Product category:
Drives, motors and power transmission, couplings, clutches
News Release from: Rockwell Automation | Subject: Configured drives service
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 December 2007
Configured drive packages save costs
A configured drives service allows engineers to choose a base drive package and then enhance it with numerous options in line with the needs of the application.
To help smooth out the process of specifying and ordering AC Drives and related ancillaries, Rockwell Automation has introduced a configured drives service Field business leader for power control, Jonathan Smith, explained the rational behind the concept
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 21 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Ethernet switch is optimised for EtherNet/IP
Rockwell Automation's latest industrial Ethernet switches are integrated with Cisco technology to effectively manage real-time control and information flow.
Ethernet switches/infrastructure products launched
A full range of Ethernet switches and infrastructure products includes managed switch co-branded with Cisco, integrating Cisco technology and optimised for EtherNet/IP.
"This configured drives approach allows engineers to choose a base drive package and then enhance it with numerous options in line with the needs of the end application.
The beauty of this approach is that many of the option combinations offered in the configuration process are already installed in industrial applications across the world - working in harmony with each other, removing the headaches associated with a normal mix-and-match approach," stated Smith.
The 'starter package' includes a basic configured drive, input fusing, RFI filter and enclosure.
Further reading
Diagnosis and maintenance of machine tools
Rockwell Automation has introduced the QC10 ballbar which gives maintenance technicians a tool for assessing the dynamic motion and positioning precision of machine tools and production machinery.
Integrated automation reduces costs and errors
Getting discrete automation equipment elements to understand, interrogate, integrate and interact with each other is the real challenge in reducing cost, time and errors, says Dave Withenshaw.
The options are then designed to add functionality or features in line with the demands of the end application.
These options can include power features such as circuit breakers, isolators, input, output and bypass contactors and line reactors.
Control and Communications options include: control interfaces (analogue and digital) and serial communications (DeviceNet, ControlNet, etc).
Operator Interfaces can include HMIs, door-mounted devices and meters.
While motor interface options include encoders, resolvers, thermistors, RTDs, cooling blowers and space heaters.
All packages are supplied in Rittal TS8 cabinets with either IP21 or IP54 ratings, and come complete with control circuit transformer and cooling fans appropriate for the frame size.
All configured drives are assembled and tested in accordance with ISO9001 and comply with EEC directives 73/23 (Low-Voltage Directive), 89/336 (Machinery Directive) and EN 61800-3 (EMC Directives).
Customisable options are also offered for particularly demanding applications.
Rockwell Automation recognises that although there is still room for an 'off-the-shelf' product offering, by providing a configured drives service it is able to more closely match the needs of many of its customers, while also giving them the confidence that all the components and options will work in harmony with each other.
The significant expertise and production resources available to Rockwell Automation mean that even the most demanding drive system specification can be met cost-effectively and efficiently, said the company to manufacturingtalk.com.
Whether off-the-shelf or configured, each Allen-Bradley drive system receives the same attention to detail and is produced to the same high standard of manufacturing, meaning that OEMs and machine builders can specify Allen-Bradley with confidence, no matter what the application. Request a free brochure from Rockwell Automation ...
• Rockwell Automation: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
