The World of Lapp is based in Stuttgart. This is where it all started for the company founded in 1959 as U.I. Lapp AG, and from where it has evolved into a global product and system solution provider.
Currently with 15 production plants in Europe, Asia and America, 41 sales companies and more than 100 sales partners, the Group now employs over 3000 people around the world. Through its global network of Lapp Centres, the organisation is passionately committed to enhancing the knowledge of both customers and employees – ‘knowledge is the ink in which our future is written’.
A partner in complete automation solutions
“The international success enjoyed by our export driven industries would not have been possible without a continuous commitment to improving our automation engineering offering,” explains Lapp Group Southern Africa managing director, Mark Dilchert.
“We recognise the importance of automation engineering through our strategic business unit in this specific field. It allows us to set aside experts for our customers who can offer professional advice and develop tailored systems and solutions that are credible on technical, qualitative and commercial levels. This expertise is especially practical considering the high level of developmental dynamism demanded in this sector. At Lapp we are continually at the forefront thanks to our own research and development departments that are the key to our solutions portfolio. While our cable technology plays a central role in all our solution offerings, when it comes to industrial networking our differentiator is our ability to provide end-to-end solutions for almost any industrial automation communication platform.”
Ethernet in automation
The Ethernet standard is a permanent fixture in corporate IT departments due to its simplicity. The reason for the acceptance and popularity not only lies in the integrated networking for a company, but also in the fact that it forms the basic technology for the world’s largest network – the Internet. As one of the world’s most accepted standards, the advantages of Ethernet are obvious:
* Simple with unlimited expansion possibilities.
* Fast commissioning due to simple connection technology with RJ45 or M12.
* Dynamic bandwidth adjustment with 10/100 Mbit/s, 1 Gbit up to a current 10 Gbit/s.
* Networking of various applications (IT, industrial, building automation etc.).
Because of this, more and more companies are turning to the performance of Ethernet for their machine and plant control requirements. Ethernet protocols, in conjunction with components that are rated for industrial environments, can offer advantages over commercial fieldbus systems in certain applications:
* Company-wide access to data and applications.
* High data transmission rates for fast exchange of information.
* Improved efficiency, speed of work flow and machine performance.
* Continuous coordinated monitoring and machine control for an optimised manufacturing processes.
* Wiring from the top-floor to the shop-floor is possible.
Fieldbus – an overview of the most common types
* Profibus – distinguish between ProfibusDP and PA. The DP variant dominates worldwide with a bit rate from 1,5 to 12 Mbit/s. Profibus PA is the leader in process automation in Europe.
* CAN/CANopen – one of the most basic of the automation bus systems. Originally developed for use in automobiles to replace multiple wires and cables with 1 cable and now used in industry in a broad range of applications.
* DeviceNet – developed by Allen Bradley (Rockwell Automation) and based on CAN.
* DeviceNet is one of the world’s leading device-level networks for industrial automation and offers robust, efficient data handling because it is based on Producer/Consumer technology. This modern communications model offers key capabilities that allow the user to determine effectively what information is needed and when.
* Foundation Fieldbus – bus system for use in process automation. Primarily used in the oil and gas industries because of its ease of use, low current capabilities and safety features; its strength is in the process industry. Lapp has designed and manufactured cables to help FF maximise its ease of use and flexibility.
* SafetyBUS – developed for safety-relevant areas, operates either completely independently or are as part of an overall system (e.g. PROFIsafe, Interbus Saftety, DeviceNet Saftey). Lapp Group goes to great lengths to ensure that its SafetyBUS cables are of the highest quality as human safety is paramount.
* European Installation Bus EIB/KNX – bus system for building automation, operates primarily with low bit rate.
Application areas for bus cables:
* Plant engineering and construction.
* Factory automation.
* Process automation (chemical, petro-chemical industry etc.).
* Building automation (building management).
AS-interface – easy cabling at the lower field level
AS-i devices were designed for efficient networking of sensors and actuators in an AS-i network that allows fast and safe installation with tool-free contacting. AS-i devices can be installed quickly and easily with the locking mechanism facilitating connection to the AS-i flat conductors. The devices are connected to the conductors using the penetration technique by snapping a hinged section into place.
As from July 2012 Lapp Group is able to design, commission and implement a full AS-i network, and has staff qualified as AS-i engineers. The Lapp office in Germany is already capable of engineering any solution, but the company recognises that local support is best to support local customers in consultation, design and assistance during commissioning.
Lapp Group’s complete range of solutions
The choice between the network platforms outlined above is most often based on the nature of the application. Lapp recognised this early and consequently developed its range of industrial network solutions to cater for all requirements, from shielded cables for high speed data transmission in harsh EMI environments down to the sensor and actuator interfaces and cord sets and connectors required at the I/O level:
* Sensor/actuator boxes – Sensor/actuator boxes with standardised connection technology provide connections to all commercially available sensors and actuators and are the solution for decentralising small numbers of I/O. Boxes can be connected to Profibus, DeviceNet and CANopen fieldbus systems and, regardless of whether they are installed on profiles, flat surfaces or under rough conditions, the assembly concept ensures flexibility and reduces the installation costs. The devices enable assembly in two directions and are thus suitable for every application with the arrangement of the connectors designed to minimise installation time. The latest additions to this range are the popular Sensor/Actuator interface boxes designed to meet the requirements of AS-interface networks and complemented by a range of accessories including distributors, counter modules, power supplies, network extensions and plug terminals.
* Sensor/actuator cord sets and cables – a comprehensive range of preassembled conductors with M8, M12 and valve connectors are available for rapid wiring of sensors and actuators in the field. Sensor/actuator cables with LEDs can be used for simplified control of signal status and shielded wiring types are available for those applications with higher EMV capacity. M8 and M12 flush type connectors with integrated braid for device connection to the PCB are also available. Freely customised plug connectors can be used for rapid assembly of individual wiring lengths of M8 and M12 Sensor/Actuator cables. Here it is possible to choose between versions with screw or fast connects.
Lapp Group prides itself on its ability to add value for automation customers through the specialist knowledge of experts complemented by a range of industrial grade system solutions. From bus and network cables to their corresponding plugs and connectors, all the way through bus modules and interfaces to complete network management systems – it is all available from one automation supplier.
For more information contact Lapp Group, 0861 CABLES, [email protected], www.lappgroup.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 201 3200 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.lappgroup.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about LAPP Southern Africa |
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