Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

A Summer of Sport...!

Tomorrow is the first day of June, and to me this marks the start of the Summer (even if the weather doesn't seem to agree at the moment!) Last weekend we ended up watching part of the French Open, and listening to the cricket on the radio.

Now, I know that last summer was the summer for sport, with the Olympics and Paralympics in London, but I am still looking forward to watching Wimbledon in a few weeks time and seeing all the highlights of the other sporting events.

I am by no means sporty - Zumba and swimming are the only sports I really get involved with! But I would love to know what sports you either participate in or enjoy watching! Comment below!

Have a great weekend!

Helen

Safety Automation Builder Seminars

We hope you can join us at the Rockwell Safety Automation Builder seminars in July!

As the world’s largest provider of safety systems, Rockwell Automation leverages the industry’s most complete offering of safety products and services to provide customers with tools that improve compliance, and reduce development time and costs.

These free seminars will be giving you all the key information and tips on the software and how effective it will be for your safety performance.

The programme outlines:

• The directives and standards- What you need to know
• Understanding the machine directive
• Basic concepts of ISO 13849-1
• Tools to aid compliance of ISO 13849-1
• Safety Automation Builder labs and workshops  

This event will be taking place at:
Rockwell Automation, Sandbach - 16^th July
Routeco, Milton Keynes - 23rd July
Everards Brewery, Leicester - 24th July

There will also be the opportunity for a ‘1-2-1 Health Check’ for those who would like to discuss their applications with our TUV qualified engineers. Please register separately for this during the registration process.
 
Please note, we require you to download the software before the event and bring your laptop with you. The SAB workshop requires the use of SAB & SISTEMA. With the software pre downloaded, this will maximise your use for the workshop.

If you would like to register for this event, click here

Or to download your software, click here

Check out the video below for more information on the new Safety Automation Builder.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Stratix 5700 from Rockwell Automation

The Stratix 5700 industrial Ethernet managed switch facilitates the merging of EtherNet/IP with the rest of the corporate enterprise. This convergence will ultimately help people, processes and technology to work in unison to achieve higher levels of business performance, turn resources into assets and discover unique opportunities for competitiveness.

Rockwell Automation has expanded the range to include a variant that deploys Network Address Translation (NAT) capabilities. This capability allows designers to allocate IP addresses to downstream assets without fear of creating conflicts with existing IP address allocations. When the switch is installed with all the connected downstream equipment, a table is created which pairs the IP addresses used in the design, with IP addresses that are actually free and available on the network. Anyone wishing to interact with a downstream device can simply use the plant-side IP address and the switch will use the table to interface to the corresponding asset.

The Stratix 5700 is offered in three base port configurations – 6, 10 and 20 ports – each base model comes with dual power inputs, input and output alarms, console port, fibre-ready SFP slots (multi and single mode SFPs are available separately) and DIN rail mount. Options include: two Gig ports, SD flash card, IEEE 1588 support and conformal coating. Operating temperature is in the range of -40 to 60°C.
Tools for configuration and monitoring have been developed for both IT and manufacturing professionals. These tools can provide secure integration to the enterprise network, while allowing for easy setup and diagnostics from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture.

Key Features:
• Management and diagnostics from within both IT and controls environment

• Simple device replacement via SD card that holds the configuration for easy swap out

• Default configurations for industrial automation and EtherNet/IP devices (Global and Smartports)

• Security features help ensure that only authorized devices, users and traffic can access and traverse the network

 

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

Road Trip!

So me and Helen are going on a road trip next week! All the way up t’north! But obviously the key part to a good road trip is the music!

We’re planning an epic playlist. We have some ideas… but need your help!
Any era, any song… GO.
We might even video ourselves singing along for you guys….

We have some ideas ranging from…

Teenage Dirtbag- Wheetus

Sweet Child of Mine- Guns n Roses (Rein acting Step Brothers)

Spice Girls- Spice up your life

Queen- Don’t stop me now

Wham- Club Tropicana

The Specials- Message to you Rudy

Madness- Baggy Trousers

We want classics, pure cheese and anything else inbetween!

Go go go!

 

Enjoy the bank holiday weekend everyone!

Laura

HI 6310 Weight Processor from Hardy Process Solutions

The HI 6310 Weight Processor from Hardy Process Solutions provides a large, easy to read display panel. This weight processor can display weight readings from up to four instruments at the same time, on the largest screen in its instrument class. One display serves as an easy-to-use scale interface for each of the connected instruments. Operators can easily read the HI 6310 instruments from across the factory floor.

The HI 6310 can serve as a stand alone weight processor, or as the front end to a weight-based control system. It also offers a variety of standard mounting options and a finite set of preconfigured communication methods:

• Analog 4-20 ma
• Ethernet TCP/IP and Ethernet UDP
• Modbus RTU

The HI 6310 comes with a USB port for saving set-up and configuration parameters. Use it to clone settings to a series of instruments or to backup your settings or factory defined defaults.

Key benefits:

• Accurate, stable, repeatable weight processing
• See it when you need it
• Easy to install and configure to make you look smart
• Fits where you want it with multiple mounting options

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Micro850 and Enhanced Micro830 PLCS Expand Machine Building Flexibility from Rockwell Automation

The Micro850 and enhanced Micro830 PLCs have been launched, in order to meet machine builders' needs for flexible micro programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that help optimise standalone machine performance and cost.

The Micro850 micro PLC is equipped with the same form factor, plug-in support, instruction/data size and motion capabilities as the 24pt and 48pt Micro830 controllers, but with added capabilities of Ethernet and expansion I/O.

The Micro850 controller specifically targets the needs of OEMs and excels at stand-alone machine applications. The Micro850 controller has an embedded Ethernet port for higher performance connectivity to human-machine interfaces (HMIs). The EtherNet/IP protocol with CIP Symbolic support is used for simplified Allen-Bradley PanelView Component HMI connectivity.

I/O flexibility in the Micro850 PLC is one of the keys to successfully minimising the cost of a machine. With support for up to five plug-ins, OEMs can customise the functionality of the controller with additional I/O, special functions, and serial ports without increasing the size of the controller. If more I/O or higher-performance analogue I/O is required, the Micro850 controller supports up to four 2085 expansion I/O modules, including high-density digital I/O and high-accuracy analogue I/O, for a total of 132 digital I/O points.The enhanced Micro830 (via a firmware and software upgrade) and Micro850 controllers support up to three motion axes using pulse output to stepper or servo drives. OEMs can use intuitive motion function blocks, including Home, Move Velocity, Move Absolute, and Move Relative to make single-axis moves easy. For applications where precise positioning is required at high speeds, the Touch Probe function block has special hardware to achieve exact-position registration.

View the Micro800 range here.

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

Fancy Dress - Yay or Nay?

Today I am heading up to Sheffield for a birthday party - fancy dress with a "Royal" theme. I have my tiara at the ready! Everyone seems to be having fancy dress birthdays at the moment, I have another one to go to at the end of the month where I have been given a character of 'George Smith - Captain of the Home Guard and Bank Manager' (Its a 1940s murder mystery party!) For this I will be going all out, I have got a bowler hat, plastic army medals and a stick on moustache so far!

But along with all these fancy dress parties, I have heard so many people saying that they do not want to dress up. Personally, I love a fancy dress party and will get involved, but I know a lot of people who would rather just not attend than have to put on an outfit!

The themes that I have encountered so far include:

• Army
• Barbie/Ken
• School Uniform
• H themed (my birthday 2 years ago!)
• Caveman/Girl
• Police

What we want to know here in the marketing department is: What is the most creative fancy dress outfit you have ever worn? Or do you hate the idea of fancy dress?

Let us know!

Have a lovely weekend.

Helen

Have you registered yet?

Routeco will be at the Rockwell Automation University on the Move!

Come and meet us, talk to our specialists and have a go on our surprise game for your chance to win prizes!

These events will be taking place:

 

11th June - The Vale Resort, Cardiff

13th June - Arora Hotel, Crawley

18th June - Beamish Hall Hotel, Co. Durham

The Rockwell Automation University on the Move is an invaluable way of getting up-to-date with the latest news, views, trends and technologies from within the Automation industry.

We will be there, will you? Register for your space by clicking here!

110 Years of Allen-Bradley!

This year marks the 110th anniverasry of the Allen-Bradley brand!

In 1903, the Allen-Bradley line of products was born when Lynde Bradley and Dr. Stanton Allen formed the Compression Rheostat Company. Their initial investment? $1,000. They didn't start with much but their impact has been pretty huge over the past 110 years. Over the past 110 years, the brand has continued to expand and sales have grown. 1923 - The Octagon Logo becomes the Allen-Bradley trademark. 1969 - Allen-Bradley UK Ltd, located in Bletchley, England, becomes the company's first operation outsie North America. 1985 - Rockwell International purchases Allen-Bradley, the North American leader in the industrial automation equipment market. 2013 - Allen-Bradley brand celebrates 110 years. To view our range of Allen-Bradley products, please click here

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

Anyone for a BBQ?

 

So I know the weather forecast is looking dull for this weekend, and I have to make a confession – I am convinced I have jinxed the weather because I have gone and planned a big family BBQ! (This could well now be taking place indoors)

We are having a big get together, with all my cousins, aunts, uncles etc etc coming along. The plan is that salad, sauces, rolls and drinks will be provided – but those attending have to bring along their own meat for the BBQ (think BYOB but replaced with meat!) Our tradition is that the men do the BBQing!

Now, my shopping list so far consists of Garlic and Herb Prawns, and some chicken. However I know we will have a complete mixture of things cooking, including sausages, burgers and veggie burgers (they get their own disposable BBQ!)

The big question this weekend is… what would you bring along to a BBQ?

Have a great weekend – fingers crossed for some sunshine (please)

Helen

Routeco PACE Awards

At Routeco we recognise commitment, exceeding the Routeco values, and going the extra mile. The PACE core values are:

P rofessionalism and knowledge; strive for continual improvement
A mbition, the desire to add value and be innovative
C ollaboration, the ability to work effectively with others
E xcellence, service delivery that exceeds expectations

In order to celebrate these successes, employees have the opportunity to nominate each other and win the PACE AWARD. Nominations are reviewed by the directors and announced each quarter.

Congratulations to our most recent winners:

 

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

Nicknames

As a child I never really had a nickname, but then I went on to University and got a new friendship group which led to a whole array of nicknames. Without too much explanation, my nicknames are: Mother Owl, Chick and Chicken Helene.

When you think about it, it is strange how these nicknames come about… I know the meanings behind mine, but if you ask my parents why they got their nicknames they have no idea!

I primarily get called Mother Owl by the friends I made at university – this all happened because I love owls…and I act like the mother of the group. Fairly simple explanation for that one! The others I won’t go into!

Other nicknames that we have flying around the office include:

• Flossy
• Little Legs
• DJ Devious Dame
• Tigger
• Velma (from Scooby Doo)
• Roland

I want to hear all your nicknames (nothing rude though!) and the stories behind them.

Come on…sharing is caring!

Have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend!

Helen

The Next Generation of Compact AC Drives has Arrived

Allen-Bradley have just launched the NEW PowerFlex 525 AC drives.

These are part of mid-range, and can accommodate systems ranging from standalone machines to simple system integration.

The PowerFlex 525 is suitable for a wide range of applications, due to the combination of a variety of motor control options, communications, energy savings and standard safety features in a cost-effective drive.

Maximise your system performance and reduce you time to design and deliver better machines.

• Innovative, modular design - made up of two modules that can be detached for simultaneous and independent wiring and software configuration
• Ease of Programming - powerful, intuitive tools to help enhance your user experience and reduce your development time so you can deliver your machines faster and more efficiently
• Premier Integration - power of Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture combined with the communication capabilities of the PowerFlex 525 drives offer an exceptional level of integration that can reduce development costs and time
• Scaling to Any Solution - Combine the PowerFlex 525 with a Logix Controller to gain an enhanced Integrated Architecture ideal for MidRange Systems
• Communications - seamless exchange of information between drives and Logix controllers saves time and increases efficiency, easily manage your data with the PowerFlex 525 features
• Energy Savings - improved motor control performance boosts efficiency, and the PowerFlex 525 can provide immediate and measurable impact on energy use
• Enhance Safety - Safe Torque-Off is a standard safety features of the PowerFlex 525 drive to help protect personnel and equipment.
• Excellent Reliability - meet your needs for flexibility and space savings, the PowerFlex 525 has high temperature tolerance, flexible mounting options and a compact footprint

For more information click here
To purchase the PowerFlex 525 click here

Look out for the brand new PowerFlex 523 range coming out soon!

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000