With space at a premium and plug-and-play replacing hardwiring, the new breed of Rockwell Automation components on display at this weeks Automation Fair is designed to be smaller, faster and easier to use. Your machine is only as valuable as the weakest component in it, said Rockwell Automation commercial programs manager Sy Stevens. Instead of buying more components and buying them more often, we suggest looking at the total value of components.
From tower lights to operator interface terminals, Rockwell Automations broad range of control products is designed to ensure that automation components arent the weak link in machine performance.
Were plugging things in without any enclosure and no hard-wiring, he explained. Its not necessarily going to affect your bottom line. Its your top linewhen youre quoting a machine. If the customer can get a machine from you faster, thats a big advantage to the OEM. The On-Machine technology gives improved cash flow and a better negotiating position with shorter lead times.
One of the other benefits is on the troubleshooting side. I can diagnose without a voltage tester. Its all LEDs and can be diagnosed by hand, said Eitzman. Line 4983 surge and filter products also took the spotlight on the tour. The products are aligned in front of the controller to protect against anything from a lightning strike to a voltage transient from within the facility. Eighty percent of all transience is from within a facility, explained product marketing manager Amy Stachowiak. These products clamp the spike down to a manageable level, so it doesnt destroy your equipment.