Buy one Rockwell Automation training class and get one half price!

Beginning Wednesday 1st June, enrol on any scheduled training class and bring a colleague to the same class for half price. All classes must be attended by Friday 2nd September 2016.

Don’t wait! Find a class today at http://bit.ly/ROKtraining and then email csmmailbox@routeco.com

Terms and conditions:

> Offer only applies to scheduled open enrolment classes delivered by Rockwell Automation in the UK Training Centres and can be used multiple times during the offer period.

> The promotion applies to any two students from the same company who attend the same class at the same time.

> Offer cannot be applied to existing bookings or any new bookings for Certificate or Curriculum Programs.

> Offer is dependent on class availability. Maximum class size is 10 students. Sign up early!

> Classes must be attended between 1st June and September 2nd 2016

The classes available can be viewed here. Find a class you like, then email csmmailbox@routeco.com

GracePort has you covered…

Grace Engineered Products are pleased to introduce their new UL Recognised GracePort+ cover kit as the latest addition to their GracePort^® product portfolio. The GracePort^®+ complements Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) with the added benefit of including their custom line of GracePort® components and Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESDs) conveniently installed within the large protected housing.  

Product highlights:

• Rugged construction with a polycarbonate thermoplastic housing
• Corrosion resistant 316 Stainless Steel hinge pins and a padlockable latch
• Clear cover with Formed-In-Place (FIP) polyurethane gasket
• Available in two models: 12" and 14" sizes
• UL Recognized, CE and CSA listed 
• Easy to install on the door of your electrical/ control cabinet
• Environmental protection against dust, dirt, oil and water
• UV rated for outdoor use
• Available with various combinations of control and power options
• Complements our custom line of PESDs & GracePort components

For more information please contact sales@routeco.com or visit our website

Integrated Motion from AMCI - Delivering a Complete Solution for Allen-Bradley PLCs

AMCI's SMD Series incorporates a Stepper Motor + Micro-stepping Drive + Controller into a single product that interfaces to your PLC or PAC over EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP.

The total system costs have been reduced and installation is simpler as you only have to purchase one product versus a separate controller, drive, and motor. Plus, programming & configuration is streamlined because it uses standard commands through your PLC's software that are communicated over the network. No additional software is required, and you don't need to learn another programming language!

Watch the video from AMCI below for more information: 

AMCI's SMD Series integrates with your PLC or PAC, saving you time and money.

For further information please email info@routeco.com

Eaton’s MTL1249 signal converter is now available to buy from Routeco

The MTL1249 from Eaton’s MTL1000 signal conditioning range is now released for sale. 

The MTL1000 range addresses general purpose applications where safe and reliable process communications are required. 

Designed for the protection of field instruments and control systems from the adverse effects of high power and low signal environments, the MTL1000 range also complements their existing portfolio of intrinsic safety products, offering a complete interface solutions to our customers. 

MTL products are available to purchase from Routeco’s website. 

For further information please email info@routeco.com

Which Ethernet communication method is best for you?

Are you unsure about which Ethernet communication method is ideal for your project?

Determining the best communication method to use depends on your application's requirements, and if you choose the wrong one, you could face future problems, affecting your bottom line. ProSoft can help – in their new video, they give sample applications, and explore the positives and negatives of the communication methods to help you determine the best choice for your application! 

For further information please email info@routeco.com

Routeco watch England's win over Wales

A group of football fans at Routeco managed to resist the lure of a half day and afternoon at the pub to watch the England v Wales in the deli area.

The supporters – all England fans – thought they had watched a disappointing draw until a late Daniel Sturridge goal secured victory.

Our photographer managed to grab pictures of the celebrations!

Hopefully that result will secure a final 16 place for both England and Wales for everyone at Routeco to cheer on – who are you supporting?

Hardy Achieves Premier Integration with Rockwell Automation PLCs

Hardy Process Solutions has achieved the highest level of weighing integration with Rockwell Automation® ControlLogix® and CompactLogix® systems, with a combination of connectivity on the backplane or over wire and integration tools.  Using  a combination of Add-on-Profiles (AOPs), EDS-AOPs, HMI Faceplates with Add-on-Instructions, and sample programs/function blocks creates a synergistic methodology for EASY and seamless integration for weighing with Rockwell PLCs and PACs using RSLogix® and Studio 5000®.

Adding ControlLogix and CompactLogix plug-in weigh modules to a Rockwell Automation PLC/PLC is as easy as snapping the modules onto the backplane.  Weight data communicated using backplane native I/O is fast and deterministic with the tightest possible control loop and no network latencies. Hardy weight controllers, weight processors and transmitters also connect over wire through a standard Ethernet router/switch to a standard Ethernet card in the PLC with communications via the EtherNet/IP protocol certified to ODVA Level 3 or Level 1.

For ease of integration, Hardy also offers sample programs, function blocks and ladder logic for PLCs that are not based on Logix, such as the Micro800.  These tools are also designed to ease integration of weighing functions into other Rockwell Automation based manufacturing systems. 

For additional product information, visit Hardy Faceplates/AOIs. To learn more about the integration of Hardy Weigh Scale Modules, view a short, informative YouTube video.

For further information please email info@routeco.com

Allen-Bradley all in one Industrial PC options

The Allen-Bradley® 6181 Integrated Display Computers form a dynamic portfolio, with Performance and Advanced Models that provide all-in-one industrial PC options to help meet your application needs.

Performance and Advanced models are equipped with the latest features designed to meet the most demanding integrated display computing needs. These rugged industrial computers help provide flexibility to your application with the combination of multi-touch touchscreens, high performing processors, field replaceable components and remote management capabilities. Additionally, the user interface button and installation assist clip help enhance your user experience.

The latest addition to the Allen-Bradley Integrated Display Computers combine leading edge Intel technology and state-of-the-art hardware for an enhanced user experience.

Features and benefits include:

• High performance processing
• Ease of use
• Efficient management

Allen-Bradley industrial computer products are available to purchase online from Routeco.

For more information email info@routeco.com

Routeco raises money for Special Effect charity

During the month of May, Routeco’s charity of choice was Special Effect. During May all money collected from our Friday dress down days went to Special Effect – a total of £165! 

Special Effect is the only specialist UK-based charity dedicated to helping ALL people with disabilities enjoy video games. From injured soldiers to young disabled people who can’t play any other way, whether they are in a hospital, hospice, rehabilitation centre or at home. 

Their rapidly expanding reputation has meant an ever-growing demand for their services, including loaning cutting edge control technology such as gaze-controlled computers, worth several thousands of pounds. 

These include amazing young children like James, and adults like Rob, with short video links below to explain better how this equipment can bring so much benefit to people’s lives:

• Watch James' story here
• Watch Rob's story here

More information can be found on the Special Effect website

Allen-Bradley 140M MPCB for multiple motor installations

Rockwell Automation’s motor protection circuit breakers (MPCB) are suitable for application at the output of variable frequency drives in multi-motor installations.

Features and benefits:

• Suitable for application at output of variable frequency drives in multi-motor applications
• PWM Frequency ≤ 4 kHz
• Variable frequency drive output frequency ≤ 400 Hz
• Fixed magnetic trip
• Motor overload protection, Trip Class 10
• Current limiting
• Nominal max rated voltage IEC: 500V; UL: 480V
• Interrupting rating @ 480V & 400V: up to 65 kA

For further information please email info@routeco.com

Rockwell Automation products are available to buy online from Routeco. 

Routeco Recognised as a Cisco Internet of Things Industry Expert Specialised Partner from Cisco in the United Kingdom

Routeco announced today that it has achieved the Internet of Things (IoT) Industry Expert Specialisation from Cisco. The designation recognises Routeco as having fulfilled the training requirements and program prerequisites to sell, deploy and support Cisco IoT Industry Expert products and solutions.

The Cisco IoT Industry Expert Specialisation enables partners to combine their Operations Technology (OT) experience with Cisco IT networking knowledge. IoT Industry Expert Specialised Partners have experience working in industries such as manufacturing, energy and utilities, travel and transport, and/or connected safety and security. They have an understanding of Cisco products and concepts to be able to provide their customers the IoT solution they need.

Damian Spall, Product Marketing Manager said: “Working with Cisco will ensure that we are fully equipped to support our customers converging their IT and OT networks and will allow us to widen the scope of Industrial IoT projects that Routeco can assist with.”   

To earn the IoT Industry Expert Specialisation, Routeco fulfilled Cisco training and exam requirements. Routeco also met the personnel and post-sales support requirements set forth by Cisco.

The IoT Industry Expert is part of the Cisco® Channel Partner Program. The program provides partners with the training and technical expertise they need to sell Cisco products and solutions.

Low cost opportunity to improve productivity with IO Link

Recently the trade press has been full of the benefits of the Connected Enterprise, Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. If you have a Logix platform utilising point IO on EtherNet then Routeco have a low cost way of you sampling the benefits without rebuilding your entire network infrastructure.

By simply adding an IO Link Master into the system you can have four intelligent sensors. If you like the experience you can replace the other slithers of IO at your leisure until you get the level of information that best suits your business.

Benefits include:

• Get full diagnostic information remotely
• Change the settings remotely so the  optimum settings can be stored for each component
• Store the settings remotely so if a sensor breaks you can automatically download the settings to the replacement sensor

All of these can lead to reduced changeover and downtime which ultimately means more productivity and profitability from your machinery.

Rockwell Automation have more information about IO Link technology on their website and you can also contact us to discuss your requirements at info@routeco.com

Join Routeco Glasgow for a Rockwell Automation technical workshop

Routeco Glasgow are hosting an Integrated Architecture technical workshop on Wednesday 15^th June and are inviting you to attend.

Traditional Control Systems can require separate control structures for each part of the application but using Rockwell Automation’s Integrated Architecture, control systems are connected, scaleable and information enabled, simplifying maintenance, reducing design and implementation times and providing a seamless and secure connection to other business systems.

The Technical Workshop Series provides engineers with the opportunity to develop an understanding of Rockwell Automation’s Logix control platform through hands-on exercises using PLCs, Variable Speed Drives, Remote I/O, Motion Controllers, HMI, Safety and Ethernet/IP products.

Ask the Specialist

This is your opportunity to discuss any aspect of automation face to face. Whether you have a simple “How-to” question, or need a detailed discussion around your next project, our Automation Specialists will be on hand to provide answers and application experience.

Integrated Architecture

Integrated Architecture links a host of compatible devices enabling machine builders and end users alike to benefit from increased control system capability.

Using CompactLogix, a single control platform, a versatile controller and a suite of integrated products, you can now drastically reduce development and commissioning time. The latest 5370 CompactLogix controllers are featured in the workshop, including integrated motion over Ethernet/IP.  

Location: Routeco Glasgow, 25 Fairfield Place, College Milton Industrial Estate, East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 5LP

Date: Wednesday 15^th June 2016, 8:30 - 15:30 with lunch provided

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