About Allen-Bradley: History and Automation Products

Allen-Bradley is a brand within Rockwell Automation, known for industrial control hardware. Its name appears on more than PLCs and motor drives: operator terminals, I/O modules, motion control and machine safety components also form part of its hardware portfolio. Understanding the brand means understanding how different product families fit into a system.

From rheostats to programmable control

Lynde Bradley developed a compression rheostat in 1901 for early motor speed control. In 1903, Dr. Stanton Allen and Lynde Bradley founded the Compression Rheostat Company. It became Allen-Bradley in 1909. This early technology should not be confused with a modern electronic variable frequency drive.

The manufacturer's timeline highlights PLC development in 1970 and Data Highway in 1979. Rockwell International acquired Allen-Bradley in 1985. The millionth PLC shipped in 1995, and the company became Rockwell Automation in 2001. The Allen-Bradley brand continued within that organization.

Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation: the relationship

Allen-Bradley is the name commonly found on automation and control hardware. Rockwell Automation is the company behind that hardware and its wider software and solutions portfolio. FactoryTalk software also belongs to this ecosystem. An equipment list may therefore mention Allen-Bradley, a software interface FactoryTalk, and a technical publication Rockwell Automation.

However, sharing a manufacturer does not make every product directly compatible. Combining an older PLC, a newer terminal or a communication module from another generation requires a separate assessment of model, connections, software and firmware compatibility.

PLCs and I/O modules

PLC-5, SLC 500 and MicroLogix are names you may encounter in older installations and the used equipment market. Micro800, CompactLogix and ControlLogix are other controller families within the brand. These names represent more than different enclosure sizes: programming environments, expansion arrangements and communication capabilities can vary by family and model.

When selecting a used PLC CPU, establish which controller the existing program was designed for. With digital I/O modules, channel count is only one consideration; signal type and electrical characteristics also matter. Assess the CPU, I/O modules and power supply together. A matching brand label is not enough.

PanelView and operator interfaces

PanelView is associated with HMI terminals used to monitor machines and enter commands. In the manufacturer's portfolio, PanelView Plus is associated with FactoryTalk View ME, while PanelView 5000 uses Studio 5000 View Designer. This distinction illustrates why replacing a terminal involves more than matching its screen size.

Before purchasing a used HMI terminal, check its complete model code, supply voltage, communication ports and the software used for the existing project. A terminal that powers up cannot automatically be assumed to run your machine's application. Project backups and transfer requirements belong in the purchasing decision.

PowerFlex drives and Kinetix motion control

PowerFlex is one of Allen-Bradley's motor drive families. Kinetix is associated with servo drives and motion control. Explore relevant equipment through our used Allen-Bradley inverters section or the broader used drives category.

For motor control, voltage, output current, load requirements and connections matter alongside the kW rating. Servo system selection also involves the motor and feedback components. A variable frequency drive and a servo drive are not interchangeable simply because their power ratings match. Review related motion control equipment and drive accessories as part of the system.

Sensors, industrial control and machine safety

The portfolio also includes sensors, contactors, relays and safety components. Guardmaster is a name you may encounter among safety products. Safety switches and safety relays perform different roles.

The presence of a safety component does not establish that an entire machine is safe. Selection, wiring and validation must be considered against the machine's requirements. Used equipment that appears to operate has not necessarily had its safety functions validated.

Why product lifecycle matters for older equipment

Rockwell Automation uses the lifecycle categories Active, Active Mature, End of Life and Discontinued. These describe a current offering, a supported product with a newer alternative, a product with an announced discontinuation date, and a product no longer manufactured or procured as new, respectively. They do not describe the condition of an individual unit.

Availability on the used market does not mean a model remains in new production. When planning maintenance, consider product lifecycle, software access, compatibility and replacement options. Check the manufacturer's product lifecycle search for current information.

Used equipment and enquiries on OtomasyonAVM

Our Used Models page groups equipment by category rather than brand. Browse Allen-Bradley products in the brand section or compare equipment types across manufacturers in the category section. For stock, pricing, condition and delivery, contact the store identified on the product page. Read any test information and disclosed faults, and confirm availability before ordering.

OtomasyonAVM is not an Allen-Bradley representative. We do not provide technical support or application advice for this used equipment. No additional commercial warranty is offered for equipment in the used section, including unused or boxed units.

To offer equipment for us to purchase, send the model codes, quantities, condition, photographs and asking prices set by you to otomasyonavm@gmail.com. We review purchase offers; we do not buy equipment without an invoice. This section does not accept third-party listings.

Explore new equipment options

You may need an identical spare to maintain an existing system, while a new application may allow other equipment choices. Explore new products in our PLC and HMI, AC drive, power supply, controller and industrial switchgear sections. Compare the price, compatibility and total replacement cost of a new alternative together.