Pack Expo: Process to packaging control capabilities expand

At Pack Expo International 2010, Rockwell Automation offers control capabilities to help improve machine performance, flexibility, and longevity.

November 5, 2010

Rockwell Automation at Pack Expo 2010 showed how machine builders can lower their Total Cost to Design, Develop and Deliver packaging machinery using a scalable, multidisciplined control and information system. Featuring new control and safety capabilities, the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system integrates process to packaging machinery, helping end users gain real-time insight into their operation and succeed in today’s knowledge-based business environment.

“Manufacturers face the ever-present challenge of integrating processing and packaging lines so product flows in a continuous, efficient manner,” said Mike Wagner, global packaging business manager, Rockwell Automation. “OEMs that choose a fully integrated control and information platform can seamlessly bridge machinery and create an environment for their end user customer to more easily optimize line performance.”

Rockwell Automation additions to its control and information platform include:

  • Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix programmable automation controllers (PACs) provide integrated safety, motion, discrete and drive control capabilities in a single control platform to help machine builders reduce hardware, development and integration costs. Featuring a 1oo2 safety architecture, the Compact GuardLogix controllers are rated up to Safety Integrity Level 3. Additionally, as part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, the Compact GuardLogix controllers use the same configuration, networking and visualization environment as the company’s larger scale systems. This helps provide OEMs with cost-effective integration of a machine or safety application into the end user’s plantwide control system.
  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix L7x PACs provide advanced memory, speed and processing capabilities for a wide range of control demands, from basic plant-floor applications to high-performance process, logic and motion applications.  For complex, high-performance motion applications,>the ControlLogix L73 and L75 PACs have dual-core central processing units. The controllers also interface seamlessly with motion drives through standard EtherNet/IP and SERCOS network interfaces. The controllers are capable of supporting as many as 100 axes, further simplifying synchronization of complex motion applications.
  • Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6500 multi-axis servo drive leverages the proven performance of the Kinetix 6000 family and is the first high-performance, modular servo drive to leverage embedded EtherNet/IP technology for integrated motion control. It also offers advanced safety features, such as safe stop, zero speed monitoring, safe direction monitoring and safe maximum acceleration monitoring.
  • Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 750 series of ac drives meet user needs for versatile motor control, integration ease and performance to help increase productivity. These drives support multiple languages, meet global standards and certifications, and have a wide power range. In addition, the drives offer safe speed monitoring options to help reduce maintenance downtime and improve machine performance.
  • Allen-Bradley Guardmaster GuardShield Safe 4 safety light curtains feature an integrated laser alignment system, allowing for simplified set up and installation. Users can activate or deactivate two visible laser elements located at the top and bottom of the GuardShield Safe 4 safety light curtain by touching the transmitting element, allowing for faster and easier light curtain alignment.

A Delta Robotics demonstration in the booth showcases several Rockwell Automation solutions in action, including the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix L7x PAC, GuardLogix PAC, Kinetix 6500 servo drive and PanelView Plus human machine interface.

A mechatronics display that shows machine builders how to combine mechanical and electrical engineering to achieve greater innovation, more optimized performance, faster time to market and reduced business risk. With this interdisciplinary approach, designers can address configuration and integration issues up front and minimize the chance of encountering problems in subsequent stages. Motion Analyzer software helps minimize design risk and speed time to market by providing tools that analyze design alternatives for motion control applications. In addition to its sizing, selection, optimization and simulation capabilities, the software offers performance evaluation features including ratio, torque and tolerance analysis. Motion Analyzer links 3D mechanical design in Solidworks 3D CAD to a control program in Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 to deliver greater flexibility and help accelerate time to market, the company said. 

Rockwell Automation

www.rockwellautomation.com

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– Edited by Amanda McLeman, Control Engineering, CFE Media, www.controleng.com