Rockwell Automation has introduced two new controllers to the market that provide machine builders and manufacturers with integrated safety, motion, discrete and drive control capabilities in a single controller for medium-size applications.
The Allen-Bradley L43S and L45S Compact GuardLogix programmable automation controllers (PACs) extend capabilities previously available only in the larger Allen-Bradley ControlLogix platform. These include diagnostic and information capabilities that help reduce nuisance shutdowns and prolonged restarts, as well as a single programming environment for enhanced design and development productivity.
As part of Rockwell’s Integrated Architecture system, the Compact GuardLogix controllers use the same configuration, networking and visualisation environment as the company’s larger-scale systems. This helps provide machine builders and end users with cost-effective integration of a machine or safety application into the plant-wide control system.
“The introduction of the PACs opens a new door for many manufacturers with medium-size applications who previously did not have the means to implement an integrated architecture solution with embedded safety functionality,” said Adrian van Wyk, business manager components, Rockwell Automation.
The PACs can control as many as eight axes of integrated motion over the Sercos communication network. When used in combination with the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6200 servo drive, machine builders have access to the drives embedded safety functions, such as speed control, direction and torque off. The controllers are rated up to Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3) and Performance Level e (PL e) – the highest level of machine safety.
“Machine builders, integrators and end users are designing contemporary solutions with an eye toward improving safety, achieving higher levels of performance and realising better integration of a machine with the rest of the manufacturing operation,” said Van Wyk. “Through Rockwell’s scalable control platform and advanced configuration environment, manufacturers, suppliers and integrators have more opportunity than before to achieve this goal.”
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