There is increasing demand on machine and equipment builders to reduce
development and installation time while increasing machine flexibility.
Rockwell Automation introduces the new Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5500 servo
drive with integrated safety designed to help machine builders satisfy these
demands by taking advantage of a single EtherNet/IP network, as well as a common
design environment with Rockwell Software Studio 5000 Logix Designer software.
Building on the foundation of the recently
released Kinetix 5500 servo drive, the Kinetix 5500 servo drive with integrated
safety offers the same high-speed coordination to meet demanding motion
requirements while using the EtherNet/IP network for streamlined machine safety
functions. The new drive delivers the benefits of improved personnel safety and
increased machine uptime in the manufacturing facility.
According to Gavin Black, product manager CompactLogix, SLC, Kinetix
Motion, Rockwell Automation, production requirements are constantly changing
for end users in the packaging, converting and material handling industries, impacting
their safety requirements as well. Putting safety on the network simplifies the
configuration and updating of safety functions, enabling machine builders to be
very flexible with their design, differentiate themselves in these industries, and
provide their customers the means to more easily react to market changes.
The EtherNet/IP network allows safety signals to travel via the same wires and
IP addresses used for control and motion, eliminating the need for a hardwired
safety system. Reducing overall system wiring saves time and money in installation
and removes potential points of failure, resulting in less troubleshooting and
downtime.
The drive can be quickly installed by machine and equipment builders, providing
customers with greater ease of use via the Logix Designer development environment
and Allen Bradley GuardLogix safety controllers. In addition to motion and
control parameters, end users can configure the safety system within the Logix
Designer software, unlatch the safe torque off function, program an unlimited
number of set points, change safety zoning, and re-use code to maintain system
validation, all within a single software application.
End users also gain improved diagnostics information through the drive’s
integration with the GuardLogix safety controller including details of
safety-related faults shown on the drive’s LCD display. This information can
also be pulled into existing information databases and reporting solutions
already in use, to deliver actionable safety information to users when and
where they need it.