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AutomationDirect | DW Series Analog Output Inductive Proximity Sensors

1/14/2020

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cylindrical sizes. These reliable DC-powered (10-30V or 15-30V) threaded-barrel sensors are IP67 rated and are available with 2m pigtail cable or quick-disconnect. 8mm analog inductive proximity sensors detect the presence of ferrous metal objects at distances from 0 to 4mm and provide a variable output (0-5 VDC or 0-10 VDC). 12mm, 18mm and 30mm analog inductive proximity sensors detect the distance of ferrous metal objects from 0-6mm, 0-10mm and 0-20mm respectively, providing a variable mA or voltage output (0-5 VDC / 1-5 mA and 0-10 VDC / 4-20 mA) linear to distance signal. Rectangular 8mm x 8mm analog output sensors are also available with 0 to 4mm sensing range. With a lifetime warranty, these UL approved analog proximity sensors start at $92.00.

Inductive Proximity Sensors Overview

AutomationDirect | VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) / Servo Cable with Signal Pair

1/14/2020

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VFD-SC series VFD/Servo cable offers 4 conductors, available in 16 AWG to 10 AWG gauges, plus a foil-shielded signal pair. The VFD-SC series is the same high-quality cable as the standard VFD-C series; the addition of the shielded 16AWG signal pair allows the cable to be used with motors and drives requiring brake control or feedback from devices like temperature or position sensors. Having the integral signal pair allows this cable to be used with SureServo drives and motors up to 3kW. These VFD cables utilize cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) conductor insulation with Class K, flexible stranded tinned annealed copper conductors. XLPE insulation can withstand voltages as much as 3 times higher than standard PVC/nylon insulation for VFD cables. Signal pair VFD cable is available in cut-to-length 1-foot increments starting at $3.45 per foot (20-foot minimum).

VFD/Servo Signal Pair Cable Overview

AutomationDirect | ProSense® Variable Area Mechanical Flow Meters

1/14/2020

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ProSense FG1 Series mechanical variable area flow meters provide visual indication of flow rate for water or petroleum-based fluids. These meters provide +/-5% full scale accuracy and a repeatability of +/-1%, important for cyclical applications requiring consistent readings. Two adjustable flow limit pointers are available to provide preset indication of high, low, or normal flow rates. The flow meters are constructed of high-impact polysulfone plastic (body, piston, cone) with brass fittings (1/2 and 3/4 NPT models). FG1 series flow meters are available with 1/2", 3/4" or 1" NPT process connections and have easy-to-read flow scales in both gallons per minute (GPM) and liters per minute (LPM). Measurement ranges are from 0.25 - 2.5 GPM (1 to 10 LPM) to 4 - 28 GPM (20 to 100 LPM). FG1 series flow meters start at $96.00 and have a 1-year warranty.

FG1 Series Variable Area Flow Meters Overview

Moxa | Rugged HMI Panels that Work Smoothly With Your PLCs

1/13/2020

Control systems in the field may include a number of different PLCs and SCADA systems. Moxa's extensive experience in providing HMI hardware solutions enable us to offer panel computers that work smoothly with different SCADA software such as:

FactoryTalk View SE/ME
GE iFIX
Wonderware InTouch
SIMATIC WinCC
Ignition
PcVue
TwinCAT
FreeSCADA

Download the Solutions Brochure

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Moxa | Conquer Your Industrial Automation Challenges

1/10/2020

Connecting your legacy equipment like sensors, VFDs, and stack lights to a SCADA system can be challenging. Whether you are dealing with a wide variety of industrial protocols like Modbus RTU/TCP or trying to configure multiple devices and machines at once, getting old equipment online to harness the power of the Industrial IoT can be tough. Moxa solves these challenges with a complete line-up of NPort Serial to Ethernet Device Servers, ioLogik remote I/O gateways, and MGate industrial protocol converters.

Download the Success Story

MGate MB3170

Datasheet
File Size:	1465 kb
File Type:	pdf

ioLogik E1210

Datasheet
File Size:	2391 kb
File Type:	pdf

NPort 5110

Datasheet
File Size:	800 kb
File Type:	pdf

NPort 5110A

Datasheet
File Size:	4685 kb
File Type:	pdf

ioLogik E1214

Datasheet
File Size:	2391 kb
File Type:	pdf

MGate MB3270

Datasheet
File Size:	1465 kb
File Type:	pdf

NPort 5150A

Datasheet
File Size:	4685 kb
File Type:	pdf

MGate 5105-MB-EIP

Datasheet
File Size:	737 kb
File Type:	pdf

Advantech | GET SECURE LTE REMOTE ACCESS & CONTROL WITH LTE ROUTERS

12/19/2019

For reliable and secure 4G LTE connectivity in embedded design, consider the efficient performance of the ARK Fanless Embedded Computer combined with the manageability of the SmartStart or SmartFlex LTE Router. What’s more is that when connected to a pre-certified SmartStart or SmartFlex LTE Router, there’s no need for the time and expense of carrier certifications.

SmartStart Entry Level Cellular Modem & Router
Kiosks | Digital Signage | Security Cameras | Access Control

Supports LTE CAT 1 to use lower data speed and bandwidth in IoT applications
Dual SIMs provides redundant connection
Built-in WiFi local Hot-spot application as a option
Low power consumption equivalent to 2G/3G devices
Dedicated user available memory for custom software

Download the Datasheet

SmartFlex Flexible Configuration and Powerful Cellular Gateway & Router
Smart Factory | Smart Energy | Remote environmental monitoring

Powerful open Linux platform with Cortex A8 CPU at 1GHz and 512 MB RAM in the integration
Supports Verizon and AT&T networks in a single device
Extended temperature -40 °C to +75 °C
Connect and power security cameras with option PoE
Dedicated user available memory for custom software

Download the Datasheet

IDEC | USB and Ethernet Ports

12/13/2019

With flush mount bezel and IP65/67 ratings (with caps), these service port products relay data from devices behind the panel, providing easy access for data retrieving or file uploading. They are perfect accessories to complement the expanding IDEC automation line spanning from PLCs and touchscreens to SmartRelay products.

Download Datasheet

Moxa | How Industrial Linux Enables Distributed IIoT Applications

12/10/2019

Distributed applications are on the cutting edge of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and leverage edge computing to bring the benefits of the IIoT to remote regions. IIoT edge gateways with industrial Linux OS are helping overcome edge-computing challenges in these applications. However, choosing an industrial Linux distribution that matches your application requirements is a challenge. Read on to find out what to look for in an industrial Linux distribution for your IIoT gateways.

Thermal Edge | Cooling Electrical Enclosures in Contaminated Environments

12/9/2019

A properly sized and fully functioning cooling system is a critical component of an electrical enclosure. If a filtered fan, heat exchanger, or air conditioner is not properly maintained, it can result in equipment failure and possible damage to the valuable electronic components in the enclosure.

Fortunately, most modern cooling systems for electrical enclosures are relatively easy to maintain.

AutomationDirect | Hammond Industrial Enclosures

12/4/2019

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Hammond Manufacturing® enclosures, including disconnect, stainless, commercial, console and other enclosure styles, are now available along with our existing AttaBox®, Hubbell-Wiegmann® and Integra enclosure lines. A wide variety of metal and non-metal enclosures, rated NEMA 1, 3, 3R, 3S, 4, 4X, 6, 6P, 12 or 13, are available. NEMA 1 enclosure units are an economical choice for basic protection. NEMA 12, NEMA 4/12, NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X enclosures are gasketed to add a significant amount of protection for indoor or outdoor use. Enclosure types and styles include wall-mount enclosures, junction boxes, pushbutton enclosures, floor-mount and freestanding enclosures, disconnect enclosures, consoles and consolets, and wireways. Many door and window configurations and latch/lock options are available. Hammond enclosure prices start as low as $8.50.

AutomationDirect | VFS Series Vortex Flow Sensors

11/20/2019

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ProSense® VFS series vortex flow sensors offer a very cost-effective solution optimized for monitoring water and deionized water flow in industrial applications. Vortex flow sensors are a reliable alternative to other flow sensing technologies and are a simple, low cost, and proven method for measuring flow of water-based liquids that is independent of the liquid's pressure or temperature fluctuations. Using the pushbuttons and display, the VFS series can be easily set up to measure both flow rate and temperature. The VFS series is available with 1/2" or 3/4" NPT process connections. The TFT color display and switch point LEDs are used during configuration and operation to provide clear indication of both flow and temperature measured variables simultaneously. ProSense VFS series vortex flow sensors start at $199.00

AutomationDirect | Compact Thermoplastic and Halogen-Free Limit Switches

11/20/2019

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The new AEP series of reinforced thermoplastic compact limit switches includes a variety of actuator types including metal plunger, side rotary lever, adjustable lever, rod actuator, and 360-degree spring actuator. These compact-sized plastic limit switches have standard U.S. 25mm mounting hole spacing; housings are double-insulated and epoxy resin-filled, providing IEC IP67 protection. Contacts are Snap-action (Z11) with 1 N.O. and 1 N.C. contact on all units. Connection types are 5-pin M12 quick disconnects or 3-meter pre-wired pigtail cable. Operating temperature range is -13 to 158°F. Starting at $15.00, the UL and CE approved AEP series limit switches have a 1-year warranty. Also new, AEM series metal limit switches ($24.00) have a 1-meter halogen-free cable designed for low toxicity and smoke emissions in case of fire.

Halogen-free Limit Switches Overview

AutomationDirect | 4mm and 5mm photoelectric sensors redesigned for more applications

11/16/2019

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4mm (smooth) and 5mm (M5 threaded) round photoelectric sensors are now available in a wider range of sensing distances in both diffuse and through-beam sensing configurations. These DC-powered metal sensors provide high accuracy in minimal mounting space and are ideal for use in a variety of short or long-distance sensing applications. Diffuse photoelectric sensors that detect object presence with reflected light from the target are available in detection distance ranges up to 120mm. With available detection distances up to 600mm, through-beam photoelectric sensors detect object presence when the target obstructs light traveling from the emitter to the receiver. Emitters and receivers are sold separately. Starting at $66.00, these photoelectric sensors are IEC IP67 rated and cULus and CE approved.

Photoelectric Sensors Selection Guide

AutomationDirect | IronHorse Helical Bevel Gearboxes with Cast-Iron Frames

11/13/2019

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The new IronHorse® HBR series of helical bevel gearboxes combines the helical gearset with a bevel gearset to create an output that is perpendicular to the input. All HBR series gearboxes are hollow shaft output and accept double or single shafts. Dual and single output shaft kits are available. The universally interchangeable compact design ensures easy OEM replacement and provides flexible installation with C-face and TC-face inputs, perpendicular output and 6 mounting positions. Five gearbox sizes support 56C up to 254/6TC NEMA motor frames and 6 ratios are available from 10:1 to 120:1. The gearboxes are sized to handle from 1 to 24 hp motors and feature cast-iron one-piece housings and high hardness alloy steel pinion and gears. Ironhorse helical bevel gearboxes start at $1070.00 and have a 2-year warranty.

IronHorse Helical Bevel Gearboxes Overview

AutomationDirect | High bus voltage microstepping drives and stepper motors

11/13/2019

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The SureStep® STP-DRVAC stepper drive is powered from either 115VAC or 230VAC and is intended for use with step motors designed to handle high bus voltage. MTRAC motors are designed to work with the 115 or 230 VAC powered drives. Auto-setup configures motor current control and anti-resonance gain settings. The high voltage drive (priced at $199.00) uses 90 to 240 VAC input (selected by switch) and output current is settable from 0.6-2.5A/phase (peak of sine). Microstep resolution is switch selectable with 16 settings from 200 to 25600 steps/rev. High voltage, high torque MTRAC motors are available in single and dual-shaft configurations with steel case and stainless-steel shaft(s). Starting at $57.00, SureStep MTRAC motors are available in NEMA frame sizes 23 and 34 with holding torques from 75 to 1841 oz-in.

SureStep AC Input Stepper Drives Overview

AutomationDirect | High bus voltage microstepping drives and stepper motors

11/13/2019

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The SureStep® STP-DRVAC stepper drive is powered from either 115VAC or 230VAC and is intended for use with step motors designed to handle high bus voltage. MTRAC motors are designed to work with the 115 or 230 VAC powered drives. Auto-setup configures motor current control and anti-resonance gain settings. The high voltage drive (priced at $199.00) uses 90 to 240 VAC input (selected by switch) and output current is settable from 0.6-2.5A/phase (peak of sine). Microstep resolution is switch selectable with 16 settings from 200 to 25600 steps/rev. High voltage, high torque MTRAC motors are available in single and dual-shaft configurations with steel case and stainless-steel shaft(s). Starting at $57.00, SureStep MTRAC motors are available in NEMA frame sizes 23 and 34 with holding torques from 75 to 1841 oz-in.

SureStep AC Input Stepper Drives Overview

AutomationDirect | Leadshine 2-phase Digital Stepper Drives

11/13/2019

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Leadshine Technology is an industry leading motion control supplier offering high quality steppers that are simple, easy to use, long-lasting, and reliable at very reasonable prices. Leadshine 2-phase digital drives with microstepping motor movement and anti-resonance for optimal torque provide extra smooth motion, low motor heating and low noise. These drives accept a wide range of input voltages (12-110 VDC, 18-80 VAC) and provide over-voltage and overcurrent protection, motor auto-configuration on power up and soft-start at power on. Motor output current ranges up 7.2A and pulse input frequency up to 200kHz. Leadshine drives support NEMA 11, 14, 17, 23, 24, 34 and 42 frame size step motors. Starting at $25.50, all Leadshine drives support step and direction control, some models support CW/CCW as well.

AutomationDirect | IronHorse Helical Bevel Gearboxes with Cast-Iron Frames

11/13/2019

Images Courtesy of AutomationDirect.com

The new IronHorse® HBR series of helical bevel gearboxes combines the helical gearset with a bevel gearset to create an output that is perpendicular to the input. All HBR series gearboxes are hollow shaft output and accept double or single shafts. Dual and single output shaft kits are available. The universally interchangeable compact design ensures easy OEM replacement and provides flexible installation with C-face and TC-face inputs, perpendicular output and 6 mounting positions. Five gearbox sizes support 56C up to 254/6TC NEMA motor frames and 6 ratios are available from 10:1 to 120:1. The gearboxes are sized to handle from 1 to 24 hp motors and feature cast-iron one-piece housings and high hardness alloy steel pinion and gears. Ironhorse helical bevel gearboxes start at $1070.00 and have a 2-year warranty.

IronHorse Helical Bevel Gearboxes Overview

AutomationDirect | Continuous Flexing Profinet Cable

11/13/2019

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DataMax Extreme Industrial Profinet cables are a two-pair shielded construction with 22AWG twisted pair conductors and 7/30 stranded tinned copper with color coded high-density polyethylene insulation. Shielded constructions include both a tinned copper braid shield and aluminized polyester foil overall shield. The cable's outer jacket is pressure extruded Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) with excellent moisture, chemical, UV and weathering resistance, exceptional low temperature flexibility, and good flame and fire resistance. DataMax Extreme Profinet cable supports Profinet conformance classes B and C, is UL Type PLTC rated, and designed for use in EtherNet/IP™ systems. The continuous flexing Profinet cable is available in cut-to-length 1-foot increments starting at $1.04 per foot (20-foot minimum) and has a 3-year warranty.

Cut-to-Length Cables Summary

AutomationDirect | Leadshine 2-phase Digital Stepper Drives

11/13/2019

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Leadshine Technology is an industry leading motion control supplier offering high quality steppers that are simple, easy to use, long-lasting, and reliable at very reasonable prices. Leadshine 2-phase digital drives with microstepping motor movement and anti-resonance for optimal torque provide extra smooth motion, low motor heating and low noise. These drives accept a wide range of input voltages (12-110 VDC, 18-80 VAC) and provide over-voltage and overcurrent protection, motor auto-configuration on power up and soft-start at power on. Motor output current ranges up 7.2A and pulse input frequency up to 200kHz. Leadshine drives support NEMA 11, 14, 17, 23, 24, 34 and 42 frame size step motors. Starting at $25.50, all Leadshine drives support step and direction control, some models support CW/CCW as well.

Leadshine Stepper Drives Overview

AutomationDirect | Continuous Flexing Profinet Cable

11/13/2019

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DataMax Extreme Industrial Profinet cables are a two-pair shielded construction with 22AWG twisted pair conductors and 7/30 stranded tinned copper with color coded high-density polyethylene insulation. Shielded constructions include both a tinned copper braid shield and aluminized polyester foil overall shield. The cable's outer jacket is pressure extruded Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) with excellent moisture, chemical, UV and weathering resistance, exceptional low temperature flexibility, and good flame and fire resistance. DataMax Extreme Profinet cable supports Profinet conformance classes B and C, is UL Type PLTC rated, and designed for use in EtherNet/IP systems. The continuous flexing Profinet cable is available in cut-to-length 1-foot increments starting at $1.04 per foot (20-foot minimum) and has a 3-year warranty.

Cut-to-Length Cables Summary

MOXA | Ensuring the Success of TSN, Cybersecurity Checkpoints

11/12/2019

Enabling Interoperability to Ensure the Success of TSN in Industry 4.0
As time-sensitive networking (TSN) is more of a toolbox than a single comprehensive solution, system integrators must ultimately rely on independent vendors and multiple protocols to meet the specific requirements of each industrial application. This predicament is precisely why interoperability is the key to ensuring the success of TSN adoption.

Four Must-know Checkpoints For Better Cybersecurity
Companies don't need to overcomplicate things when they want to ramp up their cybersecurity. Routine cyberhygiene practices can help you spot issues in their early stages. For a well-maintained system to be better protected against cybersecurity risks, proper tools or capable products are required for efficient cyberhygiene.

AutomationDirect | 16 Tips for an Effective HMI

11/1/2019

Do you have an HMI project coming up? Here are some helpful tips and guidelines for you to remember during your planning and implementation.

1. Story Boards are a Good Start

A good starting point for HMI design is a text-based outline documenting each screen’s content. With the operator’s point-of-view and ease-of-use in mind, detail the main screen, equipment status screens, set point or recipe screens, manual functions, message displays and fault displays. These text outlines can then be converted to a story board for each screen.

The story board should highlight dynamic graphics such as status indicators. It should also include repeated graphics, such as titles, at the top of the screen and navigation buttons at the edges of the screen. The screen buttons, indicators and numeric displays should be aligned and grouped as appropriate. For example, don’t mix screen selector buttons with start/stop pushbuttons. Read More...

Advantech | FPM-200 Industrial Monitors Offer Optimum Value

11/1/2019

Advantech’s FPM-200 series of industrial monitors are designed to provide quality-assured, rugged display solutions at an affordable price. Featuring an industrial-grade design with an IP66 rating for ingress protection, FPM-200 monitors can withstand operation in a wide range of industrial environments. Moreover, the wide screen true-flat panel with PCAP touch control is extremely durable and enables simple intuitive operation for an exceptional usage experience.

Modular front display design in three application-based module categories, enabling flexible configurations
Front panel module with P-CAP multi-touch sensor available in various sizes (12.1" module is equipped with 5-wire resistive touch control)
Industrial-grade LED LCD with 50,000 hours (18.5" 30,000 hours) lifetime
Built-in intelligent home key and i-Key (only models with P-CAP touch)
System status LED indicators in front panel
IP66-rated front panel and panel mount
Built-in Wi-Fi antenna and NFC reader on front panel (with optional Wi-Fi/NFC module)resistive touch control)
Rear mounted computing box module is necessary to activate display module

Datasheet
File Size:	269 kb
File Type:	pdf

Thermal Edge | Cooling Electrical Enclosures in Contaminated Environments

10/30/2019

Electrical enclosures must be protected from overheating in all applications, including contaminated environments that can cause sensitive components to corrode or fail. In addition to protection from water, dirt, and dust, electrical enclosures can be exposed to salt, chlorine, sulfur dioxide and other chemicals that can potentially damage your valuable assets.