Mike Santora

AutomationDirect has added configurable and programmable safety relays from Schmersal. Many safety systems require more than one specialty safety relay but do not justify the need for a safety controller. Schmersal PROTECT SRB-E configurable relays are easy to set up and reduce the number of safety relays required for a machine or system. These relays…

AutomationDirect has added ProSense FLG series detecting light grids that offer a cost-effective solution for object detection and feature a simple setup with no programming required. They have no dead zone on the full detection height and are perfect for a variety of applications, such as material handling, counting, and warehousing. The ProSense FLG series…

Precision hinges from JW Winco are wear-resistant and deliver extreme precision for every project. Certain applications, such as jig construction, automation systems, or testing systems, require moving elements supported by extremely precise bearings. The GN 7580 precision hinges offer the long service life and adjustability, to keep your project running smoothly. The GN 7580 family…

ABB Robotics has announced T-Robotics and Mbodi the winners of its 2024 ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge, marking a significant milestone in advancing artificial intelligence solutions for industrial robotics. Selected from over 100 global applicants, these pioneering startups will help transform how industrial robots understand, learn, and adapt to complex manufacturing environments through breakthrough artificial…

Bosch Rexroth is expanding its comprehensive VarioFlow conveyor system to include the new VarioFlow belt conveyor variant, which features a fine-meshed chain surface. It ensures that Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) are transported gently and efficiently. The VarioFlow belt product line fits seamlessly into the VarioFlow system portfolio, reduces engineering times, and enables a customized material…

AutomationDirect has added more ACCU-Torq motors from Nidec U.S. Motors. The ACCU-Torq motors are high-performance inverter duty motors and are an excellent cost-effective solution for applications that require 100% torque down to zero speed. They are available in 230/460 VAC and are now offered in sizes up to 20 hp at 1800rpm and from ¼…

It’s the holidays again, and with all the commotion and stressors of the season, few things go out the window faster for me than moderation: the food, the presents, the social engagements — it’s festivities: full-throttle. Admittedly, I can be a bit much. So, it should be no surprise that it is with that same…

Wedge anchors are among the most reliable and versatile concrete fasteners available, offering superior holding power in many situations. Due to their strength and ease of installation, they are the go-to choice for various heavy-duty applications across different industries. Wedge anchors are designed to perform in challenging environments, ensuring stability and security where it matters…

The winners of the 2024 LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) were announced yesterday across several categories. This year’s winner in the Mechanical category is electromagnetic clutches and brakes manufacturer, Ogura Industrial Corp. GOLD Ogura Industrial Corp Power-Off Micro Clutch This brand-new product is an electromagnetic power-off clutch intended for low power consumption, small…

AutomationDirect has added the powerful LS Electric XMC motion controller to provide full EtherCAT master motion control. With a blindingly fast processor (scan times as low as 5ns) and built-in support for 8 or 16 axes of EtherCAT-based motion control (depending on the model), the XMC controller can handle virtually any motion control application. These…

DigiKey invites attendees to visit its booth, #B4.578, at Electronica, Nov. 12-15, 2024, in Munich, Germany. DigiKey will highlight top products from leading suppliers, showcase technical capabilities and tools, and give away exciting prizes at the show. At DigiKey’s booth, the DigiKey Moment studio will host top suppliers, including Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Littelfuse, STMicroelectronics,…

DigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, is excited to announce its expansion in both supplier partners and new product introductions (NPI) during the third quarter of 2024. This includes the addition of 139 new suppliers and more than 611,000 innovative…

AutomationDirect has added M12 field wireable connectors with additional cable size options from Murrelektronik. New 5-pin A-coded connectors are available for 4-8mm/26-18 AWG cable sizes, in axial or 90° male or female connector styles. New D-coded connectors offer 4-pin configurations for 4-8mm/26-18 AWG cable sizes, in axial or 90° male connector styles. The L-coded connector…

AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser intrinsically safe analog input isolators to provide cost-effective galvanic isolation for process instruments located in hazardous locations. This ensures that only a safe amount of energy resides in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Endress+Hauser RN22 0/4 to 20 mA input isolators are offered in 1-channel, 2-channel, or signal doubler options. They feature…

Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will host its final Fastener Training Week of 2024 in Cleveland, OH, November 18-22. This five-day advanced fastener training program will be held at Industrial Fasteners Institute and is presented by Birmingham Fastener. FTI offers three Fastener Training Weeks each year. Graduates are eligible for Certified Fastener Specialist™ (CFS) designation upon…

Last month, at the International Manufacturing Technology Show, tens of thousands of registrants and exhibiting companies flocked to McCormick Place’s 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space. To hit the ground running, this year I checked-in with some of the larger companies early. Big companies like Siemens — with a global reach in many different…

METCASE’s premium TECHNOMET instrument enclosures are now available in an additional new standard color scheme. These elegant desktop and portable enclosures are ideal for medical and wellness electronics, test and measurement, industrial control, peripheral devices and interfaces, switchboxes, communications, and laboratory equipment. The new color choice is traffic white (RAL 9016) for the main case…

AutomationDirect has added the RHINO PSE-S series power supplies which are fully encapsulated in ultra-compact, low-profile housings and ideal for space-limited applications. These cost-effective power supplies offer a wide input voltage range, up to 89% efficiency, and are available in 5, 12, 15, and 24 VDC output voltage options with up to 4.1A/50W. Select models…

OKW’s popular DATEC-TERMINAL plastic enclosures are now available with or without a separate terminal section. Tough, stylish DATEC-TERMINAL is ideal for data collection, security and access control, measurement and control, HVAC, medical/wellness, and point-of-sale devices. A wide choice of lids and covers (accessories) adds IP 54 ingress protection and makes these ergonomic desktop and wall-mount…

It’s been six months since the DW team met with igus for the launch and open house of the company’s Michigan-based “Enjoyneering” Center last winter. For a company that has historically moved on new initiatives as quickly as Igus, six months is actually a fair amount of time. So I was excited to sit down…

Visumatic’s VSC-900 automatic screwdriver is an affordable way to begin your automation process. This simple handheld screw feeding and driving system is perfect for higher torque applications. The screwfeeder bowl is filled and the screws are then oriented and fed to the tooling tip. The automatic screwdriver installs each fastener to the proper torque. The…

Last week, Design World took a moment to catch up with Chieftek Precision USA Product Marketing Specialist Henry Chou on the show floor at IMTS. Here’s what he had to say.   What is it about big arms? On the beach, in an action film, or in the robotics industry — the larger arms get…

Today I had the opportunity to speak with ITT Enidine National Sales Manager Rob Marshick about the company’s range of small bore adjustable industrial shock absorbers and mounting accessories. The New Corrosion Resistance Series (CRS) Stainless Steel Shock Absorbers are now available with a 17-4PH stainless steel cylinder, piston rod, and piston cap. Marshick stated…

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced a new technology to reduce quality inspection delays in large-scale manufacturing operations. Combining laser tracking with laser radar functionality, it enables manufacturers to measure detailed features and meet tight assembly tolerances from tens of meters away. Built on established measurement and positioning technology, the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 offers…

igus has supplied its E2.10 series of e-chain plastic cable carriers as part of JEEVES, an autonomous robot from Robotise Technologies that can autonomously navigate its environment and replace up to 300 hotel minibars. Constructed from high-performance plastics, the igus cable carriers are critical to the robot’s performance, guiding the system’s energy and data cables.…