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AutomationDirect has added additional FATH components for T-slotted aluminum rail including sleek casters with lifting foot options for mobility and stability, an ergonomic dual monitor workstation, monitor mount extensions, and a wide array of tool hooks, holders, and accessories that streamline organization and workflow. From cup holders to storage trays and fastening hardware, every component…

AutomationDirect has added AchieVe FBM series rectangular photoelectric sensors that deliver reliable performance at a great price for a wide range of industrial applications. They feature a rugged thermoplastic construction, offer options for visible red LED, pinpoint LED, or infrared light emission, and provide sensing distances of up to 10 meters. Offered in diffuse with…

AutomationDirect has added Murrplastik solid corrugated tubing which provides protection, reliability, and adaptability for wire and cable in demanding environments. The EW-PAB series delivers both chemical and impact resistance for static installations under medium to high mechanical loads. Crafted from modified polyamide 6, this solid-wall tubing is flame-retardant, low-smoke, and engineered for long-term resilience in…

AutomationDirect has added WEG Electric CWBN series contactors that are IEC-compliant and NEMA-rated, delivering robust, dependable performance in a compact IEC-style housing. They are offered at a highly competitive price, in ratings from 2 to 50 hp (95A) at 460 VAC, and meet or exceed the electrical requirements defined by NEMA ICS 2 standards for…

AutomationDirect.com has added Quadritalia OK series 2200mm modular enclosure base components and accessories that include vertical frame rail sets, doors, side panels, rear panels, and subpanels, that are engineered to fit seamlessly together, building a highly adaptable enclosure for industrial, electrical, and data applications. Additional accessories are available to improve enclosure functionality and installation flexibility. These…

16 Tips for an Effective HMI When designing an effective human-machine interface (HMI) system, every screen, button and graphic matters. This article, “16 Tips for an Effective HMI”, offers a clear and practical roadmap—from layout planning and color usage to alarm handling and usability testing—to help you create an HMI that’s intuitive, efficient and reliable….

AutomationDirect now offers Klemsan slim interface relays which feature a highly compact 6.2mm-wide design in a durable, self-extinguishing housing. These high-performance relays are engineered for long life and are ideal for space-constrained control panels and automation systems. They offer flexible integration across various applications with support for a wide range of coil voltages (12 to…

AutomationDirect has added Halex liquid-tight metallic and non-metallic fittings which ensure a secure bond between conduits and enclosures, delivering a dependable seal that protects against moisture, oil, and contaminants. Available in trade sizes from 3/8 inch to 2 inch in both straight and 90-degree configurations, these fittings come with insulated and non-insulated options. Reusable components…

AutomationDirect.com has added Pfannenberg PYRA series custom traffic light systems which consist of pre-wired bases, industrial traffic light elements, and signal horns that can be assembled into a custom multi-tier indicator. PYRA LED traffic light bases are pre-wired for a 1-to-4 stage visual traffic light using assorted colored light elements (red, green, yellow, or blue) or for…

AutomationDirect has added ProSense HUM series humidity sensors provide reliable temperature and relative humidity (RH) measurements for HVAC, cleanroom, and general industrial applications. They offer versatile mounting options and wide measurement ranges (-4 to 140 deg F, 0 to 99.9% RH), with select models providing a seven-segment display for quick, at-a-glance monitoring. Duct mount sensors include…

AutomationDirect now offers GT Line of premium tool storage solutions which are designed for professionals who demand durability, organization, and comfort on the job. Crafted from tough polyester canvas, GT Line tool bags feature a sophisticated compartment system that ensures effortless transport and efficient organization with a rigid-bottom design for stability and protection for your…

AutomationDirect has added Wiha foam tray tool sets which offer utmost organization and accessibility, with each tray featuring durable tri-layer foam construction with clear tool outlines and printed labels for quick identification and inventory control. Modular sizing allows seamless integration into drawers, tool chests, or mobile workstations. Options include standard and insulated screwdriver trays, plier…

The right surge suppression technologies help protect valuable equipment and digital systems from electrical surges, while ensuring designs comply with regulatory requirements. Electrical surges represent a persistent yet often underestimated threat to today’s technologically advanced commercial and industrial facilities. In this Automation World December 2025 article titled Industrial Surge Protection: Essential Technologies and Installation Standards…

Industrial motion control is used to operate a variety of apparatuses, including gripping, transporting, and moving mechanisms on small machines, plus multi-axis robotics, large web handling systems, and much more. This overview explains the key concepts of motion control systems. In an industrial automation context, the term “motion control” usually refers to using an electric…

Every workplace shares a common goal to keep employees safe and productive while preventing costly accidents. The reality is, moving machinery means risk. But with the right protection, that risk can be minimized. That’s where Velox Machine Guarding comes in. Designed to create a safe perimeter around equipment, it helps businesses meet regulatory standards, reduce…

November 19th, 2025 – AutomationDirect now offers Dold 9019 soft starters which offer simple dial setup for standard and light-duty three-phase applications under 9 amps and support a voltage range of 200-480VAC. These soft starters are in an ultra-compact, space-saving package with many great options, including a soft stop feature. Like most other solid-state soft…

November 19th, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Micropilot FMR series FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar level transmitters that utilize 80 GHz radar technology, which is unaffected by most media, processes, or environmental factors. Using the change in frequency between the transmitted and reflected signals and time-of-flight calculations, the FMR series sensors continuously measure…

November 19th, 2025 – AutomationDirect now offers Fibox MNX and TEMPO series polycarbonate miniature cases which are engineered to deliver durable, adaptable protection for every installation need. The MNX series combines a premium thick-wall construction with reinforced corners for superior impact resistance and long-term performance. A corrosion-free polyamide screw cover ensures a secure seal, while metric…

November 19th, 2025-AutomationDirect now offers Sumitomo heat shrink tubing to support all wiring management needs, with both adhesive-lined and non-adhesive tubing options. Sumitomo’s Sumitube B2 is the go-to non-adhesive heat shrink tubing, ideal for general-purpose applications such as wire marking and light harness insulation. Sumitomo W3B2 heat shrink tubing combines a flame-retardant polyolefin outer layer…

Highlights When it comes to keeping the plant running efficiently, there’s an element that is always present but often overlooked. It’s the power and current that runs through machines. And all that needs to be managed and protected. In this issue of NOTEBOOK, we explore all aspects of this invisible force, exploring the need for…

When a plant’s main control panel went up in flames, it wasn’t a lightning strike or a voltage surge that caused the damage. The root cause was far more preventable and far more common: an undersized circuit protection device that couldn’t handle the available fault current. The result was catastrophic. The customer lost the entire…

By: Brent Purdy and David Saenz, Automation Direct Is your facility plagued by high energy costs, frequent nuisance trips, and repeated asset failures? Power monitoring could be just solution you need. Without data, it’s impossible to make informed decisions. After all, you can’t fix it if you can’t see it. Power monitors, or power quality…

Stepper Motors: What They Are and Their Role in Industrial Automation Trying to get perfect, repeatable motion can be a headache. A small mistake in positioning can ruin a job and cost you time. The solution is precision motion—that’s where stepper motors come in. So, what is a stepper motor? Watch the video PLC or…

Tie Fighter Let’s number the 4 ties that we plan to move: Then move them to these new positions: Do Your Level Best Here is a sketch of the tank with the block lowered into place.  Let h represent the height of the increased level (as shown) that we wish to determine. Let’s also label three areas:…

Tie Fighter Move only four cable ties so that the cable ties form three unique equilateral triangles. We’ve recently added a number of additional specialty cable ties and cable tie mounting products including the “winged push-in panel ties” shown in this puzzle.  Check them out here: go2adc.com/sapiselco Do Your Level Best The liquid level in the…

A wide range of products support reliable and safe electrical circuit designs for any application. By Billy Sonnenthal, AutomationDirect Key takeaways Nearly every electrical or control panel—whether destined for a home, office, or busy factory—features an incoming power circuit, internal power distribution, and connections to/from field devices. Careful hardware selection and compliance with electrical codes…

Surge suppression provisions are now mandated for many applications, and users are recognizing the value of protecting increasingly digital and connected systems from electrical disruptions. By David Saenz, AutomationDirect For many years, surge suppression protective devices may have seemed like an optional and supplementary choice, perhaps something consumers plugged their sensitive computers and TV equipment…

Mechanical engineering students also took on the controls aspects for designing a flexible hydraulic press producing sustainable and cost-effective building insulation production. By Ben Zamachaj Worldwide, millions of people live without adequate housing. While modern building materials like fiberglass insulation, moisture wrapping, and even the humble cinderblock have markedly improved construction standards over the past…

Because the sugar mill operates in overdrive production for just four months out of the year, and recovers for the other eight months, reliable products are essential for maximizing uptime during the busy season. By Josh Camel, M.A. Patout & Son Sugar Mill At most manufacturing plants, the production year is near-constant, with occasionally scheduled…

With offices in North Carolina, Florida, and Ontario, Canada, this global leader serves more than 130 countries with a comprehensive range of all-plastic instrumentation products. Learn more about ICON in this Supplier Profile!

AutomationDirect now offers di-soric patch cable in-line sensor signal converters which are compact, plug-and-play devices designed to provide versatile signal management right at the sensor. They allow for quick, easy retrofitting with existing M8 or M12 quick-disconnect sensors, making it simple to instantly upgrade discrete sensing capabilities without complex system changes. These rugged converters deliver…

AutomationDirect has added ProSense DPM4 series advanced digital panel meters which combine precision and versatility in a compact 1/8 DIN package. They accept a variety of sensor inputs and provide customizable analog, discrete, and serial outputs via optional expansion cards. Features include bright main and secondary LED displays, selectable sensor excitation, configuration lockout, and an…

AutomationDirect has added Lutze Amphenol MPronto-12 series data and sensor/signal connection cables which are engineered for secure, high-performance connections in industrial automation, food and beverage, and motion-intensive applications. Featuring industry-standard axial M12 connectors with pigtail and a push-pull spring lock design, the M12 A-coded sensor and signal cables ensure fast, vibration-resistant connections. A-coded cables are available…

AutomationDirect has added RHINO SELECT PSRS series switching power supplies. These power supplies are small, cost-effective, and easy to use, and remain stable in a wide range of temperatures.

AutomationDirect is proud to announce that its C-more CM5-RHMI headless HMI has been awarded the Gold Medal in the Industrial Automation category of the 2025 LEAP Awards! The awards program, organized by Design World, recognizes innovative engineering achievements in product and component design across a range of categories. These categories also span other WTWH Media…

From analog loops to IIoT-ready PLCs: What today’s engineers need to know In process industries like oil and gas, chemical, paper, and water treatment, precision is everything. That’s why PLCs—once simple relay replacers—have evolved into powerful, real-time control hubs capable of enabling intelligent operations across increasingly connected systems. Learn more Free Circuit Protection eBook This…

AutomationDirect has added C-more CTM series industrial LCD flat panel monitors.

AutomationDirect has added Sifam Tinsley analog panel meters which provide a solution for every level of industrial electrical monitoring.

AutomationDirect now offers Contrinex IO-Link smart proximity and photoelectric sensors that provide advanced processing functions such as real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, high-speed internal decision-making, configurable outputs, and scaled measurement data, without relying on a PLC. Smart inductive proximity sensors offer up to a 10 mm sensing distance, flush or semi-flush mounting, one PNP output, and one configurable discrete/IO-Link…

AutomationDirect has added larger gauge options for their flexible multi-conductor sensor/actuator cable lineup. The expanded selection now includes 20 AWG through 16 AWG cables, available with 3, 4, or 5 unshielded conductors. Each conductor is made of bare copper stranded for enhanced flexibility and is insulated with color-coded PVC for easy identification. The yellow outer…

From its beginning in a small Parma, Italy, laboratory, Laumas was built on a foundation of precision engineering, innovation and exceptional value. Learn more about Laumas in this Supplier Profile!

AutomationDirect now offers the new P1-412 and P1-622 CPUs, next generation versions of the existing Productivity1000 P1-540 and P1-550 CPUs.

October 25th, 2025-AutomationDirect has added ProSense SC6 series high-density pulse isolators and frequency input signal conditioners which handle a variety of discrete, pulse, and frequency signals. Pulse isolator models provide a simple and reliable way to split a single input into two independent outputs, while frequency input models convert a wide range of frequencies into…

October 8th, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added MP Sensor P.Touch series pressure transmitters that are engineered for industrial automation, combining intuitive operation with reliable performance. They feature a TFT touchscreen interface for easy setup and calibration, and support pressure rangers from vacuum to 2000 psig with ± .0.5% accuracy and response times less than 3ms. …

October 1, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added ProSense SBLT series small bore submersible level sensors which deliver precision, reliability, and durability for challenging water level measurement applications. Their ultra-slim 316L stainless steel housing allows easy installation in deep wells, narrow boreholes, and standpipe installations, while extended sensing ranges from 23.1 to 461.3 feet of water…

October 1, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added ProSense XTD2/XTH2 series fixed-range temperature transmitters that convert a variety of temperature sensor input types into precise signals for PLCs, meters, or controllers. The XTD2 series features compact, DIN-rail–mounted signal conditioners that deliver accurate, isolated temperature signals, support multiple sensor types, and provide flexible monitoring solutions. New fixed-range…

October 1, 2025 – AutomationDirect now offers more CCEA TRACKALPHA-PRO series LED light bars which feature a rugged industrial-grade anodized aluminum construction and are ideal for use with medium to large sized industrial machine tools or for use in wet environments. The new 24 VDC and existing 120 VAC high-powered LED lights provide intense, uniform…

October 1, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added ProSense MAE1 series magnetic proximity sensors which offer excellent value for general industrial applications. They provide non-contact object detection and are used with a separate damping magnet to achieve long sensing ranges. They feature a compact 8mm tubular, flush-mounted 316L stainless steel housing ideal for space-limited installations and…

Cooking Up a Partnership With busy lives and schedules often bursting at the seams, ready-to-eat (RTE) food has become a convenience that many indulge in—and some may even rely on. RTE meal providers highlight the taste, quality, and nutrition of their offerings, emphasizing premium ingredients and careful preparation as key selling points. However, an often-overlooked…

AutomationDirect has added EtherCAT-capable stepper drives from Ever Motion Solutions® that offer peak performance and a rich feature set.

AutomationDirect added new multi-turn, absolute encoders from Lika Electronic that use Ethernet or serial communication to provide position and velocity information.

September 17, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Dold residual current monitors which detect leakage currents in grounded AC and DC systems, deliver early warning and alarm outputs with wide adjustment ranges, and support preventive maintenance and customized fault responses while minimizing unnecessary trips. The RN5883 series AC/DC monitors work with external ND5015 residual (differential) current…

Lumher is an automation and control leader in Spain for more than 40 years, Contaval designed the industrial lighting brand Lumher to fill a critical gap in manufacturing environments.

AutomationDirect has added Murrelektronik 7/8 in – 16 UN2 mini cables that enables the transmission of both power and critical control signals.

September 10, 2025 – AuotmationDirect has added IDEM UGB-NET gate boxes that are designed for installation on machine guard doors, serving as an integrated solenoid locking guard with a double tamper-resistant interlock mechanism. Similar to universal gate boxes, these devices add the ability to communicate over the CIP safety protocol, providing greater functionality and easier…

September 10, 2025- AutomationDirect has added Dehn EZ50-S series surge protective devices (SPDs) which protect equipment from harmful voltage spikes and surges and are designed for challenging outdoor applications. They ensure uninterrupted performance and system uptime and are ideal for electric vehicles, water/wastewater facilities, data centers, mobile phone sites, and many more commercial/industrial environments. These rugged…

AutomationDirect adds Penn-Union BLUA series aluminum compression lugs which are built from premium-grade materials, and deliver exceptional conductivity.

AutomationDirect has added AcuAMP 3-phase voltage transducers and ground fault sensors that deliver precise multi-phase voltage measurement.

Even desktop- and garage-sized process and manufacturing applications can benefit greatly from automation, but only when the right products are available to help designers easily create a solution. This Control Design October 2025 article titled How to Apply Industrial Control to Small-Batch Distillation: A Case Study in Smart Reflux Automation followed a small team as…

AutomationDirect has added Eltwin solid state contactors which provide load switching control with the advantage of no moving parts, considerably extending service life and reducing maintenance costs.

When you grab a snack from a vending machine or pick up a prescription from the pharmacy, you probably don’t think about the sensors working behind the scenes to make those conveniences possible. And chances are good that you don’t wonder about the sophisticated vision systems ensuring product quality or the precise measurement technologies verifying…

BRX POM & I/O Modules Ext

August 27, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Viking drill bits, including double-ended, jobber-length, mechanic-length, screw-machine-length, and split point step bits, which are available individually or in sets and come in titanium nitride (TiN), gold oxide, or black oxide finishes. Viking split point drill bits are self-centering and come with 118° or 135° point angles to…

Automated Robotic Welding Cuts Production Time by Over 90% A manufacturing company teamed up with a systems integration firm to significantly accelerate an infrastructure project by integrating a robotic welder with precision motion control, intelligent safety systems, and other advanced automation components. Learn more Demystifying Motion Control Anyone who has ever observed a modern factory…

August 20, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added the RECOM RACPRO1 series 3-phase power supplies that are a highly reliable, low-cost solution for demanding industrial automation and renewable energy applications. These power supplies include features such as an adjustable power output, selectable power boost, parallel share, charging mode settings, and a load LED display showing actual…

August 20, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added more SapiSelco general purpose, stainless steel tooth, and specialty head ties, as well as new specialty material ties. These specialty material ties are designed with specific features to address particular needs and challenges across diverse applications, and include super UV resistant, chemical resistant, phosphorescent, and flame retardant versions….

In process industries like oil and gas, chemical, paper, and water treatment, precision is everything. That’s why PLCs—once simple relay replacers—have evolved into powerful, real-time control hubs capable of enabling intelligent operations across increasingly connected systems. To explore how PLC technology is transforming process control, we spoke with Jeff Payne, Director of Business Development at…

Applying large-scale automation concepts and technologies to a small-scale process operation. By Doug Reneker Small-scale distillation processes can take many forms because there are countless possible objectives, but the underlying principles reflect those used by large-scale companies to produce fuel, chemicals, and alcoholic beverages. Boutique and hobbyist practitioners creating products worthy of aging and imbibing…

Building and Growing Robotics Teams AutomationDirect started supporting student robotics efforts in 2005 by sponsoring a single high school robotics team, as part of the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) organization. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 1746, also known as Team OTTO, which began as a community team of students from…

By: Rin Irvin and Josh Waters It’s an engineering truth that there’s no such thing as a perfect solution, just the best solution for the project at hand. This principle remains true for process control applications. PLCs are powerful and comprehensive control solutions, but not every industrial process needs that level of functionality. For every…

Highlights Since its humble beginnings in the 1960s as a replacement for relay logic systems on the automotive line, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) have evolved into multi-core processing units that run many critical functions in manufacturing plants. With more processing power and more memory, the PLC has also expandedbeyond discrete operations for basic sequencing into…

August 13, 2025 – AutomationDirect now offers ProSense LPD5-A series large process meters that deliver a rugged, easy-to-use field display with exceptional visibility for demanding industrial environments. Units feature a bright 100mm (4-inch), 5-digit LED display that is easily readable from up to 50 meters away, even in direct sunlight. The meters support a wide…

August 13, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added A-coded M8 and M12 sensor and signal cables to facilitate accurate data transmission between sensors and control systems. New D-coded M12 Cat5e and X-coded M12 Cat6a Ethernet connection data cables support the high-speed Ethernet communication essential for network reliability and performance. Additional Murrelektronik A-coded 3-pin M8 and 5-pin…

August 13, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Konnect-It KN-P series screwless terminal blocks that accept solid, stranded, or ferrule-ended wire types and offer fast, tool-free wiring using spring clamp or push-in technology. These terminal blocks come with the highest UL94 V0 flammability rating and are available in single-, double-, and triple-level models, with options including…

A system integrator supports their food processing client, implementing industrial automation technologies for a mix of OEM equipment and systems throughout the facility. By Jordan Hulsey, Caldwell Electrical Contractors, Inc. With busy lives and schedules often bursting at the seams, ready-to-eat (RTE) food has become a convenience that many indulge in—and some may even rely…