Ahmet Ö.
Kurumsal
- Thread Author
- #1
## An Inside Look at Rockwell Automation's Automation Manufacturing Plant
Take a close look at Rockwell Automation's fully automated assembly line at their main plant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Also, a preview of upcoming new product trainings awaits you.
A foggy day in Milwaukee almost obscured the view of the famous clock tower atop the original headquarters of the Allen-Bradley company. On this tour, I explored a robotic assembly line that produces motor contactors, and new product developments such as motor starters capable of waveform sensing and in-cabinet single-pair Ethernet networking. At the facility, it's possible to see how integrated robotics, modular transport systems, and industrial control technologies come together in the production of automation hardware.
### M100 Motor Starter Features
- Waveform monitoring increases device safety and longevity.
- Contacts open and close at the zero-crossing point of the voltage between phases, preventing arcing.
- Since the zero points of the 3-phase voltage occur at different times, contacts can be controlled individually.
- Features integrated reversing function and semiconductor contacts for overload protection.
- Compact design takes up little space in the control panel.
Rockwell revolutionized wiring by reducing indirect electrical signals to a single data path. This allows a single ribbon cable to be used instead of many separate I/O cables. Thanks to Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) networking, the current and voltage values of the starters can be monitored, the colors of illuminated switch operators can be dynamically changed, and faulty devices can be instantly identified by identity and location.
### FactoryTalk Design Workbench Software
As a recent announcement, the Connected Component Workbench (CCW) software has been updated to FactoryTalk Design Workbench. This software is compatible with Micro810 and Ethernet-enabled Micro800 series PLCs. Training articles for this new software and PLC usage will also be published soon.
### C-100 Series Motor Contactors Assembly Line
The assembly line was installed by Calvary Robotics, along with an iTRAK modular transport system and Rockwell control units, drives, and I/O modules. Assembly stations are fully automated by robots (gantry, SCARA, articulated, and delta types). Special grippers assemble parts according to order.
### C-100 Contactor Parts
Components of a standard contactor brought from assembly were shown. On the right side, darkening and burn marks can be seen on the metal contact parts and the surrounding plastic parts. Such wear can be prevented by waveform tracking and opening/closing at the zero voltage point.
Detailed installation trainings for the in-cabinet Ethernet solution and new PLC and software versions will soon be published on Control.com. We thank the Rockwell team for their hospitality and look forward to seeing the clock tower in its full splendor on a sunny day next time.
