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What do manufacturers in the packaging, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries have in common? How would you answer this question if it was asked during a restaurant trivia game? If you bet all your hard-earned trivia points on “E,” then you would be collecting your prize! Balluff is a fourth-generation, family-owned sensor and…
From Ethernet to EtherCAT and Beyond Once upon a time (think 1980s), Ethernet was a relatively specialized computer connectivity technology, administrated by experienced gurus under highly-controlled office settings. Since then, technology and performance have advanced incredibly, and much of the world?s population uses wired and wireless (Wi-Fi) Ethernet in their everyday lives. Learn more AutomationDirect Named…
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 MPU starting at $205 460 VAC SureServo 2 servo systems are fully digital and offer a rich set of features to cover a broad range of motion control applications in sizes from…
May 29, 2024 – AutomationDirect now offers custom paint selections for Saginaw carbon steel Enviroline series single-door enclosures with ¼-turn latches. These enclosures can be custom-ordered with one of 15 color options in addition to the standard gray or light gray color. Custom paint options include graphite black, gentian blue, light blue, pebble gray, traffic…
May 29, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Gefran GQ and GRSH series solid state relays that feature a wide range of contact ratings and input and output voltages. They are available in DIN rail or panel mounting styles and offer a variety of overload and thermal protection options. Gefran GQ series “hockey puck” style panel…
May 29, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added new Murrelektronik Modlink panel interface connectors that provide various styles of interface inserts, frames, and optional protection covers that can be easily configured for a custom data and/or power panel interface connector. Modlink panel interface inserts are available in nine connection combinations that may include RJ45 Cat5e, female/male…
May 22, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added new discrete and relay I/O expansion modules to the Productivity PLC family. For the Productivity1000 PLC series, a 4-channel, high current relay output module is now available. This module provides up to 7A/point for both DC and AC control circuits and features four Form C (normally open/normally closed)…
May 22, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added several new additions to the powerful LS Electric XGB PLC series. For discrete (ON/OFF) monitoring and control, a new lower-cost 24 VDC 8-point input module, 8-point 12-24 VDC sinking and sourcing output modules, an 8-point relay module with Form A contacts, and a 16-point combination discrete input/relay output…
May 15, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Murrelektronik open core control transformers that provide a flexible solution for stepping down a variety of primary voltages ranging from 208 to 550 VAC. The universal input on these transformers provides eleven different voltage options that are easily configurable using simple quick-connect jumpers. The primary side can be…
May 15, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Ceraphant series digital pressure transmitters featuring a compact stainless steel construction, a 4-digit LCD display, and IO-Link compatibility for easy setup, integration, and on-the-fly configuration changes. Ceraphant PTP31B series digital pressure transmitters offer dual 1/2” NPT male / 1/4” NPT female process connections and are available in…
Improved technologies and expanded user demands have pushed the evolution of industrial automation technologies, and PLCs continue to advance and meet these needs. Almost a decade ago, Jeff Payne at AutomationDirect wrote a Control Engineering article titled Future of the PLC . At that time, PLC technology was already 50 years mature but still a…
May 8, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Metal Work Series 70 valves to their Valves and Pneumatic Components categories. Metal Work is a trusted name in pneumatics and several new valve types are available, including toggle and axial lever manual valves, push-pull manual valves, mechanically operated air valves (mechanical limit switch valves), pushbutton air valves,…
This electrical contractor relied on AutomationDirect PLC and HMI hardware and software to rapidly rip-and-replace the controls on a failing rock crusher. Equipment used in rock quarrying operations is subjected to extremes of dirt, vibration, heat, and more, pressing mechanical and electrical systems to the limit. When the crushing equipment legacy automation at one site…
Although sometimes taken for granted, clean water is a basic human need made possible through infrastructure and treatment facilities that channel, process, and safely deliver it to our taps. The water made available for much of the developed world to drink, bathe, or cook with has very likely, at many phases along its journey to…
May 1, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added machine-mountable barcode scanners, 2D cameras, and 3D vision sensors from ifm efector to their Barcode/RFID/Vision category. Machine-mountable barcode scanners can read popular industrial 1D and 2D codes such as Code 128, Code 39, QR codes, and many more. They are excellent for applications requiring machine mounting, conveyor mounting,…
May 1, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more WEG Electric S series premium efficiency motors to their expanding portfolio of AC motors. This addition includes several general-purpose 3-phase motors from 1-1/2 to 20hp and 3-phase brake motors from 3 to 20hp. The new rolled steel motors are available with speeds of 1200, 1800, and 3600…
Our low-cost products and free support have fostered many innovations over our almost 30 years of business. Below is a small sampling of what a few customers have done with our products. Check them out! Proof of Success: Crafting a Distillation Upgrade These University of Colorado—Colorado Springs students performed their capstone design project by using AutomationDirect products…
Featured Products Productivity1000 series PLCs are the super-compact version of the Productivity PLC family with features you love including tag name programming and built-in data logging CPU starting at $237 WEG Electric IEC safety contactors feature mechanically linked and mirror contacts, providing a safe and reliable way to control electrical power in industrial and commercial…
April 24, 2024 – AutomationDirect had added more Stego enclosure heaters to their Enclosure Thermal Management lineup. These new 120-240 VAC/VDC enclosure heaters include small, flat versions that distribute heat evenly within compact enclosures and are available with 8W or 10W heating capacities. Also added are compact loop heaters that feature a patented loop body…
April 17, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added SIM timing pulleys to their Power Transmission product category. 5M pitch (5mm) pulleys in bore sizes of 5/8”, ¾”, 7/8”, or 1-1/8” with 20 to 120 teeth are now available, as are additional MXL pitch (0.08in) pulleys in bore sizes of 1/8”, 3/16”, and ¼” with 14 to…
What is EtherCAT? EtherCAT, which stands for Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, is a high-performance industrial network protocol based on standard Ethernet. It?s specifically designed for real-time communication and deterministic data exchange, making it ideal for motion control applications like robotics, assembly lines, and packaging machines. Learn more C-more CM5 HMI Selected as a 2024 Control…
Nidec Corporation prides itself on being an international conglomerate that handles “everything that spins and moves.” Similar to an NBA star who can spin a basketball with expertise, skill, and passion, Nidec continues to thrive with expertise, skill, and passion in the industrial motor industry. Nidec is the world’s number one comprehensive motor manufacturer. Nidec’s…
Once only suitable for sheltered office installations, Ethernet media and protocols can now efficiently serve and future-proof a variety of industrial applications. Once upon a time (think 1980s), Ethernet was a relatively specialized computer connectivity technology, administrated by experienced gurus under highly-controlled office settings. Since then, technology and performance have advanced incredibly, and much of…
April 10, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more power output options to their selection of WAGO Pro2 series performance power supplies. The new additions include 12 VDC single-phase power supplies with 120 or 180W outputs, 24 VDC three-phase power supplies with 120 or 240W outputs, and 48 VDC single- and three-phase power supplies with outputs…
Solar thermal installations need advanced control systems to optimize energy harvesting, storage, and distribution at remote mining operations. For certain applications in the right geographic areas, solar thermal can be a cost effective and low carbon way to supply large-scale heat energy. Flemming Jørgensen, of Jorgensen Thermal solutions, supplies these systems, and he needed to…
April 3, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Leuze 28 series 18mm threaded rectangular sensors that feature flexible mounting options with front and bottom 18mm threads and 3.1mm through-holes, sensing distances up to 10m, and rugged ABS thermoplastic housings with an IP67 protection rating. These new photoelectric sensors are offered in diffuse, polarized retroreflective, and through-beam…
April 3, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Datalogic PowerScan 960X cordless handheld barcode scanner systems to their Barcode/RFID/Vision category. These scanners feature an ergonomic shape with a rugged design that can withstand demanding environments. The new PowerScan scanners provide an omnidirectional reading of 1D stacked, 2D, and postal codes with 1280 x 800 optical resolution,…
Modern multi-axis servo systems require a network for coordination of all the various movements. EtherCAT provides a high-speed cyclic mode that can update all the servo systems on the network within a few milliseconds. EtherCAT multi-axis servo systems can be created using the LS Electric XGB PLC in conjunction with LS Electric iX7 servo systems…
Featured Products LS Electric XGB PLCs are advanced controllers geared for motion applications with many high-level features, such as IEC programming, that can be beneficial in any automated system XGB CPU starting at $299 C-more Micro touch panels give you lots of options for a little price, with free programming software starting at $146 Pneumatic…
Check out the answers to Brain Teasers from Automation Notebook below: Qualified Distributions Answer Starting with the lead electrician, the starting (and ending) lug quantities must have been 12,10,8,6,4,2,0. To reason this though, start with the last electrician – they must be left with 0 lugs, because the last redistribution is for THAT last electrician…
March 20, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Helukabel TOPFLEX 600V VFD cable designed to handle the power needs of VFDs and limit the effects of electromagnetic interference, helping to prevent costly machine downtime. This cable is available in 16 AWG to 2 AWG sizes with individual class K flexible stranded tinned copper conductors covered with…
Learning how to catch and clean a fish, how to change a flat tire, and how to drive a stick shift are some of the many important life lessons I learned over my years. Those lessons have served me well, but at this stage of my life I have found another, equally important lesson and…
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March 13, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added new high-quality and efficient stainless steel Seifert 340 BTU/H thermoelectric coolers with 120- and 230-volt power options. Thermoelectric coolers from Seifert use the Peltier Effect to create a temperature difference between the internal and ambient heat sinks, making internal air cooler while dissipating heat into the external environment….
March 13, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added GC Valves solenoid process valves to expand their general purpose valve selection. These valves are simple 2-way or 3-way electrically controlled valves that control fluid flow through a pipe or other process. Supported fluids include compressed air, inert gases, coolant, and water. Several styles support a range of…
March 13, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added additional AttaBox Heartland and Heartland SL (shallow-depth) series polycarbonate wall-mount single-door enclosures. These enclosures are available in various sizes with an opaque or smoked transparent door, and either polycarbonate or stainless-steel latches. The new AttaBox enclosures include models with a built-in shelf and are available with NEMA 1/3R/4/4X/12…
Electro-pneumatic I/O and solenoid systems save control panel space while simplifying installation and maintenance. Machine builders and OEMs everywhere are striving to meet customer demands to deliver smarter, more modular, and physically compact systems—often requiring more instrumentation and control points. In a Fluid Power World January/February 2024 article titled Distributed Electro-Pneumatics Streamline Equipment Designs, AutomationDirect’s…
Eagle Motorsports and Georgia Southern University have been using AutomationDirect for two years to collect valuable data in order to improve our engineering decisions regarding suspension. It is important to know how fast the suspension on a vehicle moves in order to properly adjust the stiffness of the shocks and springs. These velocities can be…
Supplier Profile: Metal Work 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. Learn more Redundancy Options…
March 4, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added AchieVe PSA series value power supplies which offer prices well below the competition and are ideal for price-sensitive users who require basic yet reliable DC power for general industrial applications. Their overcurrent protection is designed to operate in constant current mode, making the PSA series suitable for inductive…
March 6, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added even more network cabling options to their lineup of Communication products. The new AchieVe brand fiber optic Ethernet patch cables provide reliable low-cost multi-mode fiber connections. These cables contain optical fibers that transmit data signals as light, offering much higher transmission speeds than copper cables, and are naturally…
March 6, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added new mechanical connectors from Penn Union that include high-quality lugs and neutral bars for use in the most demanding applications. LA / L2A series heavy-duty aluminum lugs provide reliable electrical connections rated for 600V and are dual-rated for copper or aluminum conductors. PB series aluminum panelboard lugs are…
Smarter sensors and practical digital networking make premium automation capabilities accessible for discrete manufacturing applications. Large food and chemical production plants are typically called “process” operations, while machinery and equipment are considered “discrete” manufacturing, but both categories need effective detection and measurement technologies. Some technologies, such as smart sensors and digital fieldbuses have largely been…
AutomationDirect’s C-more CM5 HMI was announced as a Control Engineering 2024 Product of the Year nominee in the Control Systems category. Check out the link and cast your vote! Please note: You have to be a subscriber to CFE Media’s Control Engineering‘s eBook to cast a vote. The CM5 HMI series offers lower cost, high-performance HMIs in…
In the fast-paced world of industrial automation, even a millisecond delay can have a ripple effect, disrupting production lines and costing valuable time. This is where EtherCAT steps in, offering a solution to the real-time communication challenges faced by factories and other industrial environments. Developed by Beckhoff Automation, EtherCAT builds upon the familiar foundation of…
EtherCAT, which stands for Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, is a high-performance industrial network protocol based on standard Ethernet. It’s specifically designed for real-time communication and deterministic data exchange, making it ideal for motion control applications like robotics, assembly lines, and packaging machines. Key Features: Motion Control using EtherCAT: Benefits of using EtherCAT for Motion…
February 28, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Swivellink pre-packaged mounting kits, extra small components, and more sensor mounting options to their Barcode/RFID/Vision category. Mounting kits include all the components needed for a mounting system assembly, so customers can avoid compiling part numbers from scratch. Extra small components, in imperial and metric versions, are excellent for…
February 28, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added new JOKARI cable/wire stripping and dismantling tools designed for the easy removal of cable jackets and wire insulation. These ergonomic tools are available for various AWG sizes and in automatic, heavy-duty, multi-purpose, and precision models. JOKARI self-adjusting stripping pliers provide ease of use, durability, an ergonomic design, and…
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….