Industrial Automation
The decision-making side of the machine. From PLC and HMI to servo axes, sensors and industrial switches — the whole control architecture from one supplier.
PLC, drives, servo, robotics
9sub-categories
In automation, components talking to each other matters as much as picking the right part. We fix criteria such as fieldbus protocol, cycle time and axis count up front, then build a coherent architecture from the Omron, Inovance and Frecon portfolios. Drive selection accounts for motor nameplate data, starting torque and harmonic effects; braking resistors and filters are included in the quotation where needed.
What this group covers
- PLCs and expansion modules
- HMI operator panels
- AC drives (inverters)
- Servo motors and servo drives
- Industrial robots
- Photoelectric, inductive and capacitive sensors
- Relays and relay sockets
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Industrial ethernet switches
How to choose the right product in this group
These are the same criteria we check when preparing a quotation. Send us your list and we run these checks on your behalf.
- 01
Fieldbus protocol
PLC, drives, HMI and sensors must speak the same language. The choice between Modbus TCP, Profinet and EtherNet/IP follows the existing infrastructure and the devices to be added later.
- 02
Cycle time and axis count
A simple conveyor control and a multi-axis machine with synchronised motion do not need the same controller. CPU selection should wait until the real-time requirement is clear.
- 03
Drive control method
V/f control is enough for pumps and fans; applications needing high torque or positional accuracy require vector control or servo. The wrong choice looks fine on paper but underperforms on site.
- 04
Environmental conditions
Dust, oil mist, vibration and washdown requirements drive sensor selection. The wrong ingress protection class is the most common cause of early failure.
The mistakes we meet most often on site
- Sizing the drive on motor power alone and ignoring overload and starting torque needs.
- Running an unscreened motor cable, then fighting noise on sensor lines afterwards.
- Never backing up the PLC program, so the system locks up when staff change.
- Designing HMI screens around the device list instead of the shift workflow.
- Building a frequently starting and stopping application without a braking resistor.
Terms you will meet in quotations and specifications
The concepts that come up most often in correspondence about this group, with short definitions.
- Scan time
- The time a PLC needs to execute the whole program once. It is decisive in applications needing fast motion or measurement.
- V/f and vector control
- How the drive controls the motor. V/f suits pumps and fans; vector control is needed for high torque and accurate speed.
- STO (safe torque off)
- The drive input that safely prevents the motor from producing torque, enabling safe stopping without opening the main contactor.
- IP protection class
- A two-digit rating for resistance to solids and water. The first digit covers solid objects, the second water.
Frequently asked about Industrial Automation
Can automation be added to my existing line later?
Usually yes. We review the panel's free space, wiring layout and heat load, and decide where signals will be taken from. In most cases a data and control layer can be added without replacing the PLC.
What information should I send for drive selection?
Motor nameplate data (power, current, voltage, speed), starting method, application type (pump, fan, conveyor, press), daily running hours and motor cable length are enough.
Where should I start with a robot investment?
Start with cycle time, payload, reach and the safety architecture. Robot selection comes after these, and the safety solution is an inseparable part of the project.
When is a braking resistor needed?
It is needed when the load feeds energy back: frequently stopping conveyors, centrifuges, hoists and high-inertia fans. If the drive trips on rising DC-link voltage, this is the first thing to check.
Do you write the PLC program?
Yes. We develop the PLC and HMI application from the signal list and process description, commission it and hand over the backup. We can also revise an existing program, and we tell you up front if it is locked.
Explore the other groups
- SwitchgearProtection, switching and control
- Cable and ConnectionPower, control, terminals, termination
- Enclosures and PanelsSheet-steel enclosures, busbars, climate control
- Cable ManagementTrunking, conduit, spiral wrap
- Control and SignallingPushbuttons, boxes, crane pendants
- Tools and ConsumablesCrimping, cutting, marking
Have a project or a material list?
Send us your list; we return stock status, lead time and wholesale pricing the same day.