At the recent Hannover Fair, the Italian motor-maker Lafert unveiled a novel range of permanent magnet (PM) synchronous motors with integrated sensorless vector drives, designed in collaboration with an Italian industrial design institute.

Unlike most previous integrated motors where the speed control electronics are housed in a box mounted on the motor, the new HP (high performance) motors combines the two elements in a self-contained, IP55-protected aluminium alloy housing, covering frame sizes 71–132.

The compact, lightweight PM motors, in ratings from 0.37–22kW, are said to achieve an efficiency of at least 90% over their entire speed range and can produce a 5.5kW output from a size 90 frame. Operating temperatures are said to be low.                                                     

The motors incorporate four programmable digital inputs, programmable analogue voltage and current inputs, and a programmable pulse input. They also have built-in RS-485 and CANbus ports

At Hannover, Lafert also presented a new range of high-efficiency motors carrying the AEG brand, in frame sizes 56 to 315.

For more Hannover Fair news, see our in-depth report.