Stop waiting for official distributors. Tired of long lead times and high RRP on essential automation parts in Australia? Finding the right allen bradley plc for your project—whether it’s a powerful ControlLogix 5580 or a nimble Micro820—should be fast and cost-effective. The frustration of searching for specific part numbers, only to be quoted weeks of waiting and inflated prices, ends here. Don’t let supply chain delays slow down your operations.

This guide gets straight to the point. We break down the core Allen-Bradley PLC series: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and the Micro family, so you can confidently choose the right model for your application. More importantly, we show you how to get genuine parts in stock, right here in Australia, from a trusted independent supplier. Get the PLC you need, get the best deal, and get your project back on track without the wait.

Why Choose Allen-Bradley PLCs? (And How to Get Them for Less)

In Australian industry, Allen-Bradley is the undisputed leader in automation control. For decades, their hardware has set the global standard for reliability and performance. When you invest in an allen bradley plc, you’re buying into a legacy of robust hardware and powerful, integrated software designed for the most demanding applications. This reputation for quality, however, often comes with a premium price tag through official local channels.

That’s where InstroDirect changes the game. We provide Australian businesses with access to the world’s best automation equipment without the inflated costs.

The InstroDirect Advantage: Genuine Parts, Better Prices

Our business model is simple: parallel importing. We source 100% genuine, new, and factory-sealed Allen-Bradley products from a global network of suppliers. By bypassing traditional distribution channels and their associated markups, we pass on significant savings directly to you. Every product is brand new and backed by our expert Australian support, giving you peace of mind and a better bottom line.

Navigating the Allen-Bradley PLC Landscape

The Allen-Bradley range is vast, covering everything from basic machine control to complex, plant-wide process automation. Understanding the key product families is the first step to making a smart investment. The main series include:

• ControlLogix: The flagship for high-performance, large-scale applications.
• CompactLogix: A scalable solution perfect for mid-range machine and system control.
• Micro Family (Micro800 & MicroLogix): Ideal for smaller, standalone machines and cost-sensitive projects.

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is the brain of your operation, and choosing the right one is critical. This guide will break down the models, features, and typical costs to help you select the right controller for your needs and budget.

Decoding the PLC Families: Large, Mid-Range & Micro Controllers

Choosing the right Allen Bradley PLC is about matching the controller to the job. Don’t overpay for power you don’t need. The decision comes down to three key factors: I/O count, required performance, and future scalability. In a competitive global PLC market, selecting the right controller family from the start is critical to managing project costs in Australia. Allen-Bradley simplifies this with three clear tiers.

Large Control Systems: The ControlLogix & GuardLogix Family

For the most demanding jobs. ControlLogix is the top-tier solution for complex, high-performance applications across an entire plant. It handles massive I/O counts, advanced motion control, and process loops with ease. For applications requiring integrated safety, the GuardLogix series delivers SIL 3 performance in the same powerful chassis. This is the platform for maximum power and availability.

Mid-Range Control Systems: The CompactLogix Family

The workhorse of Australian industry. The CompactLogix family is the most popular choice for machine-level control, offering the perfect balance of power, scalability, and price. It shares the same Studio 5000 programming environment as ControlLogix, making it easy to scale up. From simple conveyors to complex packaging machines, CompactLogix provides a powerful, modular solution that grows with your needs.

Micro & Small Controllers: The Micro800 & MicroLogix Family

Cost-effective control for smaller jobs. When a large, complex Allen Bradley PLC is overkill, the Micro800 and MicroLogix families provide the right features at the best price. They are perfect for standalone machines, basic motor control, and simple automation tasks. With a compact footprint and simplified programming, these controllers deliver reliable performance without breaking the budget.

ControlLogix Systems: Maximum Performance for Complex Applications

When standard PLCs can’t handle the job, the ControlLogix system is the solution. As the flagship Allen Bradley PLC platform, it is engineered for high-performance, large-scale, and complex automation tasks. Its greatest strength is a fully modular design, giving you ultimate flexibility. Build, scale, and adapt your control system with chassis, power supplies, controllers, and I/O modules tailored precisely to your application’s demands.

This scalability makes ControlLogix the go-to choice for major Australian industries. It provides the robust control needed for demanding mining operations, high-speed manufacturing lines, and critical food and beverage processing plants where uptime and precision are everything. All programming and configuration for this powerful platform is managed through the integrated Studio 5000 Logix Designer software environment.

Key Features and Benefits

ControlLogix systems deliver the power and reliability required for mission-critical applications. Get the performance you need at the best prices. Key benefits include:

• High-Speed Processing: Powerful CPUs designed for demanding motion control, sequential, and process control applications, ensuring rapid response times.
• Redundancy Options: Provides true controller redundancy for high-availability systems, minimising downtime and protecting critical processes from single points of failure.
• Extensive Communication: Built-in EtherNet/IP ports for high-speed connectivity, with support for additional networks like ControlNet and DeviceNet through communication modules.

Popular Series: 5570 and 5580 Controllers

In Australia, the most common ControlLogix controllers are from the 5570 and 5580 series. The 1756-L7x series (5570) is the established workhorse, a reliable and powerful choice for a huge range of existing systems. The newer 1756-L8x series (5580) represents a significant leap forward, offering up to 45% more application capacity, a 1Gb Ethernet port for high-speed communications, and enhanced security features.

Whether you are maintaining an existing 5570 system or upgrading to the superior performance of the 5580, getting the right components is critical. Shop our range of ControlLogix PLCs & Modules.

CompactLogix Systems: The Scalable Mid-Range Powerhouse

For most automation projects in Australia, the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix system is the go-to solution. It strikes the perfect balance between performance, scalability, and price, making it the versatile workhorse for countless applications. This system delivers the full power of the Logix control engine—the same one found in the larger ControlLogix platform—but in a smaller, more cost-effective form factor. It’s the ideal choice for controlling packaging machines, material handling conveyors, and assembly lines where you need advanced features without the footprint of a large-scale system.

By choosing a CompactLogix allen bradley plc, you get a system that can grow with your operations, ensuring your initial investment continues to pay off. No need to over-spec your hardware; simply add I/O and capabilities as required.

Key Features and Benefits

CompactLogix controllers provide significant value by streamlining engineering and reducing hardware costs. Key advantages include:

• Shared Programming Environment: Uses the same Studio 5000 Logix Designer software as ControlLogix. This reduces training time and allows for code re-use across platforms, saving valuable engineering hours.
• Integrated Motion & Safety: Many controllers offer integrated motion control on EtherNet/IP and SIL 2/PLd safety capabilities. This single-platform approach simplifies machine design, saves cabinet space, and reduces wiring complexity.
• Scalable I/O Options: With a wide range of local and distributed Compact 5000 I/O modules, you can build a system perfectly tailored to your machine’s needs and easily expand it later.

Popular Series: 5370 and 5380 Controllers

The two most common series are the 5370 and 5380. The 5370 family is a reliable choice for general-purpose control. For more demanding applications, the 5380 series offers a significant performance boost, with up to 20% increased capacity, dual-port EtherNet/IP for high-speed I/O and motion control, and enhanced security features. For specialised tasks requiring a commercial operating system alongside the control engine, the 5480 series provides a unique solution.

Choosing the right model depends on your specific I/O count, network architecture, and motion control needs. InstroDirect supplies a comprehensive range of these controllers at unbeatable prices. Find the right CompactLogix controller for your project.

Micro800 & MicroLogix PLCs: Smart Control for Small Applications

For cost-sensitive projects and small-scale automation across Australia, the Allen-Bradley Micro800 and older MicroLogix families are the definitive solution. These controllers are engineered to directly replace cumbersome hardwired relays and timers, introducing the power of programmable logic in a compact and highly affordable package. They excel in applications like simple machine control, conveyor systems, building automation, commercial lighting, and HVAC systems. A major cost-saving benefit of the newer Micro800 series is its use of the free Connected Components Workbench (CCW) software, eliminating expensive license fees and lowering the barrier to entry for powerful automation.

Key Features and Benefits

Get maximum value and functionality without compromising on quality. The Micro series is built to deliver on the key requirements for smaller control systems.

• Compact Footprint: These PLCs save critical DIN rail and panel space. This allows for smaller, more cost-effective enclosures and easier integration into existing machinery.
• Flexible I/O Customisation: With a wide range of plug-in and expansion I/O modules, you can tailor the controller to your exact application needs. Pay only for the specific digital, analog, or specialty I/O you require.
• Excellent Price-to-Performance Ratio: For projects with tight budgets, this family of controllers offers an unbeatable price point. You get reliable Allen-Bradley control at a fraction of the cost of larger systems, ensuring a fast return on investment.

Choosing Between Micro820, Micro850, and Micro870

Selecting the right Micro800 model is straightforward. The product hierarchy is based on I/O count, memory, and embedded features. For any standalone application, there is an allen bradley plc in this range to get the job done efficiently.

The Micro820 is perfect for micro automation tasks with a small I/O footprint, like simple sensor monitoring. Moving up, the Micro850 offers more I/O, embedded Ethernet, and greater programming flexibility, making it a versatile choice for small machines. For the most demanding standalone equipment requiring higher I/O counts, removable terminal blocks, and more advanced motion control capabilities, the Micro870 is the premier allen bradley plc in the Micro800 family. Each model provides a scalable, cost-effective solution for your specific machine.

Get a great deal on Micro800 series PLCs. Cant find the exact model you need? Contact us directly for the best prices in Australia.

Source Your Allen-Bradley PLC for Less

Choosing the right allen bradley plc means matching the controller’s capabilities—from the high-performance ControlLogix to the compact Micro800 series—to your specific operational needs. Understanding these model families is the key to optimising both performance and your budget for any Australian industrial application.

At InstroDirect, we make acquiring these industry-leading controllers more affordable. Through our Parallel Importing model, we deliver genuine hardware at significantly lower pricing than standard distributors. You get the best deals without sacrificing quality, backed by our expert support on all products and fast Australia-wide shipping. Don’t overpay for the performance and reliability you need.

Ready to upgrade your system and save? Shop Our Range of Allen-Bradley PLCs & Save! Find the right controller for your budget today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Allen-Bradley PLCs

Are the Allen-Bradley PLCs you sell genuine and new?

Yes. Every Allen-Bradley PLC and component we sell is 100% genuine, new, and in its original factory-sealed packaging. We source our products through a global network of suppliers, a practice known as parallel importing. This allows us to acquire authentic products directly, ensuring you receive the quality you expect from a world-class brand without the authorised distributor markup. All serial numbers are legitimate and traceable.

What is the warranty on Allen-Bradley products purchased from InstroDirect?

All Allen-Bradley products sold by InstroDirect come with our own comprehensive 12-month replacement warranty. If you experience a fault within this period, we will provide a replacement. Please note, as we are not an authorised Rockwell Automation distributor, the manufacturer’s warranty is not applicable in Australia. Our direct warranty ensures you have peace of mind and fast, local support for the products you purchase from us.

Why are your prices lower than an authorized Rockwell Automation distributor in Australia?

Our competitive pricing is the direct result of our business model: parallel importing. We bypass the traditional, high-cost local distribution channels by sourcing genuine Allen-Bradley products from a larger global market where pricing is more competitive. This strategy eliminates multiple layers of markups, allowing us to pass those significant savings directly on to our Australian customers. You get the same high-quality product for a much lower price.

Do you provide technical support or programming for the PLCs you sell?

InstroDirect is a specialist supplier focused on providing the best prices and availability for automation hardware. We do not offer in-house technical support, system integration, or PLC programming services. Our business model is designed to serve customers who already have the technical expertise to specify, install, and commission their own systems. This focus on supply helps us keep our overheads and prices low.

Can you source a specific Allen-Bradley part number if it’s not listed on your website?

Yes, absolutely. Our website lists our most popular and readily available stock, but our sourcing capabilities extend far beyond that. If you need a specific Allen-Bradley PLC module, drive, or any other component with a particular part number, contact us directly. Our team leverages a vast global supply network to find hard-to-get or unlisted items quickly and at great prices. IF YOU CAN’T FIND IT, RING US.

How quickly can I get my PLC delivered in Australia?

Delivery speed depends on stock location. In-stock items held in our Australian warehouse are typically dispatched the same or next business day, arriving in major metro areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane within 1-3 business days. For components sourced from our international partners, the lead time is generally between 5-10 business days. We always provide a clear delivery estimate on your quote before purchase.