OEM Increases Accuracy by Applying Mechatronic Design Principles Using Allen-Bradley Controls from Rockwell Automation |
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Rockwell Automation
1201 South Second Street
Milwaukee, WI, 53204
USA
Press release date: January 14, 2008
Schenck AccuRate develops gravimetric feeders backed by Rockwell Automation's vast industry knowledge, standards expertise and full portfolio of integrated controls
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 14, 2008 - Feeder and meter manufacturer Schenck AccuRate is now incorporating Allen-Bradley products from Rockwell Automation into its line of MECHATRON® gravimetric feeders, providing end users with increased levels of accuracy. Schenck AccuRate's customers have consistently specified Rockwell Automation controls for their machines, and both companies share an interest in the growing development of mechatronic design principles, making the supplier-OEM relationship a natural fit.
For machine builders, mechatronic design requires organizing a cross-functional design team in which each of the disciplines is represented, instead of having separate design teams (mechanical, controls, software, etc.). Forward-thinking machine builders such as Schenck AccuRate even include their automation supplier in this collaborative effort, engaging them early in the process.
"To provide the most advanced automation to our customers, we continue looking for ways to effectively link the mechanical world to the controls engineering world," said Gary Kuehneman, director of Business Development and Marketing, Schenck AccuRate. "Teaming with Rockwell Automation took us in the right direction because the company knows how to effectively incorporate different engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, software and controls - and has an industry-leading portfolio of integrated controls available in the market."
The MECHATRON® feeder is controlled by Schenck AccuRate's patented DISOCONT® Integrated Controller. The DISOCONT® is a dynamic, weight-based controller with patented control algorithms that enhance feeding accuracy and is part of the Rockwell Automation Encompass Program, a third-party product referencing program.
The Rockwell Automation solution consists of Bulletin 800 F-series switches, terminal blocks and Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 4 variable frequency drives that integrate seamlessly with Schenck AccuRate's control platform. Heat sink thermal protection in the drives allows the feeder to operate at lower speeds, helps extend the overall life cycle of the drives and, ultimately, lowers maintenance costs for the end user.
"The biggest challenge that many of our customers face is training machine operators. When we implemented new technologies on this feeder, our goal was to make the application as easy to learn and use as possible," said Kuehneman. "In the end, the move to Allen-Bradley products was largely customer-driven, as our end users exhibited a high level of recognition and knowledge of Rockwell Automation products." Schenck AccuRate plans to expand its relationship with Rockwell Automation and utilize the company's industry knowledge and standards expertise by standardizing its extrusion process applications, its alternative fuel delivery systems, and other feeder product lines on Allen-Bradley controls.
Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation that include Allen-Bradley controls and services, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries. For more information on the Rockwell Automation Global OEM Team, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, ext. 2052. http://www.rockwellautomation.com/think/oem.
Media contacts: Patty Roberts Rockwell Automation 414.382.5682 paroberts@ra.rockwell.com
Stephanie Snyder Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc. 612.455.1722 ssnyder@psbpr.com
All reader inquiries should be directed to the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, ext. 2052.
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