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SPS IPC Drives 2015 exclusive show report

03 January, 2016

Parker has made significant enhancements to several of its drives ranges. For example, it has extended the power ratings of its AC10 230V three-phase drives up to 15kW, while extending the ratings of the IP66 version of the AC10 (below) up to 90kW. Parker has also introduced its DSE Lite control software to the AC10 family.

In addition, Parker has added new functions to its AC30 modular drive series, including three new interchangeable control modules. The drives, which cover ratings up to 250kW in seven frame sizes (with a 500kW model due in 2016), now offer 1588 time-synchronised peer-to-peer Ethernet, Ethernet IP and Profinet as standard. Web pages can be embedded, giving access to drive analytics and smart connections. There is a dual-encoder feedback option and an encoder failure over-ride function that provides bump-less fall-back to open-loop control if a motor encoder fails, allowing lines to continue running until they are serviced.

Pilz is now offering a Profinet interface for its PMCprotego D and PMCtendo DD5 safe servodrive systems. The PMCprotego S safety card can be used to add safe motion functions, cutting set-up times and maintenance costs, according to Pilz.

Portescap unveiled a new generation of its Athlonix high-power-density brushed DC motors with an efficient coreless design, and an optimised self-supporting coil and magnetic circuit. The 22mm-diameter motors are available with precious metal or graphite commutation, and deliver up to 6.5mNm of torque.

Among the arrivals on Siemens’ vast stand, occupying a whole hall at the SPS show, was a series of efficient, servo geared motors (Simotics S-1FG1), designed for use with its Sinamcs S120 converters. The motors (below) are available with helical, parallel shaft, bevel and helical worm gearboxes, with up to 25 ratios. The low-noise motors with low torsional backlash are available with ready-made signal and power cables.

Siemens was showing several motors for machine tool applications, including the naturally cooled Simotics S-1FT7 compact synchronous servomotor which can deliver 90–170Nm of torque but uses less power than previous models. The powerful Simotics M-1FE2 built-in spindle motor in size 180 uses permanent magnets to achieve high torque densities. It has a 200mm internal diameter.

Siemens is now offering 400V versions of its Sinamics G120P cabinet converters in power ratings up to 560kW. The converters, with a claimed efficiency of more than 98%, have built-in functions for cascading pumps, multi-zone control and smoke extraction. There is a choice of power consumption optimisation techniques.

One of the handful of UK exhibitors at the SPS show was Sprint Electric, which was demonstrating extensions to its XLV range of miniature, fast-responding DC motor speed controllers designed for use with permanent magnet brushed DC servomotors. The latest models are rated at 4A, 8A and 12A. The compact four-quadrant drives can motor or brake in both directions of rotation.

Stober has enhanced its EZHD family of hollow-shaft synchronous servomotors using a new bearing technology that supports much higher shaft loads. The motors (below) also have integrated brakes and there is a new model at the bottom end of the range. Despite a large internal diameter, the backlash-free motors have high power densities thanks to their orthocyclically linear-wound coils.

The German drives specialist TQ-Systems has launched a compact servo inverter for low-voltage (12–100V DC) applications with outputs up to 3.4kW. The RoboDrive SBD-40-100 drives weigh just over 1kg but can handle currents up to 40A. They run at cycle frequencies of up to 100kHz and can operate low-inductivity motors while minimising ripple.

Trio Motion Technology from the UK was demonstrating a combined 64-axis EtherCat controller and PC that gives machine-builders motion control and Windows or Linux PC functions is one compact box. The PC-Mat 64 device is based on a four-core Intel Atom processor and is the first in a family of similar devices that Trio is planning. The motion and PC functions run on their own cores without needing real-time Windows extensions.




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