Packaging

Rockwell Automation Demonstrates Sustainable Machine Design At PACK EXPO International 2008

Tuesday 11. November 2008 - Sustainable production and standards-based automation solutions help improve packaging machinery flexibility for future applications

Packaging machinery OEMs who want to implement “cradle-to-cradle” machine designs supporting sustainability can learn more from Rockwell Automation in Booth N-3245 at the PACK EXPO 2008 show this week in Chicago. At its booth, Rockwell Automation will demonstrate how standards-based automation technologies help provide OEMs with flexibility to adjust to new product changeovers – a critical requirement for sustainable machines.

“Manufacturers want to have the ability to expand their product offerings and do more with their existing packaging machinery. But, they also want to lower the expenses that often accompany machinery redesign,” said Mike Wagner, global segment business manager – packaging, OEM Business, Rockwell Automation. “OEMs can help end users address these seemingly conflicting business drivers if they have the foresight to build machinery with industry standards and future sustainability in mind.”

The Rockwell Automation booth will showcase the company’s wide range of integrated control and information systems that help allow flexible machine design, including the following items.

Allen-Bradley CompactLogix L23 programmable automation controllers (PACs) from Rockwell Automation deliver the latest control technology to small machine-level applications through simplified configuration and an advanced set of features and functionality. With these integrated PACs, users can help simplify their production while helping to increase the functionality and cost-effectiveness of smaller machine platforms. The controllers, which come in three packaged forms, offer customers all of the benefits inherent in the company’s popular Logix Control Platform – a common programming environment, common networking protocol and a common control engine for future control upgrades. Each PAC also features embedded I/O that is preconfigured for ease of use, helping to lower costs through simplified configuration and increased flexibility.

The Rockwell Automation Stratix portfolio of industrial Ethernet switches and media helps manufacturers effectively manage real-time control and information flow throughout the manufacturing and IT enterprise. The portfolio features the first-of-its-kind Stratix 8000 line of managed switches integrated with Cisco technology. The portfolio also includes Ethernet switch technology embedded in popular Rockwell Automation and third-party products allowing for flexible topologies, as well as lines of unmanaged switches and physical media. The portfolio contains many popular features that are in use today by IT and Controls organizations that deploy standard, unmodified Ethernet, with settings optimized for use in EtherNet/IP applications.

Stratix 8000 modular managed switch directly addresses the network convergence activities in manufacturing and IT organizations. The switch uses the Cisco Catalyst operating system, feature set and user interface, making IT professionals feel at home. At the same time, it provides easier setup and comprehensive diagnostic information from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture.
Stratix 6000 fixed managed switch is ideal for applications with small or highly distributed networked devices or devices connecting to the controller. It cost effectively gives users real-time access to critical network data through a Logix-based control system. The module seamlessly integrates into Logix programs and updates tags automatically, allowing users to continuously monitor their network for configuration changes, traffic overload and unauthorized access.
Allen-Bradley PanelView Component family of human-machine interface terminals addresses the need for component class operator interface terminals. With a range of 2-inch, 3-inch, 6-inch, and 10-inch terminals, PanelView Component operator interfaces are targeted at OEMs, system integrators and end users. It leverages new features such as built-in programming software and integrated mounting clamps to help improve productivity and maintenance while offering end users the convenience and efficiencies of single-source buying. Preferred integration with Allen-Bradley MicroLogix programmable logic controllers offers manufacturers an ideal control and visualization solution for a wide variety of applications.
Productivity enhancing design solutions from Rockwell Automation help OEMs take a more integrated approach to machine design. These include:

Allen-Bradley MP-Series Integrated Multi-Axis Stages – Rockwell Automation has expanded its linear motion offering with the introduction of pre-engineered MP-Series Integrated Multi-Axis Stages. The new multi-axis stages provide precise two-dimensional linear motion capabilities to address the most common assembly, dispensing, inspection, packaging and cutting applications. These new linear stages feature pre-alignment for an out-of-the-box and into-your-machine experience. In addition, your selection of optimal stages and drives will be simplified through the use of Motion Analyzer software, helping to reduce your time to market.
Motion Analyzer Version 4.6 – The Motion Analyzer software tool will offer a variety of improvements with Version 4.6, scheduled for release in autumn of 2008. Improved move profile editor provides greater ease of use, more powerful functionality and less technically specific language for use by a wider audience. Motion profiles can be exported to Logix and linked to a CAD program. Animation in SolidWorks design software allows the CAD drawings to show movement. Physical simulation in SolidWorks design software assists with system selection.
Motion Analyzer is available as a free download