Electricity + Control November 2017

round up

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

Launch of open architecture industrial computers and thin clients

Many manufacturers struggle with unreliable human machine in- terface (HMI) applications that use obsolete operating systems. With the new family of Allen-Bradley VersaView 5000 industrial computers, thin clients and monitors from Rockwell Automation , manufacturers can modernise their standalone or distributed HMI applications to support smart manufacturing. “The VersaView 5000 portfolio is our latest open architecture HMI or industrial com-

puter offering,” said Christo Buys, Business Manager for Control Systems, Rockwell Automation sub-Saharan Africa. “An open archi- tecture design gives manufacturers greater freedom to install the software that fits their needs.The portfolio also includes our largest ever full-HD screen size, which can display more information and replicate control room displays on the plant floor for more efficient data sharing.” The VersaView 5000 portfolio, part of the Rockwell Automa- tion scalable compute offerings, includes five products: VersaView 5400 display and non-display computers; VersaView 5200 display and non-display thin clients; and VersaView 5100 monitors. The dis- play options include an edge-to-edge glass display, a new 22-inch widescreen option, full HD and 10-point multi-touch capabilities to help improve operator productivity. When combined with FactoryTalk View Site Edition software from Rockwell Automation in distributed applications, the VersaV- iew 5400 industrial computers can provide cost-effective com- pliance with 21 CFR Part 11. The software stores, processes and transmits electronic records and signatures to show which employ- ees have made changes. This is critical for highly regulated indus- tries like life sciences. Enquiries: Christo Buys.Tel. +27 (0) 11 654 9700 or email cbuys@ra.rockwell.com

Low-profile strip lights

WLS15 is perfect for use on mobile equip- ment and other battery regulated applica- tions. The space-saving design of the WLS15 enables installation in confined areas and very tight spaces. It has a slim 15 mm profile that will not obstruct sight lines or disrupt the work environment. The ability to cascade lights together combined with flexible mounting options, such as endcap mounting holes, snap clips, and a wide range of available brackets, simplify instal- lation and wiring and make it easy to de- ploy and power one or multiple lights with- in a short amount of time.

Banner Engineering , a leading provider of technology for process and industrial auto- mation, today announced the release of the WLS15, a professional grade LED strip light that makes it easy and very cost-effective to illuminate machines, work spaces, and mobile equipment for improved efficiency, productivity, and safety. Featuring high-efficiency LEDs and a dif- fuse window, the WLS15 provides bright, even illumination with no hot spots. It uses a fraction of the energy of many compara- ble light fixtures and operates within the 12 V dc and 24 Vdc ranges. The low power consumption and slow current draw of the

Enquiries: BrandonTopham. Tel. +27 (0) 11 453 2468 or email brandon.topham@retautomation.com

Powerful standard and safety PLC in one unit Modern vehicles and mobile machines need very powerful control electronics to process the high number of input and output signals. That is why the new third generation ecomatController was de- veloped. It has two independent, internal PLCs; one of them will be certified as a safety controller. In addition to its multifunctional inputs and outputs with diagnostic capabilities, the unit features two Ethernet ports and four CAN interfaces. The CAN interfaces support all important bus protocols (CANopen, CANopen Safety and J1939) as well as the transparent and pre-processed data ex- change. The control functions are easily integrated into the application program thanks to CODESYS programming (version 3.5). Enquiries:Tel. +27 (0) 12 450 0400 or email info.za@ifm.com

Electricity + Control

NOVEMBER 2017

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