Hardy Process Solutions for Rockwell Automation
Industrial weighing becomes significantly more effective when weight data is managed as an integral part of the automation architecture rather than through a separate weighing system.
The Hardy HI5034-WS Weight Processing Module is designed specifically for the Rockwell Automation PointMax I/O platform, bringing high-performance weight processing directly into the control environment.
Combining advanced digital signal processing, fast data updates, electronic calibration and built-in diagnostics, HI5034-WS provides machine builders, system integrators and industrial users with a streamlined approach to process weighing applications.
Typical applications include batching and blending, filling and dispensing, product inspection, set-point control and level measurement.
Weighing integrated directly into PointMax I/O
HI5034-WS has been developed to plug directly into Rockwell Automation PointMax I/O adapters, allowing weighing data to become part of the machine or plant control architecture.
Rather than simply transmitting an unprocessed measurement to the PLC, the module acts as a dedicated weighing co-processor. Weight signals are processed and filtered before being transferred to the control system.
At the heart of the module is a 24-bit sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter. Processed weight data is delivered directly to the adapter backplane at up to 125 updates per second.
This combination of processing speed and signal stability is particularly useful in industrial environments where mechanical vibration and electrical noise can interfere with weighing accuracy.
For machine builders and system integrators, the result is a more integrated architecture with fewer separate devices to configure and interface.
Stable weight readings with WAVERSAVER®
Industrial weighing rarely takes place under perfectly static conditions. Motors, pumps, mixers, conveyors and other mechanical equipment can introduce vibration that affects load cell signals.
The HI5034-WS incorporates WAVERSAVER®, Hardy technology designed to reduce the effects of mechanical vibration on weight measurement.
WAVERSAVER frequencies can be configured from 0.25 to 7.5 Hz, while user-selectable averaging provides an additional level of signal optimisation.
This helps achieve the balance between measurement stability and process response time required in applications such as filling, batching and dispensing.
C2® electronic calibration
Commissioning and maintaining a weighing system can require significant time, particularly when traditional test weights have to be applied to the equipment.
With compatible load sensors, Hardy’s C2® Electronic Calibration technology enables HI5034-WS to read calibration information stored electronically in the sensors.
The weighing system can therefore be calibrated without necessarily using test weights, helping reduce commissioning and routine maintenance time.
For applications where traditional calibration is preferred or required, calibration using test weights remains supported.
Built-in diagnostics for easier maintenance
Effective process weighing is not only about measurement accuracy. The ability to identify problems quickly also has a direct impact on machine availability and maintenance operations.
HI5034-WS includes built-in diagnostics, with three LEDs per module providing information about Plug-In Module and weighing system status.
Hardy’s Integrated Technician® functionality goes a step further by monitoring the weighing system and supporting diagnostics of individual sensors without requiring them to be disconnected.
This provides maintenance teams with more information for troubleshooting and supports a more proactive approach to weighing system maintenance.
Integration with Studio 5000 Logix Designer
HI5034-WS has also been designed to simplify engineering within the Rockwell Automation environment.
Hardy provides Add-On Profiles, Add-On Instructions and Faceplates for Studio 5000 Logix Designer, allowing weighing functionality to be incorporated into the engineering environment already used for the automation system.
This tighter integration can simplify configuration between the PLC and the weighing system and make operating and diagnostic information more accessible.
For architectures based on Rockwell Automation, the key advantage is clear: weighing can become part of the control system rather than an independent device that needs to be integrated separately.
HI5034-WS technical specifications
- Stable processed weight resolution: 1:10,000
- Internal resolution: 1:8,388,608
- Backplane update rate: up to 125 updates per second
- A/D conversion rate: up to 4,800 conversions per second
- Support for up to 8 × 350 Ω load cells
- Gross and net weighing modes
- Measurement units including ounces, pounds, tons, grams, kilograms and metric tons
- WAVERSAVER® signal processing from 0.25 to 7.5 Hz
- C2® electronic calibration or traditional calibration with test weights
- Direct backplane mounting
The Hardy part number is HI5034-WS, while the corresponding Rockwell Automation part number is 5034-WS-HI.
Process weighing applications across different industries
The combination of fast data processing, vibration filtering and direct integration with the automation architecture makes HI5034-WS suitable for applications where weight is an active variable within machine or process control.
Typical applications include:
- batching and blending systems;
- filling and dispensing processes;
- product inspection;
- weight-based set-point control;
- level measurement using load cells.
The technology can support applications across a wide range of industries, including Chemical, Food & Beverage, Life Sciences, Metals & Mining, Aerospace, Oil & Gas and Plastics.
Making weighing part of the automation architecture
The value of HI5034-WS extends beyond the accuracy of the weighing measurement itself.
By combining weight processing, PointMax I/O and Rockwell Automation control within the same architecture, machine builders and industrial users can reduce the number of separate components, simplify engineering and gain easier access to weighing and diagnostic data.
This makes HI5034-WS particularly relevant when designing new Rockwell Automation architectures in which process weighing must interact directly with machine logic.
For manufacturers in Greece and Cyprus, the solution provides a way to integrate dedicated weighing functionality into the broader Rockwell Automation control environment.
Looking to integrate HI5034-WS into your PointMax I/O system?
EDGE Greece can support you in evaluating the Hardy HI5034-WS and identifying the most suitable configuration for your application.