Rockford Ball Screw (RBS) Ball Screws and Nuts
AutomationDirect announced the addition of Rockford Ball Screw (RBS) ball screws and matching nuts to its product line, targeting OEMs and maintenance‑replacement markets. The US‑manufactured components offer diameters from 3/8 inch to 1 inch and lengths between 24 and 72 inches, with multiple lead options. Leveraging recirculating ball bearings, the screws achieve efficiencies above 90%, low friction, and minimal heat buildup. The precision‑matched nuts provide low backlash and can handle high‑speed, high‑load applications across CNC, robotics, packaging, and material‑handling equipment.
Issue 59, 2026
AutomationDirect’s Issue 59, 2026 showcases a suite of new hardware and application stories that underline the shift toward Industry 5.0 and more accessible motion control. Highlights include the launch of STRIDE PRO Unmanaged+ Ethernet switches with IGMP snooping, the Schmersal PROTECT PSC1 safety controller, and a...
Easy EtherCAT Connectivity
EtherCAT is gaining traction in North America as a high‑performance alternative to PROFINET and EtherNet/IP for motion‑control and automation projects. The protocol delivers deterministic cycle times under 1 ms, supports linear, ring, star and tree topologies, and can connect thousands of...
Additional Metal Work Pneumatic and New Potable Water Components
AutomationDirect announced an expanded Metal Work pneumatic line and new potable‑water components under its BIT series. The portfolio now includes compact filters, coalescing filters, regulators, lubricators, filter‑regulators and full FRL units with 1/8" and 1/4" NPT ports, some featuring clear...
Enhanced Datalogic Safety Laser Scanners From AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has launched enhanced Datalogic safety laser scanners that employ time‑of‑flight measurement to protect machinery, robotic cells, and mobile automation. The new models cover up to 72 m² with a 275° scanning angle, delivering reliable detection in demanding environments. Master, standalone...
Hammond NEMA 1 Hinged Lay-In Wireways From AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added Hammond's new CW series carbon‑steel lay‑in wireways, rated NEMA 1 and featuring hinged screw covers for quick access. The wireways are offered with optional knockouts and a full line of compatible fittings and accessories. Designed for industrial control...
Autonics CT Series Counter/Timers From AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added the Autonics CT series counter/timers to its catalog, offering a fast‑setup solution for counting, timing and batching tasks. The units can be programmed directly from front‑panel pushbuttons, with select models supporting RS‑485 communication through Autonics DAQMaster software....
IronHorse ES1 AC Drives From AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has launched the IronHorse ES1 series of AC drives, targeting 0.75‑to‑2 hp three‑phase motors while accepting a single‑phase 120 V or 230 V input. The drives are built in the USA, feature a hardware‑only setup with trim pots for speed, current limit,...
Supplier Profile: RuB Inc
RuB Inc., a family‑owned Italian valve and actuator maker, has been engineering fluid‑control solutions for more than 70 years and operates a North‑American headquarters in Minnesota. The company produces roughly 45,000 silicone‑free brass ball valves per day in Brescia, Italy, and...
Fandis Lumeis Enclosure Lights
AutomationDirect introduced the Fandis Lumeis series LED enclosure lights, delivering 600 lumens of uniform illumination while drawing less than 5 watts. The lights operate over a wide 20‑265 VAC/VDC range and feature screwless terminals, magnetic or screw mounting, and a 40° swivel...
Laumas Single Point Load Cells LE
AutomationDirect has added three Laumas single‑point load‑cell series—ALLUE, AZLUE and APLUE—to its catalog. The cells are manufactured in Europe, handle up to 600 kg (1,320 lb), and deliver 0.02% full‑scale accuracy with a 150% overload rating. They feature IP65‑rated aluminum housings, wide...
RHINO PSR Spring Clamp Power Supplies
AutomationDirect has launched the RHINO PSR series power supplies featuring tool‑free spring clamp terminals that lock without retorquing. The ultra‑slim units combine rugged metal or aluminum housings with high efficiency and power density, making them ideal for space‑constrained industrial panels....
AchieVe NEC2 Power Supplies
AutomationDirect introduced the AchieVe PSA series NEC Class 2 power supplies, offering a compact form factor with energy‑limited DC outputs for low‑voltage control and automation circuits. The units accept a wide 85‑264 VAC input range and provide selectable 5 V, 12 V, or 24 V...
BLOCK Power Advanced Series Power Supplies with Battery Control / UPS and More
AutomationDirect introduced the BLOCK Power Advanced series, a line of DC UPS devices that combine a switching power supply, battery‑control module, and UPS monitoring in a single unit. The series features a buffer control module that uses electro‑double‑layer capacitors for...
AchieVe Pressure Switches
AutomationDirect announced the launch of two new AchieVe mechanical pressure switches – the LPPS series and the S18‑1C model – aimed at rugged industrial applications. The LPPS line handles pressures up to 3,000 psig and delivers a 5 A SPDT relay output,...