Tuesday 30 September 2014

Safety challenges of processes and machines

Safety in industrial processes and machinery has been always an important issue to help ensure personal safety, meet the appropriate standards and laws and brand reputation.

The concept of machinery safety had been negatively linked to productivity: improved safety meant less productivity. However, this trend is changing because new safety technologies and standards enable safer machines while improving production rates. Safety is no longer a problem for production.

The revolution of integrated safety within control industrial networks is changing the safety landscape. Ethernet/IP with CIP Safety allows modules with safe I/Os to be integrated into a control network where I/Os, servomotors, frequency converters and safety devices can share the same physical media.

Safety along with its programming logic and cabling were until recently independent from the rest of the machine control. Currently, by means of new technologies, control and safety converge on the same physical media reducing complexity and time to design, develop, and deliver a safety solution.

Another trend showing the advantages of integrated safety is the intelligent safety of servo drives and frequency converters, such as the safe torque-off features included in many of these devices. With machines and processes more and more based in motion systems, the availability of intelligent safety in these devices helps to create a safer machine with a high production capacity.

This kind of integrated safety in control networks such as Ethernet/IP is not only reserved for larger facilities with lots of safety I/Os. Other machinery of smaller sizes, which have been traditionally using safety relays and safety independent PLCs, are going to gradually integrate these solutions due to their higher performance and increasing affordability.

Friday 26 September 2014

The Great Routeco Bake Off

At Routeco we rose to the challenge of a Routeco Bake Off for today's Macmillan's Coffee Morning - the worlds biggest coffee morning!

By being involved with this great cause we can help to support Macmillian Cancer Care and appreciate all the hard work that they do. 



It has been a great success with our judges tasting all the cakes to pick our very own star baker. The winner was a yummy chocolate surprise, which was gone in seconds! We had a range of delicious cakes from a rainbow cake, nutella cupcakes, carrot cakes, sheep cup cakes, kinder buneo cakes, a South African tart and more. There's so much cake we will no doubt be eating them into the late afternoon!

We've had a lot of fun this morning and enjoyed the competition leading up to today, especially as it was for great charity. We are now thinking of when our next bake off will be!


Hope you all have a great weekend!

Roya

Thursday 25 September 2014

Guardmaster® EtherNet/IP Network Interface

The Guardmaster EtherNet/IP Network Interface (440R-ENETR) enables Guardmaster Safety Relays with embedded optical bus technology to seamlessly communicate on an EtherNet/IP network.

The information gathered helps you to minimise unplanned downtime and increase efficiencies for start-up.

As part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture™, the Guardmaster EtherNet/IP Network Interface provides comprehensive real-time, terminal-level diagnostics (such as cross faults and over currents) making it simple to troubleshoot your application. Compliant with ODVA requirements for linear, star and ring EtherNet/IP architectures, it provides greater system reliability
and availability while maximising uptime and system performance.

Features of the Guardmaster EtherNet/IP Network includes: 

• Add On Profile (AOP) in Studio 5000 for simple configuration in Logix control platform

• Enhances flexibility by connecting Guardmaster safety relays to EtherNet/IP networks

• Real-time terminal-level diagnostics help to minimise downtime and optimise cost savings

• Connect up to six Guardmaster safety relays on a single network interface


If you require more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.


Tuesday 23 September 2014

Want to be able to monitor your factory floor with real time information?

Lean manufacturing is now widely acknowledged as the most effective method for continuous improvement of factory productivity, flow, quality, uptime and waste reduction.

The ProducTVity Station™ from Red Lion lets you create your own interactive, real-time productivity scoreboard using an inexpensive consumer LCD/LED or plasma TV. With the ability to link your process for visible performance, you can watch productivity rise immediately. The ProducTVity Station™ lets you connect, collect, display, record and notify all at the same time.

Benefits of the ProducTVity Station™ include:

  • Display real-time performance metrics: counts, rates, targets, time, KPI, Takt, OEE
  • Andon features display warnings, alerts, calls, line status, maintenance, timers
  • Over 200 communication drivers to interface with PLCs, drives, motion controllers, etc.
  • Logs KPIs and andon events locally – synchronizes with FTP or Microsoft® SQL Server
  • Sends real-time displays to web browsers, and sends text and email alerts to mobile phones and devices.

ProducTVity Station is driven by a programming platform, Crimson. A full version of the Crimson 3.0 software suite is included at no extra charge, including free lifetime support and upgrades. With the ease to collect, analyse and display KPI and Andon information, Crimson is unlike any other productivity visualisation tool.

For more information download a ProducTVity Station™ brochure.

Click here to download a white paper on Three Effective Visual Management Solutions - Using KPIs to Improve Profitability.

To request a free demonstration or for further information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Friday 19 September 2014

Upcoming Machinery & Plant Safety Seminar!

We would like to invite you to a seminar providing information on the latest legislation and standards affecting machinery and plant safety, and the implication this has on your business.

Where:
 The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Antsy Business Park, Pilot Way, Coventry, CV8 9JU 
When: Wednesday 22nd October 2014 

There will be breakfast and refreshments provided before the seminar begins. Please find timings below:



The seminar provides the perfect opportunity to discuss current projects and difficulties you may be experiencing relating to machinery and plant safety including; safety circuit design, interlock devices and light curtains with a TUV-Certified engineer.

So, who should be there?
  • Machinery Designers
  • Factory Managers 
  • Control Engineers 
  • Project Managers 
  • Production/Operation Managers
  • Engineering Managers 
  • Maintenance and support engineers 
  • Machinery Procurement/Purchasing 
  • Service Engineers
  • Health and Safety Managers
  • Anyone that has an involvement with Industrial Machine Safety 

To book your place for this seminar or for more information, email: techworkshop@routeco.com 

Thursday 18 September 2014

Sonepar enters UK with Routeco

Sonepar, the global leader in Electrical Distribution with operations in 40 countries and total turnover of + € 16 B, announces that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the shares of Routeco Group Holdings Ltd.

The transaction, which is subject to approval from competition authorities in Austria, is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2014.

Founded in 1978 in Milton Keynes, Routeco has become one of the leading distributors of industrial control and automation products and services in the UK and reached €135 m sales in FY 2014.

Routeco has been a Rockwell Automation authorized distributor since 1992 and serves its customers via 13 branches across the UK. Routeco also has operations in Austria and in the Netherlands.

This acquisition underlines the ongoing efforts of Sonepar to strengthen its position with entries into new countries as well as into the immense market of Industrial Automation.

Routeco will continue to operate as a separate Business Unit within Sonepar Northern Europe. Ian Stewart (CEO) and the existing management team that has driven the development over the last 25 years will remain in charge.

Routeco will continue to work closely together with Rockwell Automation and will be supported by Sonepar to improve the value proposition to its very loyal customers base, through providing support in offering more complementary lines, supply chain services and e-commerce capabilities.

FactoryTalk View ME and SE Software - Version 8.0

Version 8.0 of FTView ME (Machine Edition) and FTView SE (Site Edition) software is now available to download and includes the corresponding FTViewPoint V8.0.

FactoryTalk View SE provides robust and reliable functionality in a single software package that scales from a stand-alone HMI to a distributed visualization solution. FactoryTalk View ME is a versatile HMI application that provides a dedicated and powerful solution for machine-level operator interface devices.

Key features of FTView ME Version 8.0:
  • Support for the new PanelviewPlus7
  • Simplified Project Management
  • Added domain authentication options
  • Enhanced login button for domain field
  • Security configuration at runtime
  • Improved audit trail
  • New error proofing features
  • Changes to security codes
  • Installation enhancements 
  • Additional O/S support

Key features of FTView SE Version 8.0:
  • Unattended installation and streamlined client install
  • FTHistorian connection tools
  • New confirmation popup
  • Button enable/disable function
  • Improved numeric display functions
  • Improved touch animation
  • New user group functions
  • Connect to network station with remote studio function
  • VBA import/export improvements
  • Improved application documenter
  • Alarming improvements
  • Additional O/S support

Click below to view the user manuals and installation guides:
FTView ME

FTView SE

If you wish to purchase the FactoryTalk View ME and SE Software online click here.

Should you require any further assistance please contact your local Routeco branch or email us at info@routeco.com

Tuesday 16 September 2014

Next Generation Allen-Bradley 6181 Integrated Display Computers

The Allen-Bradley 6181 Integrated Display Computers form a dynamic portfolio, with Standard, Performance and Advanced Models that provide all-in-one industrial PC options to help meet your application needs. While the Standard models maintain their original characteristics, the latest generation Performance models build upon the trusted Series E 6181 Integrated Display Computer platform to help provide you with an enhanced user experience and exceptional processing power.

These new products have been divided into two sections - Performance models (Tier 2) and Advanced models (Tier 3).

Performance Models (Tier 2) Features & Benefits include:
  • CORE – i3 4102E Dual Core 1.6GHZ CPU with 4GB DDR3 SODIMM RAM and resistive touch screen
  • Field replaceable components (RAM, HDD, SSD, ODD, power supply) which helps to simplify maintenance and upgrades
  • New screen sizes/form factors – 4:3 available in 12” (305mm) 15” (381mm) 17” (432mm) and 19” (483mm)
  • Improved USB 3.0 and video ports and expansion slots
  • Windows7 64 bit, WES7 and Windows Server 2008 Operating System variants 

Advanced Models (Tier 3) Features & Benefits include:
  • CORE – i7 4700EQ Quad Core 2.4GHZ CPU with hyperthreading 8GB RAM and multi touch capacitive touch screens
  • Field replaceable components (RAM, HDD, SSD, ODD, power supply) which helps to simplify maintenance and upgrades
  • New screen sizes/form factors – 4:3 aspect ratio display 15” (381mm), 5:4 aspect ratio 17” and 19” screens
  • 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio 15.6” and 18.5” screens
  • Windows7 64 bit, WES7 and Windows Server 2008 Operating System variants, 32 bit O/S for XP and W7
  • CD-R/W and DVD/R-W drives

You can find more information on the 6181 Integrated Display Computers here.

If you wish to purchase the 6181 Integrated Display Computers online click here.

Should you require any further assistance please contact your local Routeco branch or email us at info@routeco.com

Friday 12 September 2014

Thank Routeco It's Friday!

Would you live in this house?

An Australian firm, who designs and builds prefabricated homes, has designed this high top cliff house.
The house features three bedrooms (one with an en-suite), a living room, a carport, separate bathroom, an open-air spa and a barbecue area on the bottom floor. The cliff house has been focused on bringing the house owners "transcendent views of the ocean".
The design for this unusual house was put into place after a couple wanted the Australian designers to “explore how to build a holiday home along extreme parcels of the coast”.
The cliff house will be made up of five modules connected by a lift and secured to the cliff face using engineered steel pins and will be structurally sound.
This is not the only extraordinary home to be designed, as around the world floating homes, underwater homes and ice hotels are being built. As you can imagine these properties do come cheap and can be very expensive to design and build!
Would you live in a house like this? Let us know what your thoughts.
Have a great weekend!
Roya

Thursday 11 September 2014

Studio 5000 Logix Designer Software Update (Version 23)

Studio 5000 Logix Designer Software Version 23 has now been released and is available for download.

This release includes enhancements intended to improve product resiliency to potentially disruptive activities. These enhancements have been verified to not affect product safety, performance, expected life, configuration, or operation of the product.

Product resiliency includes, but is not limited to, security topics related to tamper prevention and detection; intellectual property management and source protection; and user authentication and authorisation.

Rockwell Automation advises customers to follow good Industrial Control System (ICS) security practices that include downloading regular product updates.

If you are currently using an older version of this software and have a technical support contract in place, V23 can be downloaded here.


The Studio 5000 Automation Engineering and Design Environment combines engineering and design elements into one standard framework.

The first element is the Logix Designer application. Logix Designer is the progression of RSLogix 5000 software, and will continue to be the package you use to program Logix5000 controllers for discrete, process, batch, motion, safety, and drive-based systems.

With the Studio 5000 environment you can…

• Use one intuitive design and configuration software package
• Simplify development of complex control solutions
• Have greater access to real-time information
• Develop localized applications in a single control platform
• Develop applications in a collaborative engineering environment

And achieve…

• Optimized productivity
• Quicker response to market and business needs
• Reduced commissioning time
• Reduced maintenance and training costs

You can find more information on Studio 5000 Logix Designer Software Version 23 here.

If you wish to purchase the Studio 5000 Software online click here

Should you require any further assistance please contact your local Routeco branch or email us at info@routeco.com

Tuesday 9 September 2014

New Rockwell Automation XM-124 Standard Dynamic Measurement Modules

The release of the new XM-124 Standard Dynamic Measurement Modules from Rockwell Automation which is now available for sale. This product complements the already extensive range of Machine Protection and Condition Monitoring modules within the XM range.

The XM-124 module is an intelligent, 2-channel, general purpose monitor. The module supports monitoring of shaft, casing or pedestal vibration in rotating equipment such as turbines, motors, pumps, compressors, fans and most other common rotating machinery where real-time condition monitoring or protection is required.

Key features include:
  • Two channels connect common vibration sensors (any sensor that outputs a voltage signal)
  • One tachometer channel that accepts input from most speed measurement sensors and can measure speeds 1-1.2 RPM with pulse rates 1 – 50,000 events per revolution
  • Signal processing provides synchronous or asynchronous measurements
  • Signal processing provides integration and FFT processing with as many as 30 measured parameters
  • Two isolated 4-20 mA outputs
  • Single on-board relay
  • Four virtual relays or four additional relays (when connected to an XM441 expansion relay module)

To purchase this product online click here.

Click on the below for more product information:
XM Modules Technical Data
XM Modules User Manual 

If you require more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Monday 8 September 2014

Range of TopTherm Fan and Filter Units

By working in partnership with Rittal, we are able to bring you a range of fan and filter units for your climate control products.

These TopTherm fan and filter units can be assembled without the use of tools for key tasks such as mounting on the enclosure, reversal of the air flow direction, electrical connection and fast filter mat replacement, saving valuable time and resources. The pressure stability of the diagonal fans promises greater energy efficiency and a more constant air throughput, which is even more effective in helping to prevent hot spots. 
Also, thanks to global compatibility with the preceding product range, air throughputs and cut-out dimensions being preserved, switching is made as simple as possible.

Features of the fan and filter units include:

Tool-free assembly

  • Simple reversal of the air flow direction by turning the fan module 
  • Spring clamp terminals for electrical connection without tools 
  • Latch on louvred grille for fast filter mat replacement without tools 

Efficient technology

  • Air throughput from 20 to 900 m³/h
  • New diagonal fan technology for greater pressure stability and constant air flows in use, even with a contaminated filter mat 
  • Minimum installation depth 

Air routing

  • Intelligent symbiosis of radial and axial fan technology 
  • Air flow spreads diagonally from the fan, promoting a more even air distribution in the enclosure

We have a great easy to use thermal label to help you determine the temperature of your products. By sticking the small label to an internal surface of your enclosure, you will be able to see how hot or cold it is from the temperature gauge, and the results appear straight away. The thermal label is quick to use and is suitable for all types of equipment.

To request your free thermal label email info@routeco.com and one of our sales engineers will come and help select the best product for you.

Click here to download a brochure including product data sheets on the fan and filter units or here for a product information leaflet.

To purchase a fan and filter unit online click here.*

*Please note not all products may be available to purchase online, please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000 for product enquiries







Rittal's Guide Book: Enclosure and Process Cooling

This book provides information on a variety of topics including the basic principles of climate control, energy saving opportunities and project planning, installation and operation.

The book offers product specific guidance on a range of subjects, this includes: the removal of heat using air circulation, air/air heat exchanges, fan and filter units and cooling units. The accurate selection of climate control equipment using software tools is also covered within this helpful guide.

Offering practical and useful tips on the installation and maintenance of cooling equipment, the guide book also incorporates years of experience of climate control solutions in industrial environments to pinpoint typical errors and how working solutions may differ from these originally planned. 


To read the Enclosure and Process Cooling Guide Book click here

To find out the temperature of your products we have a great easy to use thermal label to help. By sticking the small label to an internal surface of your enclosure, you will be able to see how hot or cold it is from the temperature gauge, and the results will appear straight away. The thermal label is quick to use and is suitable for all types of equipment.

To request your free thermal label email 
info@routeco.com and one of our sales engineers will come and help select the best product for you.


If you require more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Friday 5 September 2014

Thank Routeco It's Friday!

Routeco Head Office
The History of Routeco

1978 Routeco was formed as a multi-franchise industrial electrical distributor based in Milton Keynes. The company focused on electrical wholesale products such as lighting, cable and wiring accessories.

1980
We were awarded an Allen-Bradley franchise for Milton Keynes and the surrounding area and it was during this time that the company changed direction to become a specialist technical distributor of industrial control and automation products.

1989 We opened our first sales outlet outside of Milton Keynes in Peterborough.

1990 The Peterborough branch became an exclusive distributor for Allen-Bradley products and during the next couple of year’s further sales outlets were opened in Manchester and Coventry.

1992 We agreed a unique deal with Allen-Bradley to become an exclusive distributor throughout the Routeco organisation. New sales outlets were opened immediately across Southern England and the Midlands.

1996 We gained market presence in South Wales and this was quickly followed by the opening of a new branch in Cardiff. Throughout the remainder of the 90s further branches opened in the Midlands and the North of England.

1998 Routeco GmbH was formed based in Linz to serve the Austrian market with industrial control and automation products.

2000 A new branch opened in Glasgow. 

We continued to invest in Product Specialists and Technical Support personnel further enhancing our reputation as the UK’s leading technical distributor of industrial control and automation products.

2008 We established 13 regional centres to service the UK.

2011 The original founders of the company decided to take retirement and the operating board which had been in place for over 12 years constructed a management buyout (MBO).

2013
Routeco has continued to grow successfully achieving £100million turnover. Routeco continued its strategic expansion into European markets forming Routeco BV as the preferred Rockwell Automation channel serving the Netherlands market.

If you have any questions or would like any information on Routeco or on our products, please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Have a great weekend!

Roya

Thursday 4 September 2014

Anybus CompactCom M40 Modules

Anybus CompactCom M40 modules are part of the CompactCom series which includes the C40 chip and the B40 brick. The CompactCom 40-series are suitable for high performance and demanding industrial applications.

The M40 modules are available for fieldbus and industrial ethernet networks and provide a complete interchangeable communication module. The modules contain all necessary components for a complete network solution, including the physical connection, hardware interface and protocol functionality. All you need to do is plug-in your module of choice to support an industrial network. No hardware or software changes are required by your device when you want to plug in another module to support a different network.

The M40 modules are supplied in two standard versions, one with housing and one without housing. The robust plastic housing covers the electronics and allows for easy handling at any time in the logistic chain between the manufacturer and end customer.

Key benefits of the M40 Modules include:

  • High performance complete plug-in communication modules for demanding applications
  • Provides instant multi-network capability with only one in-design development
  • One common Ethernet platform can enable you to just download your chosen Etherret protocol to the module
  • Fast time to market, with minimal development efforts required
  • All modules available as standard with or without plastic housing

Click here to download a brochure on the Anybus series.

For more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Wednesday 3 September 2014

Lifecycle Extension & Migrations from Rockwell Automation

As your automation systems near the end of their lifecycle, the chance of unplanned downtime increases. The skill is recognising what components are obsolete, what components are superseded, how long you have before they are no longer able to be replaced or repaired and how best to support them while you plan your migration strategy.

You could simply replace aged equipment, but timing and budgetary constraints can interfere with those plans. Identifying and maintaining at risk equipment until finance or production schedules allow is a cost-effective alternative.

Rockwell Automation's Lifecycle Extension provides:

• Reserved Repair Access – Ensuring availability of component parts to provide
on-going assurance of product repair services (including discontinued products)

• Remote Support for Discontinued Product – Unlimited web support and technical assistance for legacy products

• On-site services for Discontinued Product – Scheduled preventative maintenance services and migration/conversion planning support

Conducting a thorough, plant-wide assessment of your automation equipment provides actionable intelligence to drive data-driven decisions like whether to mitigate or eliminate your risk.

A Rockwell Automation Installed Base Evaluation (IBE) features:


• Identification of plant-wide automation lifecycle status (Current, Silver or Obsolete)
• Identification of top migration priorities by plant, line, machine and cabinet
• MRO assessment and spare optimisation recommendations
• Panel condition reporting

For more information email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.