Thanks to TracePartsonline.net, a provider of free CAD parts libraries, you can download 3D models for AutomationDirect products to your PC. There are two methods for locating the 3D model part for download: from the AutomationDirect store at the product level or by searching the TraceParts Web site for the part.

From the product level in the AutomationDirect store, select the 3D Model link as shown. You will be directed to the 3D part on the TraceParts Web site, where the image will load automatically. You can also find the drawings at tracepartsonline.net. Simply go to www.tracepartsonline.net and from the Catalogs tab, select AutomationDirect.

To do a Basic Search, enter a part number in the search window and hit enter. The result will take you directly to the product model and download screen. You can also perform an Advanced Search. Simply select Advanced Search to search by a product title, such as PLC or sensor, or you can search by a specific part number.

The default viewing on the model page shows a photo of the product. To preview the 3D model, select the 3D icon above the image. This will allow you to rotate and zoom in on the model.

When you are ready to download, select a file type from the dropdown list. There are over 30 file formats from which to choose. Once selected, there are two options for downloading; Direct Download (download only the current model) or Add to a Download Center (download multiple models).

In order to complete the download, a User Account is required. Once the user account is established, an email address and password must be entered to continue with the download.

Direct Download files are placed in your Temporary Internet Files directory. It is recommended to open the file and save it to a permanent location.

When using the Download Center, files can be delivered by email or downloaded to your Temporary Internet Files directory. You can place one model or multiple models in the Download Center. Select the Download Center tab to display a list of queued models. Select the envelope icon to have the models emailed, or select the green icon to have them downloaded. Check back often for updates to the AutomationDirect 3D catalog at TraceParts as new models will continue to be added.

Our Stratus™ line now includes air-to-air heat exchangers in 120VAC and 24 VDC models. This air-to-air heat exchanger series is a closed-loop cooling system which employs the heat pipe principle to exchange heat from an electrical enclosure to the outside. Each heat pipe has an evaporator section and a condenser section which are separated by a permanent baffle so as to provide a closed loop. The coil systems use aluminum end plates and baffles which improve conduction and reduce corrosion for longer life.

Air-to-air heat exchanger prices start at $1,028.00 and are available in models for use with NEMA 4 and 4X enclosures. Units are offered in three frame sizes (compact, deep, and tall) up to 72 Watt capacity, and are equipped with two circulating fans with sealed overload protectors.

Learn more about Stratus air-to-air heat exchangers.

NITRA NFPA cushioned air cylinders now available

NITRA® pneumatic product line now includes D-Series double-acting heavy-duty air cylinders ideal for use where abusive conditions exist. These pneumatic air cylinders have a 250 psi operating pressure and are interchangeable with other popular brands. New models are now available with adjustable cushions to provide end-of-stroke deceleration at both ends.

All D-Series cylinders are constructed with high-quality aluminum components and a magnetic piston fitted with a PTFE wear band; all cylinders can be used along with solid state or reed switches for rod position sensing.

The series includes bore sizes from 1 ½-inch to four inches and stroke lengths from one inch to 24 inches to meet a broad range of applications. Models feature flange, rear clevis and rear pivot, side, and rod clevis mounting options.

Prices for NITRA D-series cushioned air cylinders start at $164.

See the complete line of NITRA D-series cylinders.

See the full line of NITRA pneumatic cylinder products.

More ultrasonic liquid level sensors added

The Flowline EchoPod®, EchoSonic® II, Echotouch™, EchoSpan® and EchoSwitch® are innovative ultrasonic liquid level sensor families that replace float, conductance and pressure sensors that fail due to contact with dirty, sticky and scaling liquids in small, medium and large capacity tanks. PC software configured and new pushbutton configured models are available. These general purpose fluid level sensors are available with single and multi-function capabilities including continuous level measurement, switching and level control. Measurement outputs include current, voltage, frequency and relays. PC software configured units use the FREE WebCal™ software and a USB programming adapter. Pushbutton configured units use built-in pushbuttons and LCD display (no PC required). Ultrasonic liquid level sensors start at $260.00.

The LI40 PodView digital level indicator is a low cost ($181) general purpose indicator that displays engineering units for level or volume when combined with all EchoPod level sensors compatible with WebCal 6.0 software. Fitted with a corrosion resistant NEMA 4/IP65 enclosure, it can be field mounted for local indication as well as be used to make simple setting changes to the sensor. PodView displays sensor output and can reconfigure sensor set points on the fly without needing to connect to a PC. The PodView display provides indication up to 15 feet from the sensor and can be transferred from sensor to sensor without any configuration changes to the display.

Get more information on Flowline ultrasonic liquid level sensors and transmitters

Our new white paper, “PLCs and PACs Simplify Data Acquisition”, explains how businesses benefit from the in-depth information that new PLCs and PACs can provide on processes, machines and manufacturing operations.

In today’s competitive market, companies need detailed and timely information about process variables, and production amounts, as well as alarms in real time. In the past, PLCs did not have the capabilities to provide such information, and PACs were not yet widely available.

Fortunately, newer PLCs and PACs can perform many data acquisition tasks within the controller, giving businesses a low cost, easier method for advanced, real-time data collection as compared to proprietary or stand-alone data acquisition systems.

Many of these PLCs and PACs are full-featured systems that can provide both control and data acquisition for existing I/O. Moreover, additional I/O can be added to acquire data from areas that do not require control, only monitoring. Data logging can be triggered by an event within the process or scheduled to occur at regular intervals.

Data transfers from the controller to other systems are typically done by an Ethernet port, which comes standard with most new PLCs and PACs. Popular protocols are also supported, eliminating the need to write complex drivers for the transfer of data from the controller to external systems.

Modern PLCs and PACs perform basic data acquisition as part and parcel of real-time control tasks. This double duty approach ensures the lowest overall cost, smallest footprint and simplest data acquisition systems.

Download the white paper

Web feature of the month

New contest for September

Last month’s contest was so popular, we’ve decided to give it another go. You now have another opportunity to write a review about AutomationDirect and/or our products, before September 30th, and you’ll automatically be entered to win an iPod Touch. This time we’re including company reviews as well, so that means you can enter TWICE.

Customer product reviews are a great “user community” tool to assist with product research and purchasing decisions. We currently have over 3,700 reviews available on detailed item level pages as well as product listings for relevant products. Guests can read reviews and registered logged-in users can add information for products they are familiar with.

You have spoken and told us you like these and want more. To encourage you to share your experiences, until September 30, 2013, submit a valid product review (for any product you have purchased from AutomationDirect or have experience using), or a company review, and be automatically entered into a random drawing for an Apple iPod Touch 32GB (5th Generation) in the color of your choice. Limited to TWO entries per userID (one for a company review and one for a product review); however, please feel welcome to share reviews on all our products you have experienced with industry peers. Winner will be notified via the contact email associated with your account.

Here is a product review example:

For his senior design project, Larry May led a team of three other students to design and build a full scale working prototype of the "Ace Within Reach" volleyball setting and serving machine. The team set out to improve on the existing "state of the art" volleyball serving machines. Several manufacturers offer similar machines today, but Larry and his teammates saw room for improvement in several areas.
Check out how they did it.

Want to share your application story? Drop us a note @ editor@automationdirect.com. It just might become a feature article in an upcoming enewsletter or in our Automation NOTEBOOK magazine, plus you can receive account credit.

You can check out our complete list of application stories here.

Ever had one of those teachers that you respected out of fear? You know, they were the kind that when he/she walked into the room everyone stopped what they were doing and focused intently on every word and every motion the teacher made. The teacher might not have been a mean person; there was just something about them that made you want to behave.

Recently, I found a post on Facebook about such a teacher. (Whether it’s true or not, I cannot say.)

A former Sergeant in the Marine Corps took a new job as a high school teacher. Just before the school year started, he injured his back. He was required to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. Fortunately, the cast fit under his shirt and wasn't noticeable.

On the first day of class, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in the school. The smart-aleck punks, having already heard the new teacher was a former Marine, were leery of him and he knew they would be testing his discipline in the classroom. Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, the new teacher opened the window wide and sat down at his desk. When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he picked up a stapler and stapled the tie to his chest.

Dead silence..... The rest of the year went very smoothly.