Communication and connectivity components must handle the harsh environments found in food and beverage packaging applications. It also helps if these components can reduce costs and improve reliability and operating efficiency. One product line that claims to meet these application needs is the Brad automation product line, which meets the needs of packaging machine builders, robot manufacturers and system integrators worldwide, helping implement intelligent, on-machine control systems and enabling easy implementation of industrial network protocols, including Industrial Ethernet.
This product line also meets IP67 ratings and is made of stainless steel construction. The automation products are grouped into several categories and address multiple needs and applications in food and beverage packaging.
- Connectivity
The Brad M12 Power Connection System provides a 16.0 A current capability within the traditional M12 connector envelope, as well as an IP67-sealed interface. By delivering greater power in a small, watertight package, these connectors allow machine designers to create more compact and efficient machinery for harsh and wet environments.
The Brad Micro-Change® M12 CAT6A & Connector System with X-coded cross-shielding delivers good signal integrity to 10 Gbps Ethernet for vision systems and other high-speed data transfer applications in harsh environments. It conforms to IEC 61076-2-109.
The Brad Micro-Change® M12 Circular Hybrid Technology (CHT) Connectors combine CAT5e Ethernet with auxiliary power lines, offering high signal integrity and performance with rugged IP67-sealing. Combining power and data lines in one M12 connector, Micro-Change CHT connectors have a smaller footprint and lower installation and cabling costs in packaging process and automation control applications.
The Brad Ultra-Lock® Connection system is a positive locking, push-to-lock, pull-to-disconnect, fast, secure, and reliable connection to control devices. It has a IP69K rating, for machines exposed to high pressure, wash down environments.
- Power
The BradPower is a modular, quick-connection system that makes it easy to replace hard wiring of machine motors and other high amperage devices. This connection is watertight, crush resistant, made of stainless steel, UL approved, NEC compliant and IP69K rated.
- Communications and Controls
The Brad HarshIO are machine-mountable IP67 harsh-duty I/O modules that support all major industrial fieldbuses including PROFIBUS-DP, DeviceNet, CANopen, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET. Brad HarshIO features, such as 60 and 30 mm housing formats, user configurable I/O channels, and 4- and 5-pin power supply versions, simplify user choice and satisfy a range of industrial applications.
The Brad PC-Based Network Interface Cards (NIC) deliver reliable, cost-effective, high-speed communications and control. The cards suit various computer bus formats, including PCI, PCI Express, CompactPCI, PC/104, USB and VME; 1x or 2x ports versions connected directly to industrial networks; and DeviceNet, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET
The Brad SST™ IP67 Remote Communication Module for PROFIBUS-connectivity is a PB3 remote module designed to execute high-speed PROFIBUS DP data exchange with Rockwell’s Logix Controllers. Its harsh duty design and remote capabilities allow the module to be installed on machines, in production cells, or in the field where Ethernet connectivity allows the module to be easily managed remotely.
Molex
www.molex.com
Filed Under: Design World articles, Packaging, Connectors (electrical) • crimp technologies, Electronics • electrical
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