Visit the Meco Shaft Seals web site
Click on the advert above to visit the company web site

Product category: Packaging, Conveyors and Materials Transfer
News Release from: Rockwell Automation | Subject: Interpack
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial Team on 23 January 2008

Integrated Architecture on show at
Interpack

Rockwell Automation will demonstrate how it can help machine builders and end users improve productivity and reduce total cost of ownership, at Interpack in Dusseldorf, 24-30 April

Rockwell Automation, the integrated control and information supplier, has a strong history of working with clients in the packaging industry, and will also showcase its capabilities in robotic control "Rockwell Automation has many years of successful collaboration with machine builders and end users around the world and we will highlight some of our key technologies and initiatives at the Interpack show," said Francois Bonny, OEM sales manager packaging EMEA, Rockwell Automation: "Manufacturers now have more freedom to build their own robotic system - bringing together the control system and mechanics of their choice and integrating it more tightly with the packaging line

With this increased design flexibility, Rockwell Automation customers can select an off-the-shelf, integrated kinematics motion control system that is easier to programme and adjust for quick changeovers".

Additionally, Rockwell will demonstrate the benefits of programming standards such as ISA S88 Part 5 and Add-On Instructions (AOIs).

An enhancement of the latest version of Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 programming software, AOIs are a programming methodology in which code is encapsulated into user defined modules that can be easily reused without modification.

AOIs help OEMs and end users reduce project development time, improve accuracy and consistency, simplify maintenance, and reduce equipment start-up and training expenses.

"Machine builders that serve multiple industries can re-use their customised programming instructions, reducing their overall time to design, develop and deliver their machines.

They also can protect some of their proprietary instructions by locking them with a 16-digit key" added Bonny.

The Rockwell Automation booth will also highlight the company's Integrated Architecture solutions for the packaging industry.

Eliminating the need for assembling and synchronising various hardware and software components from different providers, Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture simplifies data collection and integration with higher-level information systems.

The single platform combines the Logix Control capabilities to simultaneously oversee various production applications, including process, batch, motion, drive, robotics and safety; with FactoryTalk integrated production and performance suite enabling asset, data, performance and compliance management.

Unlike conventional architectures, Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture allows for real-time information exchange between production and the rest of the enterprise, leading to greater productivity and reduced costs.

Integrated Architecture solutions highlighted at the Rockwell Automation booth will include:.

1) GuardLogix with RSLogix 5000 v16 release.

GuardLogix is a fully functioning ControlLogix Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) with Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 safety features that allow users to perform safety and standard control within a single project.

GuardLogix uses the newly released Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 v16 programming software which has opened the door to new capabilities that help improve safe and discrete motion, drive and process control without any imposed restrictions.

GuardLogix also features CAT 2, 3, 4 (EN 954) safety control, 49 TUV certified safety instructions, CIP Safety I/O on DeviceNet, and Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) safety bridging over EtherNet/IP or ControlNet.

2) SensaGuard Non-Contact Switches.

SensaGuard is a family of next generation non-contact switches using RFID technology for coding and inductive technology for sensing.

Intended for machine guarding with part or full body access, SensaGuard provides a higher level of security because it contains active electromagnetic protection devices that have sensing distances up to 30mm.

SensaGuard comes in a plastic or stainless steel barrel and the rectangular flat pack increases the product status and diagnostic capabilities with an indication LED on the sensor.

It is particularly suited for packaging machines where multiple access doors must be monitored up to Safety category 4/SIL3.

It is a cost-effective solution that is ideally suited for a wide range of industrial safety applications.

3) MP-Series Integrated Linear Stages.

Rockwell Automation has introduced a new line of linear stages that can help OEMs reduce the time and costs associated with machine design, programming and commissioning.

The Allen-Bradley MP-Series Integrated Linear Stages eliminate the need to combine separate components from multiple suppliers and, consequently, also eliminate the related assembly labour.

Available in both direct drive and ballscrew versions, these linear stages feature full set-up and programming support through RSLogix 5000 software, providing seamless integration into the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture.

The linear stages also offer quick change exterior cable track and an IP30 environmental rating.

4) Allen-Bradley Kinetix 2000 Servo Drives.

The high precision and advanced control capabilities of Kinetix servo technology are available in lower power ranges with Allen Bradley Kinetix 2000 servo drives from Rockwell Automation.

Ideal for small packaging applications, these additions to the Kinetix family enable packaging OEMs to expand their offerings with solutions that better suit end users with lower power requirements ranging from 300W to 3kW.

Kinetix is the motion control component of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture.

The Kinetix 2000 servo drive seamlessly integrates with Allen-Bradley Logix controllers, servo motors and actuators to bring unmatched flexibility to machine design and unprecedented energy efficiency to manufacturing control systems.

The booth will also feature Demonstration Stations highlighting Rockwell Automation solutions for Line Performance Systems, Track andTrace, Power and Energy Management Systems, QBAS and Production and Order Operation.

Rockwell Automation has a dedicated team focused on meeting the automation needs of machine builders.

With more than 450 sales and support locations in 50 different countries, the supply and support network for OEMs is unparalleled in scope.

OEM competency centres are available to assist in the machine development process.

Fully equipped with electrical and mechanical systems, OEMs can use these facilities for proof-of-concept purposes.

Rockwell Automation will be in Hall 6 booth number E31/E39. Request a free brochure from Rockwell Automation ...

Rockwell Automation: contact details and other news
Email this article to a colleague
Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
Processingtalk Home Page

Search the Pro-Talk network of sites

Visit the Dichtomatik web site
Visit the Meco Shaft Seals web site