Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) unveiled its latest servo drive — the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 300 EtherNet/IP indexing which provides end users and machine builders with the standardize capability on one communication network for easier startup, configuration and commissioning. With the new servo drive, all control solution (I/O and motion, programmable automation controllers, and HMI) can be linked over a standard EtherNet/IP network.

“Many machine builders and end users are moving toward single network solutions,” said James Grosskreuz, Rockwell Automation’s product manager. “By leveraging EtherNet/IP technology, the world’s leading industrial Ethernet, the Kinetix 300 servo drive can eliminate the need for a dedicated motion network while maintaining high-speed connectivity with excellent reliability.”

The drive can support up to 32 indices and five indexing types. It is ideal for intermittent vertical and horizontal form/fill/seal machines, simple erectors, case packers and sleevers, as well as indexing tables.

By combining the Allen‑Bradley TL‑Series and Allen-Bradley MP-Series motors, and the CompactLogix L32 controller and Allen-Bradley CompactLogix L23 with the Kinetix 300 servo drive, Rockwell Automation delivers an alternative for machines that demand Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system’s power in a cost-effective low axis-count motion solution. The drive can also work with an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix processor to deliver a component machine-level solution in a cost-effective package.

Through a Kinetix 300 additional profile, the Kinetix 300 drive features smooth integration with Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 software. The servo drive also provides drive-based web configuration tools. With this, machine operators no longer to maintain, load or learn dedicated motion software.

To increase productivity and help protect personnel, the Kinetix 300 is also equipped with safe torque-off capability. With this safe-off functionality, tasks like removal of jams, cleaning, machine setup, and other common maintenance work, which require power-down conditions before can now be achieved without removing power from the machine. The drive output can be disabled safely, allowing shorter machine downtime and faster machine restart. Additionally, components like input contactors are not required, helping reduce both overall system costs and panel space requirements, and simplifying machine design.

The Kinetix 300 offers a compact size and has the available power and voltage ranges to meet a wide range of global machine requirements such as alternative energy, applications in the packaging, and assembly industries and manufacturing.