Smart vision sensors incorporate on-board machine learning, empowering users to deploy them in common applications, without the cost and complexity of traditional products. Common photoelectric (PE) sensors are the most basic type of “vision” device, but traditionally it has required much more advanced technology to capture and analyze actual images for advanced detection. In an article written by AutomationDirect’s Kevin Kakascik for Industrial Equipment News and posted in January 2023, Kevin explains how the latest intelligent and compact visions sensors are bringing essential vision-sensing ..read more

Color me confused! Spencer picks one of the colored numbers from the list below.  He tells the VALUE (only) to Kelly, and the COLOR (only) to Dylan. After looking at the list (and with no other information provided) Kelly and Dylan have the following conversation: Kelly:  “I don’t know which one of the colored numbers was picked.” Dylan: “I don’t either, but I also knew that you didn’t know.” Kelly: “OK, NOW I know which it is!” Dylan: “So do I.” Which of the colored numbers did Spencer originally pick? [found on Reddit.com – credit to “dingusiesonreddit” – who reports adapting it f ..read more

One of the best things about AutomationDirect, in my opinion, is our continuous focus on customer needs. We strive to go above and beyond for our customers, and we always appreciate feedback on how we’re doing and what products we may be lacking. Using surveys, reviews, forum posts, etc., we try to reach out as much as possible to see what we’re doing right and more importantly what we’re doing wrong. In fact, this week, a few of us will be headed to a PLC training class given by our training partner (Interconnecting Automation) to speak with students and get their impressions of our products ..read more

March 8th, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added 300V Atlas Type AWM (appliance wire material) wire that is commonly used for appliance wiring, control cabinets, and machine tool applications. This new wire meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA Standard 79 requirements and is made in the USA. Atlas Type AWM wire consist of a tinned copper single conductor covered with a colored polyvinyl chloride (PVC) outer jacket and is available in sizes ranging from 26AWG to 16AWG. Various color options are offered including blue with white stripe, white with blue stripe, and green with yellow str ..read more

March 8th, 2023 – AutomationDirect announces the addition of IDEM two-hand safety control panels to their safety products portfolio. Two-hand safety control panels, used with a special control monitoring relay, require an operator to use both hands simultaneously during a hazardous operation. This forces operators to keep their hands on the two-hand control actuator and out of harm’s way. New IDEM products include a control station with momentary pushbuttons, a control station with zero-force touch buttons, and an empty two-hand control station enclosure for custom configurations. Enclosures ..read more

Linear actuators, driven with servo or stepper motors, are an effective way to implement accurate automated machine motion. Chip McDaniel at AutomationDirect wrote an article for the January 2023 issue of Design World’s Linear Motion Tips. Titled A Straight Line to Effective Linear Motion, this article explains linear actuator technologies, and it shows how they can be efficiently integrated with servo and stepper motors to provide accurate motion control. Linear actuators can also be driven by pneumatic or hydraulic methods, depending on the force, speed, accuracy, and cost requirements of an ..read more

A team of students at the UMass Amherst College of Engineering recently completed a capstone project to allow remote monitoring of a wind turbine.  This team of mechanical engineering students consists of five students, each with an area of primary responsibility: Jay Sant; Team Lead, Ryan Sullivan; Design Lead, Thomas Haley; Analysis Lead, Jack Drummond; Evaluation Lead, and Bennett Macgregor; Fabrication Lead.  The project was partially funded with a sponsorship through the National Small Wind Turbine Research Project coordinated by REpowering Schools.  AutomationDirect was pl ..read more

March 1, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added new Murrelektronik surge suppression devices that help protect and lengthen the life of motors, contactors, relays, solenoids, and PLC outputs. These new surge suppression devices support a variety of applications and provide protection from voltage spikes and electromagnetic noise caused by inductive loads. New additions include universal surge suppressors that reduce high voltage spikes created when contactor coils are de-energized, motor surge suppressors that protect 3-phase motors from the damaging effects of line surges, and valve surge suppres ..read more

March 1, 2023 – AutomationDirect has added advanced panel meters and a universal power meter to their Trumeter ADM series of graphical panel meters. These easy-to-read panel meters display critical parameters, provide a user-programmable scale and custom alarm messages which will immediately alert operators when a parameter is out of range. Trumeter ADM200 advanced graphical panel meters feature a large 4-inch display with a color-changing, full-color RGB backlight for instant alerts. Select models offer digital and analog outputs, Modbus RTU/TCP communication, and an IP65 protection rating ..read more

Material Handling. Just like it sounds. Many components are involved in material handling systems, including motors, drives, sensors, pneumatics, controls, and safety products. When engineered properly, these components will work together in unison to efficiently move products, cases, or other materials from one location to another. Many things can go wrong or right depending on the system design, the quality of components, and how well the system is maintained. Learn more Free Pneumatics eBook This eBook is for users who wish to advance their pneumatic knowledge. It covers a wide range ..read more