Rockwell launch NEW RFID solution

The New 56RF RFID system delivers a rugged plant floor RFID solution for both tracking and real-time localised data storage, with seamless data communication from shop floor to enterprise systems via Ethernet/IP.
The new Allen-Bradley 56RF system – based on the open 13,56MHz I-Code standard – delivers a rugged plant floor RFID solution for both tracking and real-time localised data storage, with seamless data communication from shop floor to enterprise systems. What is more, its use of an open standard provides much more flexibility for expansion and integration.

The modular 56RF system comprises Allen-Bradley ArmorBlock interfaces, transceivers (read/write heads) in sensor housings and a wide selection of re-usable data carrier tags in different styles for standard and special environments. Flexibility and scalability is maximised thanks to the ArmorBlock units offering interfaces for one or two RFID channels, standard I/Os and embedded Ethernet switches with Device Level Ring (DLR) function in order to save wiring and installation costs. Integration into our Allen-Bradley Logix platform is easy and seamless with new add-on profiles (AOP) and integrated EDS files, which help to reduce start up times and get production up and running much faster.

Four rugged transceiver styles are available (40x40, 80x90, M12 and M18) designed for industrial locations, all using high-frequency 13,56MHz I-Code to ISO15693 and ISO18000-3 M1. A wide selection of reusable data carriers (Tags) – designed for industrial environments – is also available, from 128Byte up to 2kB; with read/write distances up to 170mm, depending on the tag size.

Applications that will benefit from this new system include: asset tracking; tracking of “RTI’s” (Returnable Transport Items); tracking and tracing of raw material, parts, trays, bins, work piece carriers, tooling and containers; intelligent object routing and sorting; in-Line RFID system for slap and ship; automotive body assembly, paint- and body shops; AGV guidance; food bins and container tracking; and mould- and press tool handling.

16,000 Allen-Bradley products loaded onto EPLAN data portal

Product data for more than 16,000 Allen-Bradley products have been loaded into the EPLAN data portal with even more promised for the coming months.

Available for use with immediate effect, the data will make electrical design far easier; reducing the risk and number of errors and slashing design costs as engineers can be confident of a greater number of designs being either right first time or requiring far less remedial action.

According to Steve Pethick, Director Components and Safety Business EMEA: "Many of our customers are users of EPLAN, one of the most widely distributed ECAD packages in the EMEA region, so it made sense for us to make their lives easier by giving them quick and easy access to the functional and CAD data from our extensive product line."

"Thanks to the outstanding data quality facilitated by EPLAN and its software platform," explains Reiner Konetschny, Director Key Account Management at EPLAN, "users are able to easily export the design data into upstream software packages for additional design review and simulation steps. In this instance, users can export Rockwell Automation's design data to RSLogix Architect so they can visualise and adjust parameters. This data can then be further exported to RSLogix 5000 so simulations and tests can be run; with any remedial action and changes fed back through the system and back into the EPLAN design file."

"We believe this new offering will be of immense use to our customers," Pethick explains. "Having this type of design data on tap from a single, centralised portal will save designers an incredible amount of time; and the ability to import and export the parameters into upstream software and back again will help ensure greater design fidelity and functionality."

More than 65.000 EPLAN users globally can gain access immediately; just select the Rockwell Automation products, available on the EPLAN data portal and start implementing them into your design projects.

New Dispenser/Filler Module for ControlLogix

Easy to install, simple to set-up:  Hardy Process Solutions' new HI 1756-nDF Dispenser/Filler modules for the Allen-Bradley® ControlLogix® platform are an easy answer to a variety of material-flow applications where speed, repeatability and accuracy are paramount to the overall process.  Whether filling or dispensing aggregates, granulates, liquids or gases, the HI 1756-nDF automates the entire process by monitoring, controlling, tuning and maintaining the dispense/fill operation.

Easily installs directly into your ControlLogix rack I/O with Hardy's exclusive core technologies:  WAVERSAVER® to easily eliminate the effects of surrounding vibration for fast, stable weight display; INTEGRATED TECHNICIAN® (IT) for fast and easy system diagnostics and troubleshooting; and C2® Electronic Calibration for easy calibration without test weights when used with Hardy ADVANTAGE® load cells.

With two integrated solid state DC or AC relays per channel, Hardy's HI 1756-nDF eliminates timing issues created by non-deterministic messaging and places processing power and complete control right where you need it - at the process, making it a true distributed control device