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Combined servo amp and automation suite cuts component counts

06 June, 2012

Kollmorgen has integrated an automation suite into its AKD servo amplifier, saying that it is offers new ways to design and operate single- and multi-axis machines, which will need up to 20% fewer components and occupy 30% less space, as well being quick to customise for different applications.

The AKD PDMM (programmable drive multi-axis master) integrated drive (above) supports EtherCat without needing add-ons such as option cards or gateways. It can co-ordinate up to eight standard AKD axes with 250µs position update rates. It is said to be ideal for high-performance applications where multiple axes need to be synchronised. Interfaces and costly components are eliminated.

High-performance PLC and motion control functions can be programmed either using a graphic environment or the five IEC 1131-3 programming languages. The drag-and-drop graphic environment allows all functions and relationships between components, and all movements and settings, to be defined using graphic description blocks. Machine architectures and dependencies between axes can be defined rapidly.

A virtual simulation option allows motion profiles, axis conditions, synchronisations and so on to be optimised in real time without needing to connect hardware. Time-consuming machine test runs can be eliminated and start-up times reduced.

Because the automation suite includes a visual display, only one graphic terminal needs to be connected to a system for cost-effective, efficient machine operation.




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