual…

October 25, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added EWT-PA series flexible, non-metallic, two-piece split conduit from Murrplastik.  This flex split conduit provides an easy solution for routing pre-terminated cables, eliminating the need to dismantle/reassemble the installed connectors. The EWT-PA series conduit consists of dual overlapping tubes that are easy to open yet provide mechanical protection and…

October 25, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added Balluff BCS series capacitive proximity sensors to their robust selection of object detection sensors. They are available in 12 to 30mm tubular, 50mm round, and small rectangular body styles and offer sensing distances up to 30mm. These DC-powered sensors feature rugged stainless steel or thermoplastic housings with protection…

October 18, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added new ProSense T30R series rugged timer relays featuring a high 30A SPDT output contact that controls loads without requiring a separate contactor. These new single-function timer relays are available in on-delay, off-delay, fleeting, and cyclic mode timing options and offer an easy-to-use rotary switch adjustment with timing ranges…

Even though Ethernet is a widely-adopted standard, there remains a great need to connect with commercial, industrial, and laboratory devices using enduring serial RS232/RS485 communication technology. Chris Kregoski, product engineer for AutomationDirect, wrote an article for Industrial Equipment News September/October, titled Making Serial Connectivity Industrial-Grade. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the…

This resort site uses AutomationDirect VFDs to control waterpark systems, in the process adding the capability to manage and upgrade their own equipment. When the Triple R Camping Resort enhanced their facility to include a waterpark with interactive water features, they also needed to upgrade some behind-the-scenes elements, such as pumps, and the VFDs controlling…

October 11, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added RHINO PRO PSRP and RHINO TOUGH PSRT series power supplies to their extensive selection of switching power supplies. The PSRP series power supplies feature a sleek, space-saving design with push-in connectors, a rugged aluminum housing, and many DC power options including: RHINO TOUGH PSRT series machine-mount switch-mode power…

By considering these application characteristics, specifiers can identify the best industrial sensor candidates for their applications. Discrete object detection refers to methods used to sense the presence—or the absence—of a target material or product, resulting in an “on” or an “off” signal. There are many options for these types of sensors on the market, so…

A modern PLC automation platform will keep a classic industrial machine running for years to come. Cotton production originated thousands of years ago, but modern machines, like the cotton gin and the cotton baler (or cotton baling press), have made its processing much more efficient over the past 200 years. These machines can be kept…

October 4, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added SSP magnetic locking RFID non-contact safety switches to their portfolio of safety products.  The SSP safety switches monitor and lock machine guards, doors, windows, or other machinery. These safety switches combine both magnetic locking and RFID technology to provide tamper-proof protection using coded actuators. Contact is not required…

LUTZE Inc., an industrial automation manufacturer headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves its customers well by offering products in the four Cs of automation technology: cable, connectivity, cabinet, and control. Their high-quality, reliable product offerings help other companies develop automated solutions for their manufacturing and shipping needs.  “For four decades, our customers have valued our…

September 27, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added new SureServo2 servo systems that accept 460 VAC three-phase input power. With output power from 400W to 15kW, these 12 new perfectly matched sets of servo motors, drives, cables and accessories have all the features of our existing SureServo2 servo systems: on-board motion controller with registration, electronic camming…

September 27, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added new SOLO modular temperature controllers that offer the same functionality as the SOLO standard controllers but at a lower price. These temperature controllers feature a modular snap-together design that allows users to add channels as needed. Each channel can be configured with a different control mode and output…

September 27, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added the Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR10 series pulsed radar liquid level sensor to their growing lineup of liquid level sensors. This new sensor is a downward facing, non-contact sensor that emits electromagnetic pulses and determines the level based on the time it takes for the pulses to be reflected back…

Featured Products CLICK low-cost controllers offer easy, streamlined PID control (up to 8 process loops executing every 100ms) and an extremely user-friendly PID interface CPUs starting at $92 C-more touch panels provide complete system visibility and utmostcost savings for your interface needs Touchscreen models starting at $340 w/FREE software Schmalz end-of-arm tooling components for robot…

In-House Automation Focuses on People, Plant, and Profit Many companies rely on external firms for automation upgrades and changes, and this works well for countless applications. But Pacific Cheese Company faced a dual challenge of maintaining and improving manual and legacy systems, while at the same time upgrading operations to responsively meet changing consumer demands….

September 20, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added more Iboco wire ducts which provide an easy, efficient, and safe way to organize wires and cables routed inside an electrical enclosure or cabinet. Our new shorter-length (1 meter) Iboco T1 series wide-finger-wall wire ducts and T1E series narrow-finger-wall wire ducts add more options for installation convenience in…

The 4-20mA analog current loop is a workhorse of automation, but initial setup and troubleshooting can be challenging, here are some tips to help. For all types of industrial machinery and automation, a basic 4 to 20 milliamp (4-20mA) wiring scheme has been one of the most prominent installation methods for transmitting analog signals. Digital…

September 13, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added 300V to 750V rated LUTZE Type HAR/MTW (Harmonized European Standard / Machine Tool Wire) wire that meets National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA Standard 79 requirements and is commonly used for appliance wiring, control cabinets, and machine tool applications in Europe. These wires consist of a tinned copper…

September 13, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added PBC linear shafts, bearings, and shaft supports to their power transmission product category. PBC linear shafts are precision ground to provide an optimized surface for plain and ball bearings and are ideal for high-precision linear motion applications where tight tolerances are needed. The shafts are available in carbon…

September 13, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added Gladiator GECP series modular 12/24 VDC circuit protectors to their selection of electronic circuit protection devices. The GECP series offers both fixed trip current versions and a version with an adjustable trip current range and adjustable trip characteristics. LED signaling with output alarms allows real-time status monitoring. This…

The Fandis headquarters is in the beautiful Piedmont region of Italy, which sits at the base of the Alps between Milan and Switzerland. The company has seen much growth since its founding in 1985. And while the company has expanded well past its humble roots as a compact axial fans distributor, the family-owned company still…