It is important to support our children

Garland Instruments are delighted to sponsor In For A Penny.

They help support CMRF Crumlin and Cancer Funds for Children and this helps families that are dealing with children’s cancer.

Check out there page at https://cancerfundforchildren.ie/pennys-story/

It is important to support local clubs

Garland Instruments Ltd was delighted to sponsor Nenagh Ormond RFC & we all feel it is important to give back to your local community.

It is important to support local clubs

Garland Instruments Ltd was delighted to sponsor Kiladangan GAA in 2017 & we all feel it is important to give back to your local community.

Selection Made Simple

Quick guide for the Inverter / VSD selection tool

This tool from Mitsubishi Electric is simply brilliant and very straight forward to use.

You want to choose an inverter / VSD, but you are not sure which one fits your needs best.

Save yourself valuable time and use this FREE tool and as an added bonus there is a great energy saving calculator link below it.

Selection Tool at the bottom of this link

The first step is the Type of Drive you require. There are 13 to choose from, but it really is only 5 Series of drives (D700, E700, A700, A800 & F800)

1. FR-D700 SC (Ultra-compact Standard Inverters) D740 D720 INFO
2. FR-E700 SC (Compact Inverters)
3. FR-E700-SC-ENE (Compact Inverters with built-in Ethernet)
4. FR-A741 (High End Inverters with built-in Regeneration)
5. FR-A800-E (High End Inverters) A840 INFO
6. FR-A800-SCM (Smart Condition Monitoring) A840 INFO
7. FR-A800-ELV (For Elevator Application) A840 INFO
8. FR-A800-CRN (For Crane Application) A840 INFO
9. FR-A800-R2R (For Roll to Roll Application) A840 INFO
10. FR-A800-LC (Liquid Cooled Type) A840 INFO
11. FR-F800-E (Energy Saving Inverters) F840 INFO
12. FR-F800-SCM (Smart Condition Monitoring) F840 INFO
13. FR-F846-E (Energy Saving Inverters IP55) F840 INFO

They all have different advantages and applications.

The D700 is an entry compact drive with typical applications such as feeder and conveyor drives, machining tools or gate and door drives.

The E700 is the next step up from the D700, with typical applications from textiles machines to door and gate drive systems to material handling systems.

The A700 only has 2 types of drives as most of them have been upgraded to the new A800 series. The A741 series is still the main unit for regenerative drive solutions. This puts the wasted energy back into your system giving you more energy savings. It is ideal for hoist drives and high-powered machines where the torque can be used for regenerative braking.

The A800 Series is the most powerful and intelligent drive with a built in PLC. As you can see they have many different applications that you can choose from. There is no job to big or to small for this drive.

The F800 Series has a built in PLC as well, but it is more suited for Fan and Pump applications with huge energy savings.

There is also the F846 version that is very handy when you have no room in a panel or you do not want to use a panel. With its IP55 protection you can mount it beside your motor.

Select any one that you think will work for you and go through the next few drop down menu’s. You can even work backwards and the selection tool will supply you with a list of possible choices. The more drop down menu’s you select the narrower your selection will become. It really is that easy to use and is a very handy tool to keep on your computer or phone.

The next step is to select the drive you require. This is where the magic happens. When you click on the drive you will see all the options for this drive.

Brake resistors, Brake units, chokes, network cards, Circuit breakers, MCB’s, Contactors, Input-Output Cards, encoder cards and even programming software.

This will give you all the options you might need to make your new Inverter / VSD drive work for your application.

Selection Tool at the bottom of this link

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MAPS SCADA

(MAPS – Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite)

With the New Web-client Dashboard you can take your Adroit SCADA Mobile!

• MAPS Web-client Dashboard was designed to allow mobility. It was developed with HTML5 and boasts its responsive design technology, allowing you to access it from a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet or your smartphone.
• MAPS Smart UI manages the connection over the internet and allows you to configure a profile that manages the data transferred between client and server. It is customisable and extensible allowing you to build your own interfaces and access data from the MAPS Agent Servers. The poll can be configured to send all value changes between poll intervals or to send only the value at poll interval.
• Mobility leads to more efficiency. With the MAPS Web-client Dashboard you can have Alarms, Events and Performance of your site wherever you are at any given time. Being able to access your operation while on the move, on site and off, puts you closer to the process. You can monitor the site from any device making it more flexible. This allows for quicker diagnosis of any problems and as such quicker response to clear them. You also have the ability to be on-hand at any difficult areas on the plant in order to experience the issue actively.
• The Web-client dashboard can be configured on either an internal web connection, where all devices are connected to the internet through the site’s network, or an external web connection where all the devices are connected to the site’s network via the internet.
• Once the configuration of the devices are complete on the system and a user profile created, you can build your own Dashboard by using MAPS Web Service API which gives secure access to all the function calls available.
• The Dashboard has a built-in Designer that allows you to include some of the functions or processes on the site that you need mobile access to, and allows some operational functions. From the Toolbox in the Designer mode you can include these functions or processes through widgets that can be setup on multiple pages on the Dashboard and is linked to the data from the Server.
• The widgets include charts and graphs, gauges, sliders, switches and statistics.
• Each of these functions are setup and linked to the data available from the SCADA and can be displayed on several pages on the Dashboard in order to group these processes efficiently. Alarming can be setup allowing you the ability to acknowledge the alarms.
• The advantages of the MAPS Web-client Dashboard are numerous, and will contribute to a more efficient and effective site process control system.
• Being able to access the most important areas of a site’s operation at any given time, regardless of where you are, allows for more flexibility and the opportunity to perform daily tasks around the site but still being able to review and respond to the site’s performance.
• The Performance Anywhere application can be implemented with ease in any of industry’s sectors and is very well suited to distributed systems where reliance on web-based access to data is significant.

MELSEC iQ-R

Product novelty offers redundancy according to IEC 61508 SIL 2 standard.

Mitsubishi Electric’s modular PLC series MELSEC iQ-R is now available as a fully redundant pair of controllers for high performance and extra reliability. To help reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO), the system also integrates various features into the PLC for monitoring and managing safety.

 In recent years, compliance with international safety standards has become an essential requirement across global markets. In addition, quick recovery from control-system breakdowns has emerged as a common necessity. Many key production applications require full redundancy conforming to the IEC 61508 SIL 2 standard, so critical systems can still operate in case of a failure or accidental damage to the primary CPU unit.

The MELSEC iQ-R redundant pair of PLCs comply with the functionality requirement of this standard, which is certified by TÜV Rheinland^® to meet global needs. The guidelines within the redundancy standard necessitate a full duplicate PLC rack with all modules, which the primary set will switch-over to instantaneously.

The programming platform, GX Works3 engineering software integrates both process and safety-control programming in one environment. This enables the execution of integrated process-and safety-control programs with a single CPU module, eliminating the time and cost associated with purchasing and installing a separate safety controller.

Process integrity and dependability are the main reasons for plant operators to install redundant automation controllers into their systems, which is why another layer of protection has been added to the basic redundancy architecture of the iQ-R. The safety version includes a SIL2-process CPU module and a separate SIL2-function module as a set, sitting alongside the power supply module, basic base unit and network module. This ensures continuous operation by switching to standby operation if an error occurs in the control system.

Mitsubishi Electric Inverter FR-A800-E

Mitsubishi Electric is set to launch the latest addition to its FR-A800 inverter drives in Europe this year.

It is based on its FR-A800 series variable speed drives with an integrated web server and 100Mbit Ethernet TCP/IP connectivity as standard. The new features are in addition to the FR-A800 series’ already extensive network connectivity options, providing machine builders and systems integrators with increased functionality for remote system monitoring and parameter adjustment, as well as easier integration into existing network environments.

The drive will also be launched with a new App that provides engineers and end users with a range of control and monitoring options from a mobile device.

The new inverter FR-A800-E was on show for the first time in Europe on the Mitsubishi Electric Stand at the SPS IPC Drives Expo 2016. It is significant within the automation industry because it contains a wide range of connectivity and control features that are often additional extras or simply not available on other inverter drive products.

Expanded connectivity

 Ethernet connectivity as standard considerably lowers the cost of connecting this variable speed drive into an Ethernet TCP/IP environment. Engineers can use the Mitsubishi Electric FR‑Configurator2 software to search the network from a single location and easily identify connected FR-A800-E models. Direct Ethernet connection not only eliminates the cost of option cards, but also makes the set-up, monitoring and adjustment of parameters on an FR-A800-E more convenient.

The integrated web server provides users with additional cost benefits by allowing them to fine-tune production settings and reduce downtime by connecting directly to the drive.  A standard web browser can be used to connect to the drive, either with an Ethernet cable, or remotely from anywhere in the world via a VPN. This connection enables convenient status monitoring and adjustment of the drive, as well as simplified diagnosis and improved response times for maintenance.

In addition, a direct network connection can be established to a Mitsubishi Electric GOT series HMI for parameter back-up and restore functions, with users able to perform the task either manually or automatically. An operator could also use the network connection to link to the drive via the USB port on a Mitsubishi Electric PLC.

Extending the FR-A800 inverter series networking capability with on-board Ethernet as standard greatly increases the flexibility of the drive, as well as making connection to parallel networks simple. For example, users could select a dedicated industrial network protocol card to connect the drive into a wider automation network, and use the additional on-board Ethernet port for remote access or to link the drive to another device, such as a PC for quality control functions. Completing the almost universal connectivity options, compatibility with the latest 100Mb CC‑Link IE Field option is standard as well, in addition to the higher level Gigabit variants.

Mobile support solution

 The drive will also be launched with a dedicated App suitable for use with mobile devices including iPhones and iPads. The App will provide a wide range of control and monitoring options, from simple incremental forwards and backwards motor control – through to managing alarms and operating parameters remotely. The convenience this provides will be attractive for system builders, maintenance providers and end users while they are on the move, either on or off site.

Supporting predictive maintenance, a FAG SmartCheck vibration sensor mounted on a motor, pump, gearbox or other rotating machine can also be connected to the drive over Ethernet. The FR-A800-E then provides speed information to the sensor so that it can combine speed data with vibration data to create a more accurate picture of the machine’s health.

Enhancing production performance  

The full range of Mitsubishi Electric FR-A800 series inverter drives from 0.4kW to 630kW are all designed for high-end applications where best performance, reliability and efficiency are required. As such, standard features of the FR-A800-E also include intelligent auto tune functions and powerful built-in PLC functionality based on the Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC-L series that ensures users have a wide scope for application-specific programming. A powerful built-in positioning function further enhances application versatility. FR-A800 drives also come with sophisticated function modules for applications such as dancer arms and cranes.

Real sensorless and full vector control enables speed and torque accuracy, while an overload capability of 250 per cent during start-up ensures trouble-free operation, even for arduous applications; in total there are four overload options. Terminal scan times of less than 3ms guarantee a fast response while speed rise times of less than 80ms help to ensure performance and improved productivity.

From a safety aspect, functional safety up to PLe/SIL3 guarantees operation in situations ranging from simple emergency stops to complex press actuation. Safe Torque Off (STO) comes as standard.

“Adding an Ethernet port, web server and the App to an already high performance product with extensive networking facilities, safety, predictive maintenance, PLC functionality and more makes this product a great solution in a huge range of applications.” comments Oliver Endres, Product Manager Inverter, Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., Factory Automation European Business Group. “You can control and monitor an entire machine or process with just one drive, and because of that it can save a massive amount of time and money for system integrators and machine builders during the design, build and commissioning phase. Not only that but it will also be hugely beneficial to end users by providing easier, lower cost operation and maintenance.”

FX5U

The FX5U gives the FX a performance boost and adds features that set benchmark standards for compact PLCs. It enables users to develop more complex and sophisticated automation systems, as well as higher performance applications, without having to migrate to a larger and more costly PLC family. At the same time, programming through the same GX Works software used for other controllers in the Mitsubishi range supports scalability.

Making high performance control affordable

With their compact dimensions and unrivalled cost/performance ratio, the MELSEC iQ-F PLCs offer the means to drive up innovation in numerous machine control applications and automation tasks, giving users the functionality and flexibility to realise new ideas and increase system performance.

Improved connectivity

The FX5U offers simple connection options to a wide range of automation equipment, including Mitsubishi Electric servos and inverters, Cognex vision systems, networks and energy meters, with reduced wiring effort and no additional programming.

Security functions

To protect your intellectual property FX5U comes with several security functions like privilege based program access and program on SD card with copy protection password.

Positioning control

The FX5U includes Mitsubishi Electric’s Simple Motion Unit as an intelligent function module, providing the ability to perform sophisticated motion control for up to 4 axes. Functions include linear interpolation, circular interpolation, positioning control, synchronised control, encoder following and electronic cam.

Advanced synchronous control

Software-based synchronous control can be used as an alternative to mechanical control, such as gear, shaft, transmission and cam. In addition, cam control is even easier with cam auto-generation. Synchronous control can be simply operated (start/stop) for each axis, allowing synchronous and positional control axes within the same program.

MELSOFT-Software

MAPS – Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite

The Goal

The goal of MAPS is to give customers a software package that allows:

• Generation of Design, Drawings, I/O schedules, SCADA and PLC from a single tool ensuring a saving in engineering costs by up to 50%!
• Synchronised databases (PLC/SCADA)
• Auto generation of up to date technical drawings, PLC program and I/O schedules for easy commissioning and maintenance.
• To focus on cost reduction and Return of Investment

Value across the full life-cycle of any automation project

The Product

The Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite (MAPS) is a life-cycle software tool that offers value along the entire value chain. It addresses the shortcomings of most PLC SCADA integration tools in that it offers value to the engineering and integration phases. It also extends the integrity of the “as delivered” solution and offers customers the ability to handle the normal extensions and maintenance of any automation solution.

Reporting

With MAPS, reports covering areas such as I/O schedules, PLC and SCADA tag configuration can be automatically generated. This automatic report generation ensures that the project on handover also reflects the “as built” up-to-date electrical and instrumentation drawings that are aligned to the SCADA tags and PLC I/O. The reports are database driven, so even through on-going maintenance the reports will always reflect the current status of the electrical and instrumentation configuration.

Benefits

• Standards approach to projects
• Single point of configuration, deployment and management
• Automatically generated reports
• On-going life cycle management

Documentation

MAPS also helps to ensure that project documentation is kept up to date. Throughout the design phases and even as systems are upgraded or modified over time, MAPS provides on-going management of the PLC/SCADA and the plant “as built” electrical and instrumentation documentation.