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The
mantra
“doing more with less” is a driver in many of today’s packaging operaons, but
even in the quest for maximum automaon, the packaging sector is a long
way from operang “dark factories.”
Controllers Merge with Operator Interface
Combined operator interface/controller components simplify programming and reduce wiring and cabi-­net
space requirements.
The Vision 1040 from Unitronics combines a programmable logic controller (PLC) with a 10.4-inch color
touch screen with nine programmable funcon keys. Snap-in modules provide up to 1,000 I/O points.
Communicaon opons include TCP/IP Ethernet, GSM/SMS (cellular), MODBUS and CANopen network-­ing
plus remote access for data acquision and program download. There’s also a USB programming
port. For smaller, less complex machines, Unitronics’ Jazz micro PLC offers an operator interface with a
two-line display and keypad, up to 40 I/Os and communicaon opons such as GSM/SMS, remote access
and MODBUS networking. Prices for a Jazz unit start at $140, making it an economical replacement for a
smart relay.
The P500 panel controller from Lenze Americas combines logic (PLC), moon and visualizaon in one device. Onboard features in-­clude
two 100MB Ethernet interfaces that combine the funconalies of an integrated switch, an EtherCAT interface (master) and
two USB connecons. A standard slot holds communicaon cards. Opons include 7-, 10.4- and 15-inch touch screens. – HEF
More informaon:
Unitronics — Holly Dillon, regional markeng manager: 866.666.6033, usa.sales@unitronics.com; www.unitronics.com
Lenze Americas — Susan Duval, markeng and communicaons manager: 508.278.9100; susan.duval@lenzeamericas.com or www.lenze.com
Blended Infrastructure Allows Multiple-Machine Communication
Serial Realme Communicaon System (Sercos ) is a leading digital interface for communi-­caon
between control systems, drives and decentralized peripheral devices, and Sercos
Internaonal e.V introduced the new Sercos III machine and device communicaon system
at PACK EXPO Internaonal 2012.
Sercos III integrates the open Ethernet protocol with high-speed data transfer at 100 MBits
Full-Duplex/second. It includes the physics and data link layers of Ethernet, perming TCP/
IP, CIP and Sercos Telegrams to coexist on the network in its unified communicaon channel
(UCC).
P500 panel controller from Lenze Americas
The innovaon improves network safety, and a redundant ring and/or line systems between
individual Sercos slaves allows for efficient networks with minimum cabling. The system
covers electric drives and controls, pneumac and hydraulic drives and controls, and general automaon devices such as distribut-­ed
I/Os, vision systems and encoders. – EJB
More informaon:
Ronald Larsen, managing director, North America: 800.573.7267, info@sercos.com
Peter Lutz, managing director, Sercos Internaonal e.V.: +49.7162.94.68.66 p.lutz@sercos.de.
New Automation Technology
Beckhoff Automaon Canada, Ltd., combines rotary motor and linear technology in its line-­ar
transport system, the XTS eXtended Transport System.
Motors are contained in the straight and curved modules, and movers travel on wheels
along the guiderail. The modules can be laid out in any combinaon, and can allow a wide
range of funcons and locaons on the guide rail for each mover. With tooling, movers can
adapt to many material handling and manipulaon funcons.
The movers contain magnec plates, and as they travel on wheels along the guide rail, an
industrial PC controls distance and speed. Modules in the coils passively generate propul-­sive
forces to eliminate any sliding. – RCC
More informaon:
Joe Oenhof, regional manager, Beckhoff Automaon Canada, Ltd.: 289.627.1888 or j.oenhof@beckhoff.com.
AUTOMATION
Beckhoff Automaon Canada’s XTS eXtended
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AUTOMATION