QS Laboratory
On the first day of the trip, we had a tour of the QS laboratory in Rittal Herborn. We saw the numerous and vigorous ways that the Rittal enclosure and case systems are tested to ensure that they are the highest quality possible and 100% fit for purpose. They are tested for the following:
- Withstand extreme temperatures - extremely hot and cold
- Stability - with compression and tensile forces
- Accuracy - checked by 3D measurement
- Withstand dust - partial seal testing
- Full contact - PE conductor connection and insulation resistance
- Waterproof - hosed water test
- Precision
- Colour - UV light exposure
It was very interesting to see the extent to which the cabinets are tested to ensure a high standard is met.
Factory Tour
The next stop on the trip was a tour of the factory at Rittal Rittershausen. Rittershausen produces large Rittal enclosure systems in a fully automated production process. It's a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly spray-finishing plant with dipcoat-priming and powder-coating. This centre is a model for all Rittal production plants worldwide, because it is gearing up its production to Industry 4.0 through consistent digitalisation of processes and fully automated profiling, welding and panel manufacturing units. It was extraordinary to see the entire production process for manufacturing the cabinets and to experience how efficiently they are made through the utilisation of robots.
Rittal Innovation Centre
The final stop on the first day was a tour of the Rittal Innovation Centre. The Rittal Innovation Centre offers customers the opportunity to experience the control and switchgear manufacturing value chain in real-world conditions. The tour started in the 'Engineering' section by demonstrating the EPLAN Pro Panel software, which is a 3D software solution for the design and construction of control cabinets, switchboards and flexible power distribution systems for the power supply. We saw how a Rittal cabinet and components can be imported into an EPLAN project from the Data Portal using the easy drag and drop function.
We then moved on to the 'Automation' section to see the numerous Rittal Automated Systems, or machines, which increase the efficiency and accuracy in manufacturing by automating the workshop. The machines included:
- Rittal Perforex - fully automated, reliable drilling, milling and thread-tapping of panels and enclosures
- Rittal Secorex - partially automated cutting of wiring ducts, cable duct covers and support rails to the required size
- Athex - automatic cutting to size of busbars, plus component mounting and marking of terminals
The tour was finished with a demonstration of EPLAN Smart Wiring - the solution that makes wiring a control cabinet much simpler and easier so that anyone can do it without being an expert! The wiring is visualised in the control cabinet, which makes the data 100% digital.
SPS IPC Drives Day 1
Rittal Stand
On the second day, we headed to SPS IPC Drives to see the fair and to have a tour of the Rittal and EPLAN stand. The brand new Rittal Wire Terminal machine was highlighted on the stand. It is a fully automated machine that produces up to 36 different wires in cross-sections ranging from 0.5 mm² to 2.5 mm² completely automatically without any manual intervention. Other things we saw on the stand included the new VX25 enclosure - the new large enclosure system which has been developed in close collaboration with their customers.
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EPLAN Stand
After touring the Rittal stand, we moved to the EPLAN stand, where the EPLAN Platform was explained and the new EPLAN View was highlighted. The stand was covered with the new EPLAN Platform graphic and the new EPLAN branding. We also learned how EPLAN View is a cloud solution which empowers users to access the data they need when they need it quickly and efficiently. Other highlights included the integration between EPLAN and Rittal - particularly with the new Rittal Wire Terminal machine, the new version of EPLAN Smart Wiring and the benefits of the new Version 2.8.
EPLAN Stand
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