Motion Control & Drives


Addition to the ArmorStart range

March 2008 Motion Control & Drives

Rockwell Automation has expanded its ArmorStart range with the addition of the IP69K ArmorStart distributed motor controller. The IP69K/NEMA 4X rated variants of the company's Bulletin 280/281/283 and 284 distributed motor controllers are ideal for use in the food and beverage industry.

The controllers offer users lower installation costs, reduced engineering times and ease of maintenance. In addition, the ArmorStart product line voltage ratings have been expanded to include 575 V versions for all the products in the range, including the Bulletin 284 with built-in PowerFlex 40 drive.

The ArmorStart is an integrated, pre-engineered enclosed motor controller for quick and easy installation. The pre-tested, quick-connect wiring assembly minimises cabling, cuts labour costs and helps reduce wiring problems. The compact, space-saving design allows mounting near the motor rather than in a separate control cabinet. This removes the need for complex multicore field wiring, minimises space requirements and can reduce installation times by up to 30%. A unique gland plate design enables either a traditional cable entrance or use of the Allen-Bradley ArmorConnect system for even easier installation.

The CE rated and cULus-listed ArmorStart has already proved extremely popular in applications like materials handling, mining and automotive assembly. The new IP69K/NEMA 4X versions extend the benefits of ArmorStart into the harsh environments typically encountered in food and beverage applications. Together with a wash down rating of 1000PSI, the new NEMA 4X rated ArmorStart products are resistant to caustic cleansing agents such as sodium hydroxide. White enclosures and the use of stainless steel on all exposed metalwork make them extremely suitable for hygiene-controlled environments.

The new motor controller has a wash down rating making it ideal for use in the food and beverage industry
The new motor controller has a wash down rating making it ideal for use in the food and beverage industry

The built-in peer-to-peer connectivity of the ArmorStart Distributed Motor Controller makes it ideal for large-motored conveyors. Along with on-board DeviceNet communications and DeviceLogix technology, ArmorStart's Zone Interlocking Parameters (ZIP) allows it to consume data directly from up to four other DeviceNet nodes without going through a network controller. Peer-to-peer networking also greatly improves efficiency in conveyor applications such as merge, diverter and accumulation.

Along with its modular design, ArmorStart's built-in diagnostic functions simplify maintenance and troubleshooting. The in-built LED display indicates the device's status and fault conditions such as overload, open control or DeviceNet power, I/O fault, communication problem, etc, - enabling technical personnel to find and isolate problems quickly and efficiently.

Food and beverage manufacturers looking for high-performance control devices will appreciate the flexibility, faster installation and lower engineering costs of an ArmorStart distributed motor control solution. The integrated, machine-mount design employing fewer cables, sophisticated communications and plug-and-play flexibility of the motor controller delivers a powerful competitive advantage.

For more information contact Jeff Sandison, Rockwell Automation, +27 (0)11 654 9700, [email protected], www.rockwellautomation.co.za



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