Modular servo drives are a safe option

Lenze`s new L-force generation of servo drives, previewed at last year`s Hannover Fair, is now in production. The distinctive-looking 9400 drives can include built-in safety functions which avoid the need for external safety devices. Their modular construction means that users can choose - and pay for - only those functions that they need for an application.

The body of the drive plugs into a separate backplane which holds the high-voltage connections as well as braking and DC bus components. A lever locks the drive into position within seconds, saving build time and making maintenance easier.

The built-in safety comes in the form of two optional plug-in modules offering functions such as safe stop, safe standstill, safe inputs, safe parameter setting, safe low-speed operation, and the ability to communicate via a safety bus such as PROFIsafe. Signals from e-stops, light curtains, and similar equipment, are connected directly to the drive, avoiding the need for external safety relays and monitors. This approach is also said to save space, to make installation easier, and to result in quicker response times.

A CANopen system bus and a PC diagnosis port are fitted as standard and option modules are available for most popular buses, including DeviceNet, Profibus and Ethernet. The system also supports Ethernet Powerlink which provides high-speed, real-time communications for demanding applications such as multi-axis installations with interpolation.

The drives are programmed using a graphical software package called L-force Engineer that supports all phases of a project, from initial planning, through to commissioning (aided by a built-in multi-channel oscilloscope).

The 9400 drives are initially available for the power range 0.37- 11kW - soon to be extended up to 400kW. The drives will operate with motors from any supplier, but Lenze can provide matching synchronous or asynchronous servo motors.