Rated NEMA/UL Type 4X/12 (IP66/54), new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 40 AC drive and ArmorStart NEMA 4X are ideal for harsh environments, including food and beverage industry
MILWAUKEE, Dec.13, 2007 — Manufacturers seeking networked motor control solutions for wash-down environments now have several options from Rockwell Automation. The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 40 AC drive and the ArmorStart product lines have packaging options that are now rated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) NEMA/UL Type 4X/12 (IP66/54) for indoor use.
Ideal for food processing equipment, the PowerFlex 40 AC drive and ArmorStart NEMA/UL Type 4X/12 rating provides UL-listed protection against circulating dust and high-water pressure for equipment such as mixers, pumps, conveyor equipment, fans, packaging machinery, machine tool equipment, wood-working machinery and overhead door equipment.
Pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and automotive manufacturing engineers rely on the NEMA/UL Type 4X/12 (IP66/54) rated products to help provide protection against dust, splashing water, hose-directed water, caustic chemicals and corrosion. This allows them to help protect their machine-mounted devices while meeting sanitation requirements.
The PowerFlex 40 NEMA 4X AC drive gives users decentralized vector control for applications demanding low-speed and high-torque control and its National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification helps provide conformity with international food equipment standards. For customers looking for a “plug and play” design for power and control media to help minimize installation time, the ArmorStart NEMA 4X allows users to mount the motor controller near the motor. The "gland plate" design on the ArmorStart NEMA 4X offers provisions for conduit solutions or for a quick connect to the ArmorConnect power media. Both the PowerFlex 40 NEMA 4X and ArmorStart NEMA 4X can be mounted directly to the machine.
“The PowerFlex 40 NEMA 4X AC drive and the ArmorStart NEMA 4X are both ideal for a harsh production environment,” said Stan Ho, marketing manager, Rockwell Automation. “In addition, our product expansion is on target for the food and beverage industry to help provide conformity with international food equipment standards.”
Available in 240, 480 and 600 volts for applications up to five horsepower (3.7 kW), the PowerFlex 40 NEMA 4X AC drive is also equipped with highly configurable I/O including the ability to perform basic logic, timer and counter functions. Performing these functions at the drive instead of a microcontroller reduces both wiring and hardware costs. For food and beverage manufacturers, this reduction in conduit during installation translates to panel space savings and faster speed to market, helping customers meet consumer demands.
The ArmorStart product line is also available in 240, 480 and 600 volts for applications up to five horsepower (3.7 kW). The NEMA 4X-rated ArmorStart distributed motor controller offers various starting methods that include full voltage, reversing, smart motor controller and variable frequency. The ArmorStart offers users a simple, cost-effective method of integrating pre-engineered starters, I/O and network capabilities in their on machine architecture.
Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation that include Allen-Bradley controls and services, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
.jpg)