Learn more about the Industrial Internet of Things

The IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) Ecosystem is complex. Yet discovering ways to navigate it is increasingly key, as manufacturers’ competitive position depends on taking advantage of emerging levels of interconnectedness, integrated sensing capabilities and value-add from third-party control. 

Learn where you should be focusing your products and workflows in this 16-page free E-Book from Panduit and Automation World.

Contents include:

• Research advances on the Internet of Things
• From Smart Manufacturing to Manufacturing Smart
• Network of the Future
• Top Three reasons you need industrial network training
• The Internet of Things and the importance of modelling and simulation

Download the free E-Book here.  

To find out more about the Internet of Things or to discuss your requirements, please email info@routeco.com or visit www.routeco.com

Buy one CISCO training course place and get a second half price!

As organisations recognise the value of converging the industrial plant floor with their IT infrastructure, the gap in the skills that are required to manage such a convergence is becoming apparent. 

Before organisations can realise the significant benefits to be achieved in quality, safety, timeliness and customer satisfaction, their Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) professionals need to understand the significant complexities of the converged environment.

Together, Rockwell Automation and Cisco have developed a training and certificate portfolio that is optimised for each side of the equation, IT and OT, providing the skills that are required to securely converge the network architecture with maximum efficiency and return on investment, enabling organisations to transform their business and gain a competitive edge. 

The training will be held at the Rockwell Automation Training Centre in Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes.

Courses and Training days: 

Managing Industrial Networks with Cisco Networking Technologies (IMINS)

Industrial Networking Specialist Exam

19-23 October 2015

Click here for more information

Managing Industrial Networks for Manufacturing with Cisco Technologies (IMINS2)

CCNA Industrial Exam

16-20th November 2015

Click here for more information 

£3517.50 combined cost including exam, which equates to a 25% saving – for a limited time! Only for October and November! 

Please contact CSM.Mailbox@routeco.com to book your place or request more information.

Simplifying potential equalisation over distance with Weidmuller's new terminal blocks

Weidmüller has launched its new JB 25–50 and EBB 25–50/16 potential equalisation blocks for decentralised potential equalisation. These allow a ring line of 25 mm² to 50 mm² to be installed, which merges all the potentials present in production lines. Branch lines of 16 mm² can be produced from the ring line. The easy-to-install terminal blocks reliably equalise differences in potential.

In production lines, three-part lightning conductor terminals are usually used but assembly can take a great deal of time of effort. The new potential can be installed with ease and are a low-cost solution for reliably equalising potential, for example in the automotive industry, with its long production lines.

The potential equalisation blocks prevent undefined currents, which may cause errors and faults. Compared with star wiring, the decentralised potential equalisation offers huge potential savings. It doesn't require long conductor lengths to be routed from the individual field components to the busbar, just short branch lines to the terminal block on the ring line.

Features and benefits:

• Less space is taken up in the cable conduit (height of just 24mm to leave space for data and power lines)
• Wiring times are reduced considerably
• Ergonomic design and a clever construction
• Quick, inexpensive installation in the assembly duct with ease
• Use of light coloured screws stand out clearly in dark environments

If you’d like more information on any Weidmuller product please email info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

New White Paper helps simplify IP address management

Whether you are an Manufacturing facility, Machine Builder or System Integrator, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses within your Industrial Automation and Control System (IACS) application may need to be reused.

This whitepaper from Rockwell Automation and Cisco can help explain how to deploy network address translation within a converged plantwide ethernet architecture.

Cisco Systems and Rockwell Automation have produced the CPwE NAT architecture that is based upon industry standards. Network Address Translation (NAT) allows for the reuse of IP addressing without introducing a duplicate IP address error into your IACS application architecture.

The need for NAT is driven by both technology and business aspects. Design considerations allow end users to overcome common challenges where skid and machine builders use the same range of IP addresses for all machines produced. CPwE NAT aids both end users and OEMs in deploying a NAT-capable network through planning and design guidance, allowing for a network architecture optimised for IACS application needs.

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

The whitepaper can be downloaded by clicking here.

Keep critical applications running 24/7 — without interruption

With so much riding on applications such as manufacturing execution systems (MES), plant automation, and data historians, downtime can mean lost revenue, missed opportunities or damaged reputation. In some cases, loss of data can cause an entire batch of product to be scrapped. 

With competitive and economic pressures bearing down, no manufacturer can afford to risk its business to downtime. And you don’t have to.

Stratus Technologies hardware and software keep all of your critical applications up and running 24/7 enabling you to meet your production, revenue and quality goals. Stratus  offer a range of flexible continuous availability solutions – software, platform and services – that are easy to deploy and manage, and backed by a support structure with a 30-year track record of success.

Stratus Technologies have partnered with leading industrial automation companies — including Rockwell Automation to ensure you get an always-on solution tailored to your specific business needs and have  implementations in major industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, power and energy, water management, food and beverage, oil and gas, chemicals, consumer goods, automotive, and many more.

Stratus Technology products are available from Routeco and our team of Automation Specialists are available to discuss your requirements. For further info please contact us by email at info@routeco.com or call  0370 607 1000. 

Get the full value out of your network infrastructure with Stratix 5410

Getting the full value out of your network infrastructure is critical, especially in industrial environments where conditions can be extreme and high performance connectivity is required.

To address these challenges, Rockwell Automation offers the Allen-Bradley® Stratix 5410™ Industrial Distribution Switch with a 19” rack mount design to its existing line of Ethernet switches. With a rugged exterior, rear mounting capabilities and multiple fibre port options, this switch is an ideal solution for a centralised point of network distribution.

Features and benefits:

• 19” rack mount design for increased port density
• Platform with four 10-Gigabit uplinks and 24-gigabit downlinks for high performance network requirements
• Provides access switching and distribution layer routing capabilities for flexibility in designing network architectures
• Offers support for up to 12 ports of Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+) to help minimise hardware and cabling.

As part of the Stratix™ portfolio of products, the Stratix 5410 offers the same programming and support tools already familiar to both your Operations Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) professionals. With integration into Studio 5000 Automation Engineering and Design Environment, FactoryTalk View faceplates and Add-on Profiles can be leveraged for simplified configuration and monitoring. This optimised level of integration helps you experience easier commissioning and faster diagnostics retrieval.

The full range of Stratix products are available on the Routeco website here.

For more information contact us at info@routeco.com, 0370 607 1000 or visit our website at www.routeco.com

New ATEX rated XN LED Luminaire from Petrel

The XN is an ExnA certified light fitting designed for maximum light output which offers

the following benefits:

• Low maintenance high output LED light source
• Energy efficient control
• Reduced energy costs with motion sensor option
• Robust, long life enclosure
• Available in three lengths
• Gas Zone 2 and Dust Zone 22 protection
• Emergency option available
• Minimum operating life of LED module 50,000 hours

For the full product details click here.

Petrel’s PLX light fitting is a certified portable luminaire for hazardous area applications. It comes in standard and emergency versions with a choice of T8 fluorescent lamps or LED strips.

It offers the following features:

• Robust zone 1 , 2, 21 and 22
• 110/240v options
• Lightweight
• High light output
• Linkable in series
• Low maintenance
• Socket protection
• Fluorescent and LED variations
• Tube protection sleeve
• Carry strap
• Waterproof
• Standard and Emergency versions

 For the full product detail click here. 

A range of ATEX lighting from Petrel is available to purchase through the Routeco website by clicking here.

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

Introducing the new Kinetix 5700 Servo drives from Rockwell Automation

Our Kinetix® 5700 EtherNet/IP Servo Drives help expand the value of integrated motion on EtherNet/IP to large custom machine builder applications. With Logix as a single control engine, and one design environment, Studio 5000® Logix Designer, machine builders now have more flexibility to scale, design, and control to help meet their needs. 

These servo drives can help reduce commissioning time and improve machine performance. It offers the simplicity, power and space savings you need to help get your machine up and running faster.

The Kinetix 5700 is designed for machines with large axis counts with higher power requirements. It is available in single and dual axis servos with integrated and hardwired Safe Torque-Off.

Key Features:

• Features dual axis modules
• Provides a large 1.6 to 60kW power range
• Controls servo and induction motors
• Supports a wide range of feedback types
• Offers an innovative snap-fit bus system
• Reduces wiring with single cable technology
• Allows for tuning-less commissioning for most axes
• Delivers power density for reduced cabinet space
• Includes dual Ethernet ports to support linear and device level ring topologies

Further product information is available by clicking here.

The Kinetix 5700 products are available to purchase on our website here.

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

New AMCI high speed data acquisition module

AMCI’s new 5274A plug in module for ControlLogix is an analogue input, high speed data acquisition module that is programmed using RSLogix5000 (Studio 5000) software.

High-speed is the operative word for this new data acquisition card that acquires data at a programmable sample rate, 50 microseconds minimum, and archives the data using the PLC’s registers for analysis or export. 

The 5274A can transfer a maximum of 128 samples, either on one channel, or evenly divided over the module’s four channels, making it possible to capture data from up to four different analogue sources (e.g. weigh scale, thermo-couple, vacuum sensor, etc.)

Product features:

• 50µs data sampling rate
• Data export for analysis and/or records
• Four High Speed Analog Inputs
• Four Digital Inputs
• Four Digital Outputs
• Utilises Rockwell Automation Technology for 100% compatibility with ControlLogix PLC.

This product is available to buy online from Routeco by clicking here.

For more information about AMCI products please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Join Rittal for the exclusive launch of the new standard in energy efficient cooling

Rittal will proudly introduce the world’s first Blue e+ Principle cooling unit at a series of locations across the UK in October 2015. With its innovative hybrid technology, the new Blue e+ delivers Efficiency, Versatility, Safety & User Friendliness that can provide energy savings of up to 75%. Blue e+ is simply the world’s most economical cooling unit so come along to one of the exclusive launch events and see the technology for yourself!                 

       

Location and dates:

> The Crystal, Royal Victoria Docks, London - Tuesday 6th October 2015

Home to the world's largest permanent exhibition on the future of cities and one of the world's most sustainable buildings / events venues. Lunch and entry to the Crystal exhibition is included.

> The National Railway Museum, York - Monday 12th October 2015                                This venue has an award winning world class collection of Britain's record breaking locomotive heritage. Lunch and entry to the Railway museum is included. 

> Jaguar Land Rover, Solihull, West Midlands - Tuesday 13th October 2015

You will have the opportunity to take a comprehensive factory tour to see the recently launched Jaguar XE being built. Lunch and entry to the Jaguar Experience tour is included.

> The Concorde Experience,  Manchester - Wednesday 14th October 2015

At the home of the revolutionary engineering marvel Concorde, you will have the chance to board and tour this iconic airplane. Lunch and entry to the Concorde experience included.

             

Places at these events are strictly limited and you will be allocated on a first come, first served registration basis.

  

For more information and to confirm your attendance please email Rittal.Seminar@routeco.com 

Finish faster without compromising on quality

Weidmuller’s professional tools for high demands can increase your efficiency without cutting corners.

The Weidmüller high quality tool set includes all you need to prepare your wires for connection in less time. 

As a connectivity solution provider, we strive to provide high quality tools to ensure the best possible connection to our products.

The Weidmüller tool set features include:

• Deliver a guaranteed uniform performance on a daily basis
• “Tool Certification” Service - Functional and quality guarantee 
• Flexibility of shape and function
• Tools that are designed to work together

The Weidmüller PrintJet ADVANCED is an inkjet printer which prints plastic markers in Mult-iCard format and metal workers from the MetalliCard Family. Thanks to its high magazine capacity, it is ideal for printing large volumes in continuous operation.

For a limited time, the tool kit can be purchased for just £105.00!*

The PrintJet ADVANCED features include:

• Precise colour printing guarantees optimal print results 
• High level of automation thanks to magazine capacity of 30 MultiCards
• Durable and robust markers through thermal fixing
• User-friendly due to intuitive touch display
• Can be used as stand-alone solution

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

*Offer applies to the kit pictured above only when purchased until 31/12/2015.
Product reference code: KL1470900000

It's not a cable; it's an antenna!

Have you thought about using a radiating cable but dismissed it, wondering why you would want a cable that acts like an antenna?

Well, this whitepaper from ProSoft Technology helpfully explains and outlines the benefits of using Radiating Cable. Using a radiating cable as an antenna offers major benefits: you can easily communicate to equipment moving along a track, replace slip rings in rotating equipment and provide a clear RF (radio frequency) signal where obstructions or plant-floor layout prevent a clear ‘line of sight’ to transmit from a traditional antenna.

What is a radiating cable?

• Long flexible antenna with slots to radiate RF signals that can be installed around corners, along monorail systems and through tunnels to propagate wireless data signals in situations that are tough for traditional antenna
• A metallic shield wraps around the cable to isolate the signals, this helps to maintain a strong signal and prevents the signal from creating interference with nearby RF equipment.

Placing RF signals precisely in crowded plants

• Can be placed accurately
• The growing use of wireless communication equipment in factories can cause a problem with overcrowding radio waves – radiating cable solutions mean new machines can co-exist without adding to the overcrowding
• Especially beneficial in rotating machinery which traditionally used slip rings to conduct communication signals. Slip rings are expensive to install and require regular maintenance.

Flexibility

• Can follow almost any path to provide wireless signals in places wireless can’t reach.

To speak to  one of our Technical Specialists about  this subject please contact us by email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Rockwell Automation’s PanelViewPlus7 is now available in 12” and 15” sizes

The new Rockwell Automation PanelviewPlus7 Standard Operator Interface 4-15” Variants are now fully released.

The Allen-Bradley PanelView™ Plus operator interface from Rockwell Automation has been providing both a hardware and software platform for factory automation for years. It has continued to be an integral part of the Integrated Architecture® system – providing operators at the machine level a view into the control system.

The PanelView Plus 7 Standard was developed as a continuation of the PanelView Plus family to continue to provide years of quality operator interfaces for industry.

So what is the new Rockwell Automation PanelviewPlus7 Standard Operator Interface product?

• 4.3”W, 5.7”, 6.5”, 9”W, 10.4”, 12”W, 15” (Wide aspect screens)
• Low profile composite bezel
• Resistive touch screen
• Single port Ethernet
• ARM processor
• 512 MB Flash Memory / 512 MB RAM
• Windows CE 6.0 standard features
• DC powered
• Removable Battery
• Targeted for simpler / smaller applications
• ATEX Certification, Class 1 Div. 2

In combination with FactoryTalk® View Machine Edition, this release continues the unmatched integration with Logix and complete scalability. This offering helps strengthen our Integrated Architecture offering for machine builders along with the CompactLogix™ L1, L2 and L3 controllers.

The new operator terminals are ideal for applications that require monitoring, controlling and displaying information in dynamic ways, where operators must quickly understand machine status and make better decisions.

The PanelView Plus 7 terminals are available in a variety of display sizes, including widescreen, enabling you to select exactly what is required for your application.

For more information please click here and for pricing information and to buy online please click here.