Rockwell Automation’s Product Demonstration Vehicle visits Routeco Dartford

The Rockwell Automation Product Demonstration Vehicle is touring the UK throughout July and will be at our Dartford branch on Monday 6th July. It is packed full of the latest automation products available, with working demonstrations of how the products can be integrated together to give effective solutions.

It’s a great opportunity for you to come and see the range and discuss your applications with us. 

The systems on the bus include the latest HMIs, PLCs, Drives with built-in safety, light curtains and safety switches.

Our Routeco safety specialist Kevin Kirby will also be on board if you have any safety related questions.

We hope you are able to spare some time during the day to come and visit us and get some ideas for updating or improving your manufacturing processes and  machines.

Address: Routeco Ltd, Unit 4, Orbital One, Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QG

Date: Monday 6th July, 10:00 - 16:00

If you are able to attend, please email: techworkshop@routeco.com

EPLAN Pro Panel: virtual enclosure layout in 3D

EPLAN Pro Panel is a switchgear solution for the 3D engineering of control cabinets and switchgear systems. 

The software supports the 3D assembly for the fluid and electrical configuration of control cabinets and provides virtual wiring and 3D data for wire assembly and production machinery, in addition to 3D power distribution and copper rail configuration. 

The EPLAN platform simultaneously connects control configuration with the 3D control cabinet assembly information, providing a consistent data exchange to enhance project quality and accelerate the speed and ease of engineering design.  

The benefits of using EPLAN Pro Panel include:

                  

Safe planning

• Ability to align components and position them exactly
• Fitting regulations and minimum distances based on manufacturer requirements are taken into consideration as are the correct positioning of equipment, wiring ducts and support rails

Flexible layout

• Using the electro-technical circuit diagram, the EPLAN Pro Panel calculates the optimum wiring routes wires and cables, including checking how full the wire ducts are
• Automatic length calculation allows you to increase your productivity

Quick start

• A range of options available for accessing device data including 3D geometry whether it’s from the EPLAN Data Portal or via the built in STEP interface, directly from the component manufacturer or data CDs from any 3D CAD programme 

Consistency for lively exchange

• The EPLAN Platform connects electrical engineering and 3D mounting layout directly with one another 
• No more time lost thanks to redundant data, manual data transfer, synchronisation, consistency checks and maintaining parts list information

Top class workflow optimisation

• A consistent product development process makes your work easier: redundant data storage, multiple data entry and time-consuming reverse engineering all become things of the past

Directly into (NC) production

• EPLAN Pro Panel provides information on the mechanical processing of mounting plates, doors or entire cabinet casing
• At the touch of a button, you can produce production-related information on drill holes, threads or openings and make this available directly to your NC processing machine 

Wiring made easy

• Whether assembly is manual or automated, all the information required for cable assembly is provided
• Data is output in neutral or machine-specific format, so you can connect standard cable assembly machines and provide information for specialist suppliers

Added value at a glance

• EPLAN Pro Panel offers perfect consistency and optimum configuration support as well as top-notch production integration

For more information or to discuss your design software requirements with one of our account managers please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Spaces still available on our Tech Workshop in Leeds

On Thursday 25th June, 10:00 - 14:00 Routeco Leeds and Hardy are holding a Process Weighing Technology and Trends workshop. 

             

Do you use weight to monitor, measure or control your manufacturing processes? Do you want to learn new ways to integrate weight readings into your PLC, PAC, or DCS? Do you have questions about fine tuning weighing systems?

See first-hand the latest weighing technology, learn best practices, and ask the experts about all aspects of process weighing.

This workshop will give you the opportunity to review the latest technology and Load cells, instrumentation, PLC integrated solutions and modular weighing systems will all be covered during the workshop.

Key topics will include:

•   Automated calibration
•  Vibration elimination filters
•  Remote access to instruments over Ethernet TCP/IP from a web browser
•  Process Weighing best practices
•  Integration of Hardy products into Rockwell Automation control systems

The workshop will be led by Carlos Moya of Hardy Process Solutions and supported by Routeco's Automation Specialists who will also be available after the workshop to discuss your individual projects and applications, should you require any further assistance.

The good news is that there are still places on this free workshop! 

To reserve your place or for any enquiries:

email techworkshop@routeco.com

Venue: Routeco, Unit 7, Shawcross Court, NR Leeds, WF12 7RF

When: Thursday 25th June, 10:00 - 14:00, with lunch provided

For more information please contact us on 0370 607 1001 or visit our website at www.routeco.com

GracePorts help to reduce time and increase safety

Grace Engineered Products is the leading innovator of through-door electrical safety devices, and ships products all over the world. GracePort, their brand of PLC ports, has revolutionised the automation industry by allowing customers to custom-design their port to meet their specific needs.

Designed to mount on the outside of a control panel, the configurable GracePort can be ordered with unlimited combinations of outlets, data interfaces, and customer logos and text to meet customer requirements and configurations can be selected via the GracePort website here.

As a Grace stockist and supply partner for the UK market, Routeco now have available from stock, the popular UK Mains Socket & Ethernet Port Combination GracePort product.

To check price and availability and to order online on our website please click here.

New Mobile Tethered Operator Interface solution from Rockwell Automation

While manufacturing applications are becoming more complex, staffing resources are becoming leaner – increasing the need to access and view application information beyond the control panel.

The Allen-Bradley MobileView Tethered Operator Interface from Rockwell Automation expands the visualisation portfolio of products – taking terminals mobile while increasing operator productivity. With a hardwired E-STOP and 3-position enabling switch, the terminal helps contribute to a safe production environment.

With its ergonomic design, the MobileView Tethered has a comfortable handle for easy carrying and fatigue-free operation. MobileView will run the Windows Embedded Standard 7 operating system, optimised for FactoryTalk View ME and FactoryTalk View Studio applications – helping reduce development costs.

A mobile operator interface can be used in many industrial applications without compromising safety. MobileView can be effective in applications with line of sight requirements, setup/calibration activities where an operator needs to be near an application with access to operator interface, and maintenance applications.

Features and benefits:

The MobileView Tethered Operator Interface allows you to mobilise your view of applications by putting the terminal in your hands. The MobileView Tethered offers innovative features to meet various application needs.

Increase operator productivity

• Reduce time by having the operator terminal within line of sight of process
• 5M, 10M or 15M cable with “quick connect” connector and mounting bracket options
• Optional software assignable function keys with either hardwired momentary push button or key switch

Establish a safer environment

• Hardwired E-STOP and 3-Position enabling switches for additional safety
• IP65, 0-45°C operating temperature
• 1M drop rated to work in industrial environments

Innovative Design

• 10” wide display (1280 x 800) with resistive touch screen for easy viewing
• Windows® Embedded Standard 7 operating system that is optimized for FactoryTalk™ view ME Station
• Internal SD card for application and data log storage

The MobileView Tethered product range is available to view and buy online on our website here.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com

eWON Cosy 131 VPN Product Video

Machine builders and OEMs can access machine PLCs and HMIs, and troubleshoot  regardless of where the machine is located in the world.

The Cosy 131 has a USB port for connectivity with additional serial devices, an SD card reader for simplified on-site configuration, and a configurable LAN/WAN 4 port switch.

The eWON Cosy enables maintenance engineers to establish a secure VPN connection to the machine from anywhere, via eWON’s cloud-based remote connectivity solution, Talk2M. The router connects on the machine network, alongside the machine PLC and the HMI, allowing remote connection from anywhere, from any laptop, tablet or Smartphone.

The routers are available with LAN, WiFi, and 3G+ connection options.

For further product and technical information please click here.

To check price and availability and order online please click here

Extension to Rockwell Automation’s Stratix 5400 portfolio

Rockwell Automation is extending the existing Stratix portfolio of industrial network infrastructure products to include a switch with an all Gigabit (GE) platform.

The Allen-Bradley Stratix 5400 industrial managed switch supports layer 2 switching and layer 3 routing with GE Power over Ethernet (PoE) and additional GE fibre ports, which enhance scalability for use in various applications.

This addition to the portfolio exhibits increased versatility with the ability to support multiple network configurations. When used as a layer 2 switch, the Stratix 5400 is an ideal solution for heavy industry applications where dual ring architectures are required or where high performance end devices, such as video or telephony, are needed.

When acting as a Layer 3 switch, routing is enabled between segmented networks for better performance and protection from unwanted network traffic. Segmenting the network helps to ease network changes, to simplify network security management by building domains of trust and to increase efficiency.

By choosing a switch co-developed by Rockwell Automation and Cisco, your Operations Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) professionals leverage tools and technology that is familiar to them. By helping to provide optimised integration, you can experience easier commissioning and faster diagnostics retrieval.

The Stratix 5400 range is available to purchase online here.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

What do your fan and filter units tell you?

The new EC speed control unit for fan and filter units is now available from Rittal.

The new unit could help you benefit from a 60% energy saving compared to previous models and it will also ensure that your cooling solution is maximising its efficiency and protecting critical equipment from high temperatures.

The EC speed control unit manages the speed and accepts an output signal from up to four EC fan and filter units, also monitoring whether they are turning, and raising an alarm if they aren’t.

Benefits of using the EC speed control unit in conjunction with EC fan and filter units include:

• Demand based cooling
• Improved temperature stability
• Remote monitoring allowing immediate reaction to loss of cooling
• Reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs
• Extended service life
• Reduced noise level

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Do you use weight to monitor, measure or control your manufacturing processes?

Routeco and Hardy Process Solutions would like to invite you to our free of charge Process Weighing Technology & Trends Workshop.

                 

Do you use weight to monitor, measure or control your manufacturing processes? Do you want to learn new ways to integrate weight readings into your PLC, PAC, or DCS? Do you have questions about fine tuning weighing systems?

See first-hand the latest weighing technology, learn best practices, and ask the experts about all aspects of process weighing.

This workshop will give you the opportunity to review the latest technology and Load cells, instrumentation, PLC integrated solutions and modular weighing systems will all be covered during the workshop.

Key topics will include:

•   Automated calibration
•  Vibration elimination filters
•  Remote access to instruments over Ethernet TCP/IP from a web browser
•  Process Weighing best practices
•  Integration of Hardy products into Rockwell Automation control systems

The workshop will be led by Carlos Moya of Hardy Process Solutions and supported by Routeco's Automation Specialists who will also be available after the workshop to discuss your individual projects and applications, should you require any further assistance.

To reserve your place or for any enquiries:

email techworkshop@routeco.com

Venue: Routeco, Unit 7, Shawcross Court, NR Leeds, WF12 7RF

When: Thursday 25th June, 10:00 - 14:00, with lunch provided

For more information please contact us on 0370 607 1001 or visit our website at www.routeco.com

New Guardmaster SafeZone Mini Safety Laser Scanner

Rockwell Automation has expanded the Guardmaster® SafeZone™ family of safety laser scanners with the release of the new 3m SafeZone Mini Safety Laser Scanner. These compact devices are designed for stationary and mobile applications and feature a scanning angle of 270°.

The SafeZone Mini Safety Laser Scanners have a single configurable safety field and one or two configurable warning fields. The second warning field can be configured through one of the configurable I/O.

SafeZone Mini Laser Scanner uses the same recently upgraded Windows based SCD programming software as the larger SafeZone laser scanners and shares the same functionality as the other SafeZone safety laser scanners in terms of configurable resolutions and response times, multiple samplings, restart delay up to 60 seconds, and restart interlock.

Designed to meet international safety standards, such as EN ISO 13849-1, EN 62061 and EN IEC 61496, the SafeZone Mini Laser Scanner features an eight-pin integrated M12 QD connector which makes for a simple connection of the device.

The SafeZone Mini safety scanner is a flexible, rugged, cost-effective solution suited for a wide range of industrial safety applications. Common uses for this safety scanner include personnel detection in front of a machine or equipment hazards, particularly when a safety mat solution would require a non-standard or irregularly shaped configuration.

The full range of the 442L products are available for purchase on our website here

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Introducing Stainless Steel IP69K Push Button Stations

The food and beverage industries can be challenging for even the most robust push buttons stations where high-pressure and caustic wash-downs can cause downtime. 

Responding to this challenge, Routeco introduces IP69K rated push button station solutions designed to:

• Minimise production loss due to cleaning procedures
• Minimise frequent replacement due to corrosion
• Minimise bacteria growth potential from crevices
• Provide UL Certified products for industrial panels

The Rockwell Automation 22.5mm push buttons represent an innovative rethinking of push button technology and its industrial applications. They use a potted piezoelectric circuit in an SAE grade 316 stainless-steel body and achieve an IP69K rating. The piezoelectric circuit detects pressure on the surface of the button to provide a momentary actuation signal with no moving parts. A smooth, crevice-free button surface is the result.

800K buttons are available in illuminated and non-illuminated versions. The illuminated buttons use a translucent light pipe to bring the red, green or white LED illumination to a ring on the crevice-free operating surface. Red illuminated buttons have a single normally-closed circuit while all other models are provided with a single normally-open circuit. The momentary contacts can be directly connected to a programmable controller or with an appropriate interposing relay.

Push Button Station Features and Benefits

IP69K Rating

• Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature caustic wash
• Ideal for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and similar application environments

316 Stainless-steel Push Buttons

• Corrosion resistant to caustic wash-down solutions

Smooth, Crevice-free Enclosure and Push Button Surfaces

• Easier to clean 
• Minimizes areas in which contaminates can potentially be lodged 

No Moving Parts

• By using piezoelectric technology, moving seals and crevices can be eliminated from the push buttons, avoiding potential sources for failure

Potted Circuits

• Helps prevent fluids from corroding operator components
• Provides an additional barrier of protection

Custom Laser Push Button Engraving

• Avoids potentially contaminate trapping legend plates
• Provides flexibility to address a wide range of applications

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Are your staff and machines in safe hands?

Our innovative safety products and solutions improve the functional operation of your machinery while helping to increase personnel safety, efficiency and productivity. By working alongside Rockwell Automation we offer one of the broadest safety portfolios in the industry to help you achieve both safety and productivity goals.

Single-function Safety Relays > The Guardmaster safety relays check and monitor a safety system and either allow the machine to start or execute commands to stop the machine. Click Here for more features!

Ferrogard GD2 Non-contact Interlock Switches    > The Ferrogard™ GD2 Non-contact Interlock Switch has a stainless steel housing for added protection against inadvertent impacts to the housing. Click Here for more features!

Ferrogard 1, 2, 20, 21 Non-contact Interlock Switches                 > The Ferrogard™ 1, 2, 20 and 21 Non-contact Interlock Switches.The magnetically actuated safety switches offer non-contact reliability together with tolerance to misalignment.                   Click Here for more features!

Ferrogard 6,9,10,13, 14 Non-contact Interlock Switches > The Ferrogard™ 6, 9, 10, 13, and 14 Non-contact Interlock Switches incorporate slim housings to accommodate narrow mounting areas. Click Here for more features! For more information on any of these products please get in touch with your local Routeco branch by calling 0370 607 1000

Weidmuller Demonstration Vehicle Visits Routeco Bristol

Routeco’s Bristol branch was visited by Weidmuller to showcase their range of new products on their Demonstration Trailer. It was great to see both partners working together to inform new and existing customers the ranges and how Routeco can distribute them effectively and proficiently.

For more information visit Routeco.com or call your local Routeco Branch on 0370 607 1000

Connectors that stand up in harsh environments

Manufacturers of food and beverage process equipment involved in the logistics, processing, filling and packaging industries face many challenges. 

There are a wide range of regulations for food products which need to be met and working in a wet environment can wreak havoc on processing machinery. 

Maintaining the processing lines to ensure continuous flow with no shutdowns requires constant attention, special skills and extensive training.

Molex’s Brad® Ultra-Lock Stainless Steel Connection System meets the stringent standards of the food and beverage industry. Its IP69K seal can withstand washdowns up to 100 bar (1500 psi), ensuring optimum performance even in harsh, wet environments.

Because the system does not have threaded grooves like traditional M12-based hard-wired systems, it is not susceptible to the lodging and transfer of bacteria, ingredients and other foreign materials that can contaminate a processor’s end products.

Other features of the Brad Ultra-Lock system include:

• Threadless, “push-to-lock” technology saves time when installing and maintaining the control unit
• Material compatibility with a multitude of washdown chemicals
• Smooth 316 stainless steel construction limits where bacteria can collect

With the Ultra-Lock Connection System, processors can realize a rapid return on investment due to decreased assembly/ disassembly time and labor costs. Using the system also results in increased production uptime with less risk of intermittent or loose connections versus traditional M12 connection systems.

Our product specialists are on hand to assist so please contact your local Routeco branch.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com