Products used in unified robotics platform for packaging

Rockwell Automation programmable automation controllers (PACs), I/O modules, motors, servo drives, ac drives, and operator interfaces help packaging systems provider Cama Group standardize its robotics automation.

By Mike Wagner April 30, 2013

Cama Group, a multinational maker of secondary packaging systems, standardizes robotics on one platform to deliver simplified, high-speed automation software and hardware. The company switched from a proprietary technology mix to Rockwell Automation hardware and software.

Products used for integrated motion and safety follow.

  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PAC provides an integrated platform for motion and machine control, and one programming environment accessible to operators via an Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus operator interface.
  • Allen-Bradley Kinetix multiaxis servo drives allow easy speed and position adjustments, and fast product changeovers.
  • Allen-Bradley GuardLogix safety system provides safety and standard control in one package, and simplifies integrating robotics into a production line.
  • Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays provide compliance with global safety standards when integrating robots into machines.
  • Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives with safe-off function reside on the same EtherNet/IP network as other components for simplified machine design and production line operation.

The Logix Control Platform manages robot kinematics and synchronizes separate tracking, handling, and vision systems. It includes an Allen-Bradley 1756-L72 ControlLogix controller with a SERCOS (Serial Real-time Communications System) interface motion module.

End users can easily share production information across all equipment through one EtherNet/IP network. EtherNet/IP, an ODVA Ethernet protocol, uses the same TCP/IP protocol suite that is used for the Internet, with the open connectivity and global acceptance of standard Ethernet and the real-time performance and security of fieldbus networks.

Cama Group engineers can link optical character recognition and optical character verification vision systems to the Rockwell Automation products in the robotic cell via EtherNet/IP.

The system uses Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6000 and Kinetix 6500 servo drives, which help eliminate the need for a dedicated motion network and allow users to support high-performance drives, I/O, smart actuators, and any other EtherNet/IP-connected device on a common network.

In addition, Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives with safe-off function reside on the same EtherNet/IP network for simplified machine design and production line operation. The Allen Bradley MP Series Low Inertia servo motors fit compact space requirements while meeting the demands of the high-performance motion system.

The Rockwell Automation team conducted a safety risk assessment and implemented an Allen-Bradley GuardLogix integrated safety system, which allows for safety and standard control on one platform, alleviates complicated hardwiring, and reduces engineering time. The system is compliant with global safety standard EN ISO 13849-1.

As part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, the GuardLogix PAC uses the same configuration, networking, and visualization environment.

An Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus human-machine interface provides operators and maintenance personnel with visibility to all machine events—including safety events.

Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays manage safety on smaller, individual machines with the robot system.

Allen-Bradley, ControlLogix, GuardLogix, Guardmaster, Integrated Architecture, Kinetix, MP-Series, PanelView, and PowerFlex are trademarks of Rockwell Automation Inc. EtherNet/IP is a trademark of ODVA.

– Mike Wagner is global segment business manager for packaging at Rockwell Automation. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com.