Rockwell’s motion-control technology enhances packaging machine

Faced with the challenge of developing machines that produce more products at a faster rate but offer greater accuracy and efficiency, Thiele Technologies (www.thieletech.com) turns to Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) for solutions.

Rockwell Automation provided the control solution that would enhance the flexibility and performance of Thiele’s Nigrelli Envoy Tray Former Packer, a continuous-motion, high-speed packaging system specifically designed for loading cartons, bottles and cans onto corrugated trays, pads or U-board. Processing up to 3,600 containers per minute with exceptionally accurate positioning and versatility, the heart of the Envoy features Rockwell Automation Kinetix Integrated Motion solution that includes an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix controller, Allen-Bradley MP-Series servo motors and Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6000 multi-axis servo drives. Together they control and coordinate all major machine functions, such as placing and carrying the trays through the machine, and control of the rotary tray and feeding system.

Rockwell Automation’s ControlLogix controller eliminates the need for multiple programming packages and controllers, conveniently tying all control functionality into one, multitasking controller platform. Motion functions of the Envoy are incorporated in both the Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 programming software and the ControlLogix controller. To reduce time spent on wiring, engineers utilized a SERCOS interface module for integration with the Kinetix 6000 servo drives. Operators of the Envoy can view the status and performance parameters of the machine through an Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus 1000 touch-screen human-machine interface.

The RSLogix 5000 software’s motion instructions reduce the need to coordinate and write two programs in separate controllers.

“With the need for high reliability and fast changeovers, the servo control technology from Rockwell Automation provided the best option,” said Stephen Kaye, Rigid Product Line Manager at Thiele Technologies.