We found 96 posts about Selection Guides from DO Supply, a global automation parts
reseller focused on hard-to-find and obsolete industrial automation products.
Sometimes you will come across two Allen Bradley servo motors which seem identical except for one feature: one motor is marked “shaft key” and the other is marked “smooth shaft”. This can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the terminology. So what is a shaft key? A Shaft Key is a small element used in a joint to connect the motor more securely to a shaft, preventing the two elements from rotating relative to each other, and allowing torque transmission. The shaft key sits in a small slot cut in each shaft, which is called a keyway or keyseat. Usually the presence of a shaft key is designated in the Catalog Number by position 8 on the catalog number chart, as shown below. In the highlighted Position #8: “J” indicates the presence of a shaft key, “K” indicates a smooth shaft. A Shaft Key is a small element used in a joint to connect the motor more securely to a shaft, preventing the two elements from rotating relative to each other, and allowing torque transmission. The shaft key...
Allen Bradley Powerflex 520 series drives are an innovative take on modular drive configuration. Common power structures and form factors allow for interchangeability between 3 versions of the 520 series drive, the 523, 525, and 527. Each version adds to the performance options available and allows for easy upgrading of drive systems and reduces maintenance and spares requirements. There are some common features among the 520 series drives. Common frame sizes, 0.5-30HP power ratings, 100-600V voltage ratings, local HMI’s for programming, and the ability to zero-stack and mount either vertically or horizontally are just some of the more prominent ones. The 523 series drive is the baseline drive of the 520 series. Available in voltage ranges from 100-600 volts and power ranges from 0.25-30HP, these drives include a local HMI and the ability to add EtherNet/IP capability through a dual-port accessory module, among other things. This is the baseline drive of the family, typically...
Having the correct I/O module for your application is crucial to keep the communication and information flowing effectively and safely. Point and Flex I/O modules are both distributed I/O systems designed for use with modular Allen-Bradley automation systems but there are many models that are particularly suited for specific applications. Here you can compare and contrast the two, so you can make the best purchase decision. Allen-Bradley provides a large selection of models that will fit any type of system to meet the needs of anyone using I/O systems. Here are a few key features of the Point I/O modules: Easy to Install, and have a small footprint Comes in digital, analog, specialty, and safety-rated models Choice of Termination in Input and Output Modular Network Interface Independent I/O Selection The installation of the Point I/O modules are super easy. They are designed to be put together and have an outer shell that provides many places and ways to attach it to wherever it needs...
The electric motor represents a crucial part of any electrical drive system. Without the electrical motor, the whole system wouldn’t function. However, in order to work properly, even the most advanced motor needs some kind of controller. Usually, system designers and engineers take advantage of a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive). Choosing and purchasing the right VFD for your system can be a daunting task. You need to take into an account all the different variables and features of your chosen VFD to make it work properly. Luckily, over the last 30 years, VFDs have become cheaper and more reliable than ever, to the point that upwards of 40% of all newly-installed motors now include the technology. To make your decision easier, we prepared a special buyer’s guide for the right variable frequency drive. We’re going to give you some general tips on what to look for when buying, in order to make the buying process a bit less time-consuming. Allen-Bradley 1336-Series Adjustable Frequency...
This article will go over the important points about choosing a SCADA system and evaluate one of the more cost effective solutions out there, Inductive Automation’s Ignition. The customer usually doesn’t mind paying a little more for a system that delivers more performance, has more features, or is more flexible than the competition. Also, the system has a whole has to be taken into account. For example, a SCADA software package could be relatively low in cost but the operating system that the server has to run on may be expensive. Additionally, the database software license may tip the scale too far. Sometimes the SCADA system requires multiple servers that run in tandem multiplying the other “auxiliary” costs across the install, and a lot of times this cost is not discussed or disclosed up-front. The user needs to be a little tech savvy to think of the right questions to ask: how many physical servers, operating system licenses, or how much are client licenses? A lot of times the...
Anytime automation is required in any system or process, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is often the most ideal solution. There are many things to consider when selecting a PLC for a given task or tasks. PLCs are best suited to rugged environments where there may be excessive dust, metal swarf, or moisture that could cause other types of control equipment to fail. The most common task for PLC is taking input from sensors and activating or deactivating the outputs according to the inputs. They are also well suited for timing control, for systems like lights or motors. Allen-Bradley offers PLCs in all shapes and sizes from the MicroLogix series for small applications to systems like the ControlLogix for high-performance applications. PLCs are generally housed in an enclosure to further protect the devices. When designing the control system you should pay attention to the dimensions of the PLC and how it is properly mounted. All Allen-Bradley PLCs offer convenient rack or rail...
