Machine Builder (OEM) Solutions
What Matters
Efficiency Matters
Given that most OEMs operate in an environment with tight margins and fixed costs for raw materials, manufacturing and operational efficiency are top priorities in many machine building operations. To build high-performance, reliable machines, you must take advantage of every opportunity to maximize manufacturing speed and efficiency.
One way to do this is by reusing intellectual property to drive efficiency in the production of machines. The key to making this happen is standardization and modularization of systems — including both software and hardware. The latest version of programming software from Rockwell Automation can help improve standardization, as it follows a standard state model and allows different machines to operate the same way.
Rockwell Software® RSLogix™ 5000 with PhaseManager™ provides a framework for entering machine state logic and enforcing a machine state model. The programming software delivers important efficiency benefits while machines are in operation, but it also helps OEMs save time and money in system design and configuration.
Modular Design
OEMs strive to deliver equipment on time and on-budget with any new project; however, they expect to increase speed and efficiency (and profits) with each subsequent job. Unfortunately, many OEMs fail to take full advantage of the opportunity to reuse engineering designs and programming, which results in frequent re-work and duplication of efforts.
With RSLogix 5000, users can begin to create libraries of "software building blocks" representing machine-related functions. By enforcing a machine state model, the software enables OEMs to move toward a modular development structure that helps maximize the reuse of designs in subsequent projects. With most of the investment in design and programming built into the initial project, OEMs can enjoy higher margins and reap increasingly higher returns with each successive job.
System-Enforced Interfaces
Oftentimes when OEMs try to reuse system designs, they are forced to rewrite the program because the interface changes or the individual function blocks are different. The PhaseManager feature enforces an interface that will never change. With PhaseManager, OEMs will have a pre-defined interface that can be quickly and easily configured, eliminating the need to rewrite the program when adding a function to the machine.
Interoperability
With the system-enforced interface, OEMs can add any type of function and know it will fit in the machine, without having to worry about reconfiguration. The PhaseManager feature dramatically improves efficiency by allowing OEMs to reuse intellectual property to save time and resources.
This interoperability at both the data and command levels exists not only in the original module, but it can be used in any machine, eliminating the need to retest and recreate functionality on subsequent machines. As a result, interoperability and efficiency are both maximized.
Operating in an environment with tight margins and fixed costs for raw materials, OEMs strive to maximize manufacturing speed and efficiency and can do so by reusing intellectual property. The Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 with PhaseManager allows for increased productivity in the creation and reuse of modules as well as amplified efficiency in distribution and testing.
Product Highlights
CompactLogix L4X
Performance and cost-efficiency are in perfect balance with the new Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 1768-L43 controller from Rockwell Automation. Controlling up to four axes of motion, the CompactLogix 1768-L43 controller is ideal for material handling, packaging, metal forming and other applications requiring speed, motion synchronization and information-sharing capabilities — all in a small, modular footprint.
Kinetix 6000
Machine builders requiring the high-power capacity provided by Allen-Bradley Kinetix servo drives can more efficiently power down their motion control systems. The new TUV-certified Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6000 Safety servo drive from Rockwell Automation incorporates a safe-off functionality that allows users to restart machines faster and reduce downtime in the event of unplanned maintenance.
RSLogix 5000
The latest version of Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 programming software from Rockwell Automation offers expanded programming and batch configuration functionality, while helping users improve information integration, and increase Allen-Bradley productivity and quality. Key features in RSLogix 5000 v.15 include PhaseManager, an S88 batch configuration tool designed to ease configuration and improve productivity and quality; RSLogix Architect, a navigation tool to help improve system configuration, organization and management; and the ability to add Allen-Bradley 1756 I/O to a running Allen-Bradley ControlLogix system.
EWEB Toolkit
The EWEB Toolkit from Rockwell Automation can help OEMs capture data from their Logix-based controllers and monitor it over the Web in a single-screen view using a standard browser such as Internet Explorer. Used with the Allen-Bradley 1756-EWEB Module and a Logix control system, the EWEB Toolkit demonstrates how easy it is for the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture to leverage Web technology over EtherNet/IP in delivering real-time production data anywhere in the manufacturing organization.
New Motor Controller With Integrated I/O
A new motor controller with integrated I/O from Rockwell Automation offers improved monitoring and control capabilities. With two inputs and four outputs, the new Allen-Bradley SMC Flex motor controller with integrated I/O helps users control processes and monitor motor systems from the networked softstarter, moving control of some industrial processes closer to the motor, lowering costs associated with wiring and programming. The motor controller was developed for a range of motor control applications including conveyers, pumps and chillers.