Mechatronics a main focus at Pack Expo 2011

Bosch Rexroth is emphasizing automation technology to enable modular, safe and energy efficient packaging machinery at Pack Expo 2011 in Las Vegas. Technologies include open control motion software, an integrated motor/drive with Ethernet communications, and corrosion-resistant pneumatics.

September 12, 2011

Bosch Rexroth automation technology for packaging equipment, on exhibit at Pack Expo 2011, Sept. 26-28, in Las Vegas, will include open control motion software for packaging applications, an integrated motor/drive with Ethernet communications, and corrosion-resistant pneumatics.

Also expected at the Rexroth booth are OEM partners like CAMA, CP Packaging, Brenton Engineering, and new drive and control products and systems designed to lower equipment and operational costs, enhance safety and improve energy efficiency, including control systems, linear modules, specially-designed pneumatics and conveyor systems.

IndraMotion for packaging

Rexroth will show the new software version of its fully open control system solution IndraMotion for Packaging version 12. With this automation solution, Rexroth offers an open IEC 61131-3 programming environment allowing OEMs to configure and program packaging applications. Applications that require precise synchronization, camming, registration, electronic gearing, collating, robotic path planning and dynamic belt synchronization in highly automated modular production lines. The open architecture programming environment supports the use of the OMAC for packaging guidelines like PackML and use of PackTags including a wizard to configure the template and be up and running with your machine axes in minutes.

IndraDrive Mi integrated motor/drive with multi-Ethernet interface

With its decentralized IndraDrive Mi integrated motor/drive, Rexroth offers a means for speedy engineering and the simple realization of modular machine designs and effective distributed safety concepts. The IndraDrive Mi features a Multi-Ethernet interface that simplifies the commissioning of various Ethernet automation architectures in one type of hardware. In addition, it allows for Ethernet components, such as I/O connections or pneumatics valves, to be connected directly to the drives, which reduces wiring and lowers the cost of installation.

NFRG linear ball rail system for wash-down environments

Rexroth has designed a series of linear motion products designed to withstand the challenges of harsh food packaging environments. Attendees can get the first look at the new NFRG ball rail system designed with materials and engineering that are suitable in dry working zones and in wash-down environments. Materials are corrosion resistant and unaffected by surface damage, lengthening product life cycles and lowering the total cost of ownership.

Pneumatic solutions for the food and packaging industry

Designed for use in the food and packaging industry, pneumatic components from Rexroth enable hygienic handling of food products and efficient packaging of all types of products. Whether the products are grippers, cylinders or valve terminal systems, all components in this family of hygienic products are perfectly matched and can be combined according to the special requirements of food processing as well as packaging needs. Products includ the CL03 valve terminal system, the corrosion-resistant ICS-D1 ISO cylinder, GPC Clean Series guide cylinders and the NCT non-contact transport system.

Education in automation

The company will highlight its work to provide automation training to the industry through demonstration of its mechatronic training simulators, and an introduction to its online and cooperative training courses.

OEM partners, solutions

Rexroth’s presentation will also feature dynamic packaging equipment from several OEM partners including: CP Packaging for primary packaging in a wash-down environment, a dynamic demonstration of a high-speed Delta-style robot from CAMA, multiple conveyor capabilities, and an all-servo-driven case packing application from Brenton Engineering. Rexroth’s OMAC PackML template will monitor each OEM’s machine to demonstrate ease of connectivity and system integration as well as monitoring performance and energy efficiency.

www.boschrexroth-us.com 

Bosch Rexroth AG

– Edited by Chris Vavra, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com