Today’s ac drives can be controlled by either an external or internal PLC. Those with built-in controls move machine intelligence to the edge. By Jeff Payne • AutomationDirect Though ac drives can operate as standalone devices, they often integrate into automation systems to control speed of three-phase ac motors that commonly run conveyors, fans, and […]
AutomationDirect
SureStep IP65 rated stepper motors from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added motors designed for washdown environments to its stepper systems product line. SureStep IP65 rated high-torque stepping motors are completely protected from solids and dust ingress and from low pressure water jets from any direction, making them suitable for many washdown applications. These fully sealed, single-shaft motors are available with industry-standard NEMA 17, […]
RHINO PSV dc power supplies from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect now sells economical PSV series power supplies and universal battery control modules as part of the RHINO DC power supplies lineup. RHINO PSV Value series DIN rail power supplies come in a wide selection of voltage and wattage ranges. 5-V RHINO DC supplies come in 15 and 25-watt ratings with 12-V supplies at 48 […]
Premium-efficiency, cast-iron three-phase ac motors from AutomationDirect
IronHorse MTCP2 industrial duty motors meet the premium efficiency requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. MTCP2 motors are offered in T-Frame (1 to 300 hp) and TC-Frame/C-Face (1 to 30 hp). C-face kits are available for motors over 30 hp. These motors are available in 1,200, 1,800, and 3,600 RPM and […]
AutomationDirect adds compact WEG VFD drives
AutomationDirect has added a new line of ac variable frequency drives (VFD) for motor speed control and other industrial control applications. The WEG CFW300 variable frequency drive is a high-performance VFD for three-phase induction motors. It’s suitable for applications on machines or equipment that require precise control with easy setup and operation. The CFW300 features […]
AutomationDirect adds SureStep stepper system motors, encoders and inertia dampers
New stepper motors, encoders and inertia dampers have been added to the SureStep system of step motor control. SureStep series high-torque industry-standard NEMA 14, 17, 23, and 34 stepper motors now provide holding torque from 8 to 1,288 oz-in. The new smaller frame size NEMA 14 motors (1.4-in. wide) start at $22.00 and are available […]
New integrated stepper motors and drives from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added integrated 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 two components; power supply […]
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 models. C-face with rigid base (footed) and C-face footless mounting options are also available. Marathon stainless steel motor prices start at $309.00. Jet […]
AutomationDirect IronHorse MTR2 series general-purpose rolled-steel ac motors
New MTR2 series IronHorse general-purpose rolled-steel ac motors from AutomationDirect come in 1-phase and 3-phase versions and offer better performance specifications, improved cosmetic appearance and quieter operation. New single-phase MTR2 rolled-steel motors come in 1800 RPM, 115/230 Vac models. The motors are 56C frame, TEFC, and provide rigid base or C-face mounting. Nameplates include 60 […]
PLC basics video: Processor types, I/O modules, and programming
Programmable logic controllers — or PLCs — are microprocessor-based electronic components that serve as the programmable smarts for simple or isolated applications. Now they’re also finding increased use on integrated machines and more involved automation setups … PLCs came to being in the 1960s to replace relay-based controls — whole cabinets of relays and impressive […]










