DS-JUL22-PG12_Layout 1 09/08/2022 11:53 Page 1
Feature maChine BuilDing, FrameWorKs & saFety the oit/hMi solution
Feature sponsored by
the control room, reducing control room operator workloads. This is ideal for applications such as water pump monitoring where control room personnel simply need to know live water levels and whether the pumps are on or off. Of further benefit, OIT/HMI systems are
more robust than traditional SCADA systems. With an OIT/HMI system, there are no hard drives that can fail, no Windows operating system to support, no networking issues and no inherent cyber security concerns, something that continues to be a growing worry for many businesses, particularly around mission critical infrastructure. This makes OIT/HMI systems well suited to applications on a nuclear site, for example, where local engineers need to know ongoing system status at a glance so they can act accordingly and there is no advantage to having a networked PC-based SCADA system in place.
coMMunication SCADA systems are still used for many
applications, but as Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing manager at Omniflex explains, operator interface terminals (OIT)
and human machine interface (HMI) systems provide an ideal alternative solution
S
CADA systems are often seen as the go-to- choice for visualisation. But, not only do they mean unnecessary costs, control
and maintenance often has to be undertaken by the IT department who may not appreciate operational requirements. However, often seen as a solution that ‘gets the job done’, many engineers may hesitate to look at other options. But, as alternative technologies – such as OIT
and HMI systems – evolve, the case for replacing SCADA systems becomes even more compelling. While process control systems provided OITs
for HMIs dedicated to specific hardware, they were standalone and tied to a specific PLC manufacturer. However, many applications have deployed PC-based SCADA systems simply because there was no other choice. The advent of vendor neutral OIT/HMI displays
in a range of sizes with touch screen displays and plant hardened HMI technology, suitable for both the control room and factory floor, has added another tool to plant engineers’ toolboxes. These systems allow for distributed control to local points while bringing only key parameters back to
a new concept for building robots
Beckhoff UK has introduced a new concept for robotics applications. The modular structure of ATRO (Automation Technology for Robotics) allows the creation of almost any robot design from the modules provided – from a simple 1-axis rotary indexing table application and delta kinematics, to multi-axis articulated robots. ATRO can create up to a 7-axis system, increasing the capacity and articulation for hard-to-reach areas.
The ATRO kinematics are made up of active joints – the motor modules,
which form a complete drive system for one axis of the robot. The motor modules are available in different designs: straight modules in I-shape or angled modules in L-shape, which are designed in five power sizes. The only external components required are a power supply and a control. All modules are interconnected via the ATRO interface, guaranteeing a
rigid connection and ensuring that the media that is fed in is transferred. Data, power and fluids – compressed air, vacuum or water – are guided internally through the modules in the ATRO kinematics.
Beckhoff Automation T: 01491 410539
2
www.beckhoff.co.uk MiniTec UK 1 DESIGN SOLUTIONS July/august 2022 T: 01256 365605
Omniflex’s EasyView range of HMIs can communicate with a variety of PLC and PAC hardware, providing a flexible system to manage plant operations. The HMIs come equipped with free configuration software, require no ongoing costs and, crucially, are simple to use. Realistically, plant managers using an EasyView HMI solution can save around 80% of implementation costs compared to using a traditional SCADA system. The touch screen HMIs range from five inches
to 15 inches, depending on the application and space constraints, and are compatible with over 300 PLCs. Alternatively, HDMI capable displays, such as large flat-screen TVs can be used because the EasyView technology offers HDMI full HD 1080p capability. This allows plant KPIs to be displayed front and centre at all times, keeping personnel focussed and up-to-date with ongoing operations.
Omniflex T: 0161 491 4144
www.omniflex.com
high quality aluminium proFiles
Based on the proven MiniTec modular system, Series 30 high-quality aluminium profiles offer numerous connection options. The profiles, matching modular elements and fittings, are all based on a sectional size of 30mm x 30mm and can be easily combined to meet a specific design configuration. A wide variety of lengths, end caps and connecting elements, as well as
groove depths and groove widths, are available, ensuring the Profile Series 30 can accommodate the most complex of design specifications. A 30mm version of MiniTec’s Power-lock, one-piece fastening system, is
included in the 30 series range, together with angle and adapter brackets, door hinges, panel sealing strips and many other modular construction pieces. According to the company, the versatile
system can be used in confined areas, such as vehicle fit-outs; for bracing and smaller machine frames; protective enclosures for industrial processing; tables in medical technology; or showcase/displays cabinets. The MiniTec Profile Series 30 is also suitable for smaller machine frames, consoles, panels, fixtures, and safety guards.
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