Event Review: Delta Launches New IIoT-Enabling Platforms for Smart Machine Automation at Pack Expo 2017

Delta presented a comprehensive portfolio of industrial automation products and solutions at the Pack Expo 2017 from September 25th to 27th at the Las Vegas Convention Center, U.S.A. Delta's booth attracted many visitors with our latest products that enhance machine efficiency, including the Hot-Swappable Midrange PLC AH500 Series and High Performance Compact Drive MH300 Series with EtherCAT. Delta also launched three new platforms: DIACloud cloud platform, EtherCAT machine control network platform, and EtherNet/IP information connectivity network platform to help machine builders design leaner solutions and reduce overall costs.

“Delta is introducing new automation technology that enables machine builders to make smarter and greener packaging machinery and production lines,” said M.S. Huang, president of Delta Americas. “The wide breadth of features embedded in every product and platform solution translate into real value for machine builders in terms of design flexibility and supporting plant-wide digitization initiatives.”

Highlights of the event included new product debuts such as the Hot-Swappable Midrange PLC AH500 Series featuring a 32-bit dual-core processor and excellent programming speed of 0.3 ms per 1k steps. The AH500 Series is equipped with highly integrated programming software (ISPSoft), hot-swapping functions and great flexibility with up to 2 km (optical fiber) or 100 m (cable) between 2 local extension racks to enhance the maintainability and flexibility of machines. It is ideal for high-end machinery applications including textile machines, packaging machines as well as system integration applications such as HVAC systems. Delta introduced the High Performance Compact Variable Frequency Drive with EtherCAT MH300 Series with built-in PLC programming up to 5k steps, support for communications such as EtherCAT, DeviceNet, MODBUS TCP,EtherNet/IP, CANopen. It is also equipped with a built-in STO safety function and supports both induction as well as permanent magnet motors with outstanding drive performance. The MH300 Series is compact in design and easy to install.

In addition to the launch of new products, Delta released its latest platform solutions for remote monitoring, machine control and industrial automation connectivity, which received great reviews from both local media and visitors. The three major platforms are:

．DIACloud Platform: The DIACloud platform enables devices to securely communicate as if they are on the same network. Each user can connect and see device status online or through Delta's DIACloud phone apps (iOS and Android). Delta also released DIACloud enabling hardware products: DX-2100 3G GSM Cloud Router/Gateway, DX-2300 Ethernet Cloud Router/Gateway and DX-3001 Ethernet/3G VPN Router to easily connect legacy devices and standard non-Delta devices to DIACloud. Monitoring is simplified with SMS and email alarms, while Delta's worldwide server network eases connectivity. Delta offers a secure DIACloud platform ideal for real-time remote monitoring, equipment maintenance, and data collection.

．EtherCAT Platform: Delta's EtherCAT platform, a control solution for machine automation, leverages the fastest, most efficient, open network available today. To provide complete control over the EtherCAT network, Delta is launching its AH10EMC integrated motion and PLC control module for the AH500 rack based mid-range PLC platform. With this new complete Delta solution, it is now possible to control machines with remote I/O, induction motors, spindle motors, and up to 32 axes of synchronized servo motors on one network. The EtherCAT platform also allows for control of third-party EtherCAT devices, expanding design options for machine builders.

．EtherNet/IP Platform: Delta has expanded its connectivity options to include EtherNet/IP at the platform level, upgraded to include the Compact Modular Mid-range PLC AS300 Series. This supports an even stronger system configuration when combined with other Delta industrial automation products and increases information connectivity with other manufacturers' automation devices.

Pack Expo 2017 in Las Vegas is considered one of the most influential tradeshows specializing in the packaging industry in North America and it is also one of the most complete large scale packaging shows in the world. This year, Delta continued to attract many visitors to its booth with our latest cutting-edge platform and product technologies as well as services for more customers and partners around the world.