The feature-rich MicroFlex e150 drive is expected to be popular among OEM machine builders as it offers a remarkably flexible platform for making new machinery designs.

“Machinery OEMs need versatile products, and these new drives have versatility in abundance – without needing to add hardware or choose configuration options,” said David Greensmith of ABB.

“The multi-protocol Ethernet capability and local intelligence mean that the applications potential is truly broad. And the processing performance is spectacular too – offering some 20 times the speed of one of our popular existing generations of smart drives – making it ideal for performance intensive applications such as high-speed labeling.”

ABB said that the new MicroFlex e150 drives are ideally suited for numerous machine automation applications, such as grinding or glue laying, metal cutting machinery (plasma/waterjet) and various common packaging automations that include form/fill/seal. The drives also feature multi-tasking programmability and two high speed registration inputs, making it suitable for speed-intensive applications like labeling.

In addition, the drives can also be fitted with a scalable PLC platform for automation applications, the AC500 PLC. The PLC communicates using a wide range of standard fieldbuses such as EtherCAT, which is an Ethernet based protocol.

Motion Control Tips

The axis’ main head moves left to right and up and down on the cross beam to make the table turn front to rear. All of the axes are driven by double-nut ball screws of high precision to stop thermal increase while machining. Offering an outstanding repeatability and positioning, the double pretension design also provides practically no thermal increase. Reducing any backlash, all ball screws are directly linked to the servo drive motors avoiding the need for belts or gears.

The linear motion guideways help achieve fast axis movement trimming on machining time and non-cutting time. The spindle traverse for the A/C axes is 70/150 rpm while for the X/Y/Z axes is 50/50/50 m/min.

Hi-Mold VMC’s main spindle is engineered for precision machining delivering 24,000 rpm, geared with precision-class angular bearings offering fast acceleration or deceleration. Even at the greatest rotation levels, the spindle maintains low vibration, reducing thermal transmission to the main spindle and therefore, promoting stability.

An optional 40,000-rpm main spindle is offered for high-quality machining of mold cavities and bases. To ensure that oil temperature remains constant and to reduce the growth in the spindle caused by heat distortion, it also gets a spindle oil chiller that can control the spindle temperature.

Motion Control Tips

Measuring 55 mm x 26 mm x 13 mm, this compact plug-in module seamlessly integrates the basic motor control functions with PLC and motion control features. Offering CAN/CANopen and an optional EtherCAT interfaces, the iPOS3602 MX offers a flexible solution ideal for decentralized/coordinated control of any linear or rotary brushless, step or DC motor.

The µ-sized pluggable servo drive can work in multi-axis, single axis or stand-alone configurations, while performing speed, position or torque control. Technosoft Motion Language (TML) and EasyMotion Studio makes tuning, drive setup and motion programming easy and simple, while its embedded intelligence eliminates the need for an external motion controller when executing complex motion.

In addition, the iPOS3602 MX can operate in different communication modes, such as TMLCAN, CANopen and EtherCAT (when offered with an EtherCAT interface board). This implies that it can be controlled through the appropriate masters when the CANopen/EtherCAT mode is chosen. If the TMLCAN mode is employed, the iPOS3602 MX operates like the usual Technosoft intelligent drive, which conforms to Technosoft protocol when exchanging TML commands through CAN-bus.

When operating as a standalone, the iPOS3602 MX plays the role of a master, coordinating both the motion application and the network communication/synchronization. However, if a higher level of coordination is required, aside from the mentioned masters, the iPOS3602 MX can also be controlled through a PLC or a PC using one of the TML_LIB motion libraries.

Motion Control Tips

“We are very pleased to add Kaman Industrial’s selling capability and the value added approach they brings to their customers to our already strong distribution channel.” said John Hegel, President of Minarik Drives.  “Kaman’s penetration into the user and OEM markets will open doors for us that had been previously inaccessible and will help us serve a greater cross section of business across the U.S.”

Minarik Drives is an independent company that specializes in low to medium power electric drive and power applications.  It has been a standard, and a leader, in the DC drive business for almost 60 years.  With design engineering and manufacturing headquartered in S. Beloit, Illinois, it provides standard and customized solutions at a globally competitive price.  More information about Minarik Drives is available at www.minarikdrives.com or by calling 815-624-5959.

Motion Control Tips

This delivers more efficient prototyping and bench testing to packaging, converting, medical, printing and other machine builders as well as enable smooth transition from a bus type to another.

“Where most servo drive hardware and firmware support just a single motion bus, a single AKD servo drive supports multiple motion buses that would otherwise require two different sets of hardware and firmware. With a simple parameter change and a power cycle, machine builders can quickly and easily change the AKD’s communication protocol between EtherCAT and CANopen giving them a clear competitive advantage in getting new and better machines to market, faster,” said Josh Inman, Product Manager at Kollmorgen for North America.

Without the need for a separate option cards, the AKD servo can also support various Ethernet motion buses from the base hardware as well as feedback devices.

It currently supports feedback devices such as BiSS, Endat, Analog Sine/Cos encoders, Smart Feedback Devices (SFD), HIPERFACE®, incremental encoders, and resolvers. Aside from CANopen and EtherCAT motion buses, the AKD also supports PROFINET, Modbus/TCP, EtherNet/IP and SynqNet®.

AKD servo drives cater great operational flexibility and quality at reduced costs, increasing overall footprint associated with integrating option card, as these capabilities are available within the base product’s dimensions.

The servo drives also feature 120/240 VAC or 480 VAC operation, power ranging three to 24 Arms continuous current and at peak, nine to 48 Arms.

Motion Control Tips

Offering extensive functionality with multiple I/O inputs, LVD can be operated in Velocity, Position or Current modes. The drive supports both DC and BLDC motors, and operates at a voltage ranging from 12 V to 48 V. Its selectable switching frequency allows the drive to support low inductance motors, effectively making it ideally suited for various applications, such as surveillance cameras, highly-sensitive medical applications and semiconductor wafer handling processes.

Its highly flexible tuning capabilities and space vector modulation current loop enables the LVD to deliver outstanding accuracy and performance. The drive also provides high sampling rates for the Position and Velocity loops, enabling increased accuracy and wider bandwidth.

Although the low-voltage drive measures just 117 x 83.5 x 21.5 mm, and weighs only 250 g, its compact scale does not mirror the power versatility that it can deliver. With switching frequency of up to 100 KHz and 12 Amps RMS peak current, LVD is one of the industry’s most potent low voltage drive, providing space efficiencies without sacrificing performance.

The Axis Manager of LVD, which is an easy to use drive commissioning software, features various control loops tuning, user friendly windows feedback and motor configuration, I/O setup window and comprehensive recording and monitoring features. It communicates with the drive through CANopen or RS232.

Motion Control Tips

All of Tolomatic’s electric actuators feature built-in configurations that enable the ACS with Ethernet to simplify the creation of linear motion. Paired with Tolomatic’s ERD low-cost rod-style electric actuators, the ACS offers cost-efficient solutions for automation applications such as product diverting, sorting, pick-and-place, pressing and changeovers.

“The ACS Stepper Drive/Controller with Ethernet completes the actuation solution,” said Aaron Dietrich, Marketing Manager at Tolomatic.

“With Ethernet, the ACS is a unique entry-level automation solution that brings connectivity to the control systems that customers already have in place. This reduces costs and greatly simplifies the integration of low-cost electric actuators into the motion system.”

For infinite position capability, the ACS with Ethernet is capable of preconfigured moves or immediate move command. Each move features configurable motion profile parameters such as force, position, velocity, and acceleration/deceleration that are independent for every move. For better fault recovery and monitoring, the Ethernet connectivity also provides the control system with additional diagnostic and status information.

“With Ethernet connectivity, the ACS has a lot more flexibility in operating the motion control system. Additionally, Ethernet allows more information such as better diagnostics compared to digital I/O control schemes found in many low cost actuator applications. With Ethernet, faults are easily indicated and identified,” he added.

The ACS with Ethernet is available with a starter kit that includes two set-up manuals and configuration software.

Motion Control Tips

With a built-in CPU, the FMC32 board also has the ability to register up to 256 steps as well as up to 32 operation patterns in an execution sequence in the internal memory of the board. Eliminating the need for an external PC, the FMC32 automatically processes those sequences and patterns. With the help of the built-in CPU, users can easily repeat the execution sequence automatically.

In addition, users can utilize a USB-to-4-wire serial conversion to simplify the writing as well as the saving of patterns and the execution of sequences to the board’s non-volatile memory.

Aside from the PCD2112 serial bus control chip, the FMC32 control board is also equipped with a NP3775E3 driver chip. The chip enables the board to drive a motor in both half-step and full-step execution modes.

Nippon Pulse’s FMC32 control board offers other features including a maximum current of 1.2 A, an input voltage of DC 24 V, a maximum output pulse frequency of 2.4 Mpps and two different operational modes, which are the stand-alone control mode and the PC control mode.

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Completing the platform’s power range, the PCM7539X allows the IDEA system to be utilized with any stepper motor product offered by the company. In particular, the PCM7539X programmable stepper motor is designed to control the bigger size 23 stepper motor units as well as size 34 stepper motor units.

Similar to all Haydon IDEA Drives, the compact PCM7539X is a fully programmable control unit that is easy to use. Featuring a patent-pending graphic user interface, the stepper motor drive can be programmed using on-screen buttons instead of other proprietary programming languages or complex command sets. The software enables the system designer to troubleshoot programs that use multiple line or line-by-line program execution through interactive debug feature. The software also has the ability to simulate inputs and outputs prior to connecting in actual I/O hardware.

The PCM7539X IDEA programmable stepper motor drive’s technical specifications include 12VDC to 75VDC input voltage, programmable current control, eight digital I/O points, memory for up to 75 stored motion control programs and drive current per phase of 3.85A RMS plus a 30 percent “current boost” function that can be used during ramping.

Motion Control Tips

The QLX controller works with the armature controller to deliver the required field control functions including field reversal. With currents ranging between 12 Amps and 2250 Amps, the new product utilizes three phase power supply to offer a controlled DC field current. Featuring full digital control and the usual communications facilities, QLX is ideally suited for use in various applications such as in steel handling and hot rolling mill.

With digital functions similar to the company’s PLX range of DC drives, the QLX 3 phase field controller comprise five frame sizes, with up to 2250 Amps current capability. It also offers Field Reversal as well as Auto Field Weakening for high power fields. It also features an integrated Standby Field mode. The QLX interfaces directly with the main armature controller for start and stop functions. The controller cost-effectively includes reversing to big DC motors where the facility exists only with contractors, or when it no longer exists.

Offering a vast array of DC motor control, Sprint Electric has more than 150 models covering both three phase and one phase, non-regenerative and regenerative DC motor applications, which come with digital slip ring motor controllers.

Motion Control Tips

A PC-based embedded vision board, the NI PCIe-1473R frame grabber seamlessly combines Camera link interface with field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to allow engineers to easily create high-performance inspection and imaging applications. It is ideally suited for advanced inspection and imaging applications demanding image preprocessing as well as high-speed control, such as high-speed sorting, medical imaging and web and surface inspection.

Aside from allowing engineers to drive brushless servo motors, the addition of the NI 9502 brushless servo drive C Series module for CompactRIO has also enabled engineers to power six new custom NI motor options from the reconfigurable CompactRIO system, addressing advanced motion control challenges. The NI 9502 features not only 4A continuous/8A peak current, but multiple commutation modes as well. It is complemented by NI’s six three phase brushless motors that are specifically developed for optimum performance and direct connectivity with the module.

“With its superior I/O and motion control capabilities, along with the flexibility and reliability of its onboard FPGA, the new NI CompactRIO system helped us to create a high-performance embedded monitoring and control system that matches our rigorous requirements,” commented Pascal Wattellier, Automation Products Coordinator at Serimax, an international full-service welding solutions company.

“The CompactRIO system was the only commercially available solution that we could use to integrate motion control, I/O measurements, and HMI functionality within one system.”

Motion Control Tips

This feature-rich integrated motor-drive comes with both +/-10VDC or four to 20 mA command inputs. It can also be controlled through optional Modbus or CANopen, enabling flexibility with system interfacing. EnduraMax 75i motor-drive is offered in three frame lengths as well as in voltages of 48, 24 and 12VDC for up to 1Nm continuous rated torque and up to 39000 rpm speeds.

The neatly packaged solution for speed, torque and/or position control can be used as an alternative for similar sized brushed DC servo motors with longer service life, much higher dynamic performance, quieter operation and reduced maintenance.

The EnduraMax 75i’s set up for motor tuning, position loop or velocity and current is made straightforward with its integrated RS232 communications port as well as the supplied PC-based IN Control HMI software. Suitable for direct position indexing, the port can also be utilized for indexing through optional Modbus or CANopen. It is complemented by six programmable inputs and three outputs for drive fault, limited switches, drive enable and others.

EnduraMax 75i provides full drive electronics protection over short circuit, voltage and reverse voltage with Class F (155c) and I2T rated motor windings. The durable and robust anodized motor and drive housing features IP50 protection with independent D-type connectors and heavy duty bearings for encoder, motor power and I/O, and with a third connector for its optional fieldbus interface.

Motion Control Tips

Some manufacturers refer to a controller and motor together as a drive system. However, from the electrical side of things, the drive is often specifically the electrical components that make up the variable frequency inverter itself. So drives are the interface between the control signals and the motor and include power electronic devices such as SCRs (silicon controlled rectifiers), transistors, and thyristors.

Matching the correct drive to the type of motor in an application is critical for getting the best fit for torque, speed, and efficiency. There are a wide range of drives available depending on the needs of the specific application and motor type. In general though, drive types typically fall into two categories; dc and ac drives.

DC drives control dc motors. A basic dc drive is similar in operation to an ac drive in that the drive controls the speed of the motor. For dc motor control, a common method is a thyristor-based control circuit. These circuits consist of a thyristor bridge circuit that rectifies ac into dc for the motor armature. And varying the voltage to the armature controls the motor’s speed.

AC drives
AC drives control ac motors, such as induction motors. These drives are sometimes known as variable frequency drives or inverters. AC drives convert ac to dc and then using a range of different switching techniques generate variable voltage and frequency outputs to drive the motor.

An adjustable speed drive is a general term used sometimes interchangeably with variable speed drive or variable frequency drive. Again, from an electrical perspective, all of these ultimately refer to the frequency converter circuitry.

An ac motor’s speed is determined by the number of poles and the frequency. Thus, as frequency is adjusted the motor’s speed can be controlled as well. A common way to control frequency is by the use of pulse width modulation (or PWM). A PWM drive sends pulsed inputs to a motor and by modulating the pulse width, making it either narrower or wider, increases or decreases the average dc voltage seen by the motor.

Another powerful kind of drive function is known as regenerative braking or regen braking. This is a way of stopping a motor’s rotation by using the same solid-state components that control the motor’s voltage. The energy generated from braking can be channeled back into the ac mains or into filter capacitors. Advantages of regen drives include the ability to run a motor in either forward or reverse direction without having to physically switch the polarity of the motor leads and without the need for reversing contactors or switches.

Motion Control Tips

VFDs operate by switching their output devices, which can be transistors, IGBTs, or thyristors, on and off. VFDs can be either constant voltage or constant current. Constant voltage types are the most common type of VFD. It uses pulse width modulation (or PWM) to control both the frequency and the voltage applied to the load.

Why use VFDs? They are a powerful way to control the speed of ac induction motors and are fairly simple and easy to use. Among the benefits of using a VFD for motor speed control is the actual energy savings. Controlling the amount of current drawn by the motor can save a lot on energy costs because the motor will not run at full current all of the time.

Especially since Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), motor efficiency has become a top priority. For instance, single-phase induction machines (specifically, permanent split-capacitor motors) and universal motors, widely used in industrial washers, are managed with simple voltage-control techniques. Contrast this with high-end, high-performance machines where three-phase motors are more common and which use VFDs.

Switch reluctance motors (SRMs) are not yet an appropriate alternative because their control schemes are still evolving, but three-phase motors are readily available and may be a smart choice because their VFD control techniques have improved significantly. More important, VFD electronics costs have been dropping as well, making them more cost-effective.

In the same way, an OEM using a universal motor with simple triac control may now find that a three-phase VFD control will provide better energy efficiency, while OEMs using three-phase/VFD configurations may make the move to technologies like brushless dc motors.

Another advantage of VFDs is seen on motor start-up. Without a VFD, an induction motor on start-up has to handle a high initial in-rush current. As the motor speeds up and approaches a constant speed, the current levels off from the peak in-rush values. So with a VFD, the motor’s input starts off with low voltage and a low frequency, avoiding the problem of high in-rush currents.

Of course, the main reason any kind of speed control is used on motors is to gain greater and more precise control over motor speed and therefore adjust the motor speed to meet the requirements of the load and also to reduce energy costs.

Another benefit of using a VFD for motor speed control is the reduction of mechanical wear on the motor components. Eliminating the in-rush currents upon start-up gets rid of the excessive torque on the components, and thus increases the life of the motor and reduces maintenance costs and the need for repair.

There are some drawbacks to using VFDs, however. The main one is the possibility of harmonic distortion which can effect the power quality as well as the operation of other machinery. However, VFD manufacturers have been developing solutions that mostly eliminate this problem.

Motion Control Tips

The IMPULSEoG+ Series 4 can be utilized as a V/F crane control or as an open-loop vector for mechanical load brake hoists or traverse motions, while the IMPULSEoVG+ Series 4 can be utilized as a closed-loop flux vector crane control for high performance traverse motions and non-mechanical load brake hoists.

Beilfuss said that IMPULSE Series 4 drives integrates innovative control and safety features, such as Load Check II, which continuously monitors the frequency range’s hoist overload conditions and halting upward motion, while enabling the load to be lowered.

The latest Adaptive Ultra-Lift feature — which Magnetek has a patent pending — permits for hoist operation above base speed with an empty hook or light load. It constantly monitors motor torque while adjusting motor speed, allowing it to operate at peak performance to optimize plant safety and throughput. The Safe Torque Off feature eliminates the need for external disconnects as it offers a redundant hardware safety circuit to ensure that brake and motor power are removed when a safety controller or an E-STOP switch opens the drive input.

“We are excited to provide our customers with the advanced technology of the IMPULSE Series 4 line of crane controls and want to remind them that every IMPULSE drive is backed by Magnetek’s unsurpassed three year warranty,” quipped Beilfuss.

Motion Control Tips

The DRV8301 also reduces system complexity and bill of materials while optimizing reliability. Aside from offering a three-phase brushless gate driver that is fully protected, it also features two current-sense amplifiers with feedback resistors and integrated input for current measurements, SPI interface for device configuration from the MCU, and a 1.5-A step-down voltage regulator to propel the system microcontroller (MCU), including the C2000(TM) Piccolo(TM).

A three-phase brushless gate driver allows the DRV8301 to adjust dead-time and slew rate to optimize performance. Its two bi-directional current-sense amplifiers includes output offset, adjustable gain and DC calibration circuitry to effectively reduce board space as well as system cost. The DRV8301 improves motor performance by minimizing the DC calibration circuitry’s DC offset and drift over temperature.

With two-thermal cycle-by-cycle over current protection, this new product also reduces design complexity while improving system reliability.

Motion Control Tips

Integrating a pneumatic drive motor and servo package, the PSD offers accurate flow control, consistent bead profiles and precise metered volumes. It features a lightweight positive displacement meter and pneumatic cylinder that are assembled in a compact metering module for robot, pedestal or floor mounting. A robot with a built-in PSD system delivers precise dispensing of fluids with outstanding response time for dispensing extruded beads.

The PSD has been specifically designed to provide maximum uptime and longer service life. Its components are easy to maintain and readily accessible. It is operated by automation integrated controls or by its own PSD Control Panel with dispensing software for a limited footprint, reduced system cost as well as a one-stop operator control of the whole robotic dispensing system.

The Pneumatic Servo Dispenser is ideally suited for dispensing application such as casting, adhesive bonding, molding, gasketing and sealing. It is also suitable for various designed dispense adhesives and sealants, which include mastics, 1-part epoxies, urethanes, abrasive materials and silicones. A complete PSD meter system comes with supply pumps and a dispense valve that is available in No-Drip, Tip-Seal and Snuf-Bak variants for precise start-stop of material flow for dispensing shots, beads or dots in streaming, extruding, high-speed stitching and spray applications.

Motion Control Tips

The direct drive technology eliminates belts, down-gearing and unnecessary linkages, while offering the shortest distance of transmission to maximize torque distribution. The servo presses feature Point-On-Demand (P.O.D.) controller with eight preset stroke profiles such as multiple hits in one stroke, pendulum strokes, free-hand programmability and extended dwell time. SEYI eliminates the issue of power surges and higher power requirements through its innovative energy-saving storage system.

The ribbed frame construction of the servos effectively reduces deflection and provides more rigidity, particularly during longer dwells. With the hydraulic overload replaced with a programmable electronic overload, the servos offer more stable protection when operating closer to rated tonnage for longer periods.

SEYI’s servo presses seamlessly combined the advantages of the programmable slide of hydraulic press with mechanical press speed. This provides manufacturers greater control in speed, tonnage and dwell at any stage of the entire stroke, allowing them to better utilize exotic materials, form more complicated geometric parts, and eliminate various secondary operations. The dwell profiles enable stampers to prevent materials from springing back and produce higher quality parts.

Programming slow ram velocity during the single stroke’s working portion, and fast ram speeds at die-opening and die-closing segments generates increased production rates while lowering reverse load, vibration and stamping noise, and prolonging die maintenance cycle.

Motion Control Tips

A servo driven gantry robot, this new machine is designed with three or four axes. It offers a compact footprint and can palletize crates, boxes, bags, buckets and other packed products from one or multiple lines. Its interpolated controls enable the heavy-duty linear axes to move like spiders with accuracy and speed. This allows the new machine to achieve a maximum speed of up to 10 cycles per minute.

It comes with an innovative fast gripper changing system that enables the machine to shift to clamping gripper from vacuum gripper. This makes the machine suitable for various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics as well as food and drink. A stored pre-programmed pallet patterns allows the “Spider” to change over quickly and efficiently.

The status of the servo drives, machine, and the different peripheral equipment can be continuously monitored at its “operator display” panel. The software’s ease of use feature allows customers to integrate new palletizing patterns.

“The ‘Spider’ machine came to our attention through one of our European distributors – as the machine is particularly successful withinBelgiumandHolland,” said Alan Yates, MD and CEO of Endoline Machinery.

”It was the ‘Spiders’ ability to palletize different types of containers which was particularly appealing to us as this would work for all of our customers and is not dependant on the industry they are in. As a result we have established a joint venture with the Belgian company who manufacture the ‘Spider’ to produce it and launch it within theUK.”

Motion Control Tips

Continuous torque for the smaller size 17 brushless PM motor starts at 35 oz-in at 900RPM (3W) duty up to 700 oz-in at 1500RPM (770W) for the size 34 brushless servo motor. Maximum speeds are 4000RPM. The SilverDust controls product line has RS232, RS435 and CANopen protocols with Ethernet and Modbus TCP as an option. Currents range from 3.5A in the smaller size 17 and 23 SilverDust drives and up to 10A in the larger size 34. Typical input voltages are 12 to 48VDC.

The SilverDust controller uses sophisticated motion control algorithms to maximize the high torque capability and properly handle very high load inertias reaching a 100:1 inertia mismatch.

For more information contact QuickSilver Controls Inc. at www.quicksilvercontrols.com.

Motion Control Tips

All input and output functions of the ServoNOW™ are programmed into the set-up feature through a simplified indexing type command structure making it able to interface to nearly any logic input and output. Analog inputs can be selected and set-up to control the position or velocity of the system. All set-up and installation can be accomplished with any standard PC with a built-in USB port. Free, downloadable host software called QuickLaunch is available with the package and loads on any Windows PC.

The ServoNOW™ incorporates an inclusive closed loop brushless servo motor with built-in driver, controller, magnetic encoder and 110/230VAC universal power supply all in one complete, compact package. Four programmable digital inputs and outputs, analog I/O (0 to 10VDC or 4 to 20MA, 12 bit) and position resolution of 4096 counts per revolution is included.

There are 5 standard, 34 frame models with different variations of high speed (6900 rpm) and high torque (310 in-lbs) features which can be customized to meet application specific requirements.

ServoNOW™ products are part of Bison’s In-Stock, Instant-Ship (ISIS) program that supports Bison’s distribution partners and web customers offering same day shipment for orders received before noon (Central Time).

www.bisongear.com

Motion Control Tips

Fitted in a compact package, the new step motor driver, with integrated HT23 motor offers up to five amps per phase and is available in 220 VAC and 120 VAC versions.

The STAC5 is available in two options — the S models and the Q models.

Using the SCL language, the S models accept analog input, step and direction, joystick control as well as streaming host commands. The models include a 12-bit analog input, four digital inputs and two digital outputs.

Meanwhile, the Q models provide extra standalone programmable operations utilizing the Q programming language. This language offers high-level features that include complex motion, conditional programming, multi-tasking, register access, math functions and more. The models also include a 12 bit analog input, 12 digital inputs and six digital outputs.

The STAC5 series also features 100 Mbit Ethernet communication which it uses to configure the motor. The Ethernet interface also supports the Q and SCL languages over standard Ethernet cabling, protocols and addressing.

The new step motor driver also comes with an encoder feedback option, which offers position verification, stall prevention and/or stall detection. The company’s proprietary stall prevention algorithm automatically reduces acceleration or speed to avoid motor stalls while monitoring rotor lag, to allow 100 percent torque utilization.

Motion Control Tips

Modularly engineered to cover both low-volume and high-volume applications, iPOS3602 (36 V, 2 A, 75 W) — which is the first member of this family — offers drive solution fitted on just 21 mm x 54 mm of PCB space as well as a complete motion control. It integrates all the basic motion control functionality, motor control functions as well as the PLC functionality on one compact plug-in module. Featuring CAN / CANopen interfaces and an optional EtherCAT interface, the iPOS drive controls any linear or rotary brushless, DC brush or step motor.

With the integrated EasyMotion Studio platform and motion controller, Technosoft’s iPOS3602 can execute complex motion programs at drive level. It can also operate as an intelligent CANopen and EtherCAT slave. In simple applications the new iPOS3602 can operate as a single-axis motion controller and drive while in a stand-alone mode and independently running the program within its non-volatile memory. In systems that need a host, the new iPOS drive functions as an intelligent slave executing motion sequences propelled by commands or input lines received though RS-232 or CAN bus.

The drive’s iPOS card features motion capabilities that include 3rd order PVT and 1st order PT interpolation, position or speed profiles (trapezoidal, S-curve), electronic gearing and camming, digital or analog external reference, matched with the cyclic synchronous position, torque and speed modes specific to EtherCAT.

The new drive can operate with a vast array of feedback devices. Sin/Cos and incremental encoders, linear or digital Halls are supported by default, while BiSS, SSI, EnDAT absolute encoders as well as resolver interfaces are offered through an additional extension.

Motion Control Tips

The R325 microstepping driver is capable of output currents ranging from 0.3 to 3.0A peak while handling +15 to 48VDC of input voltage. Selectable step resolutions from Full, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, and 256x microstepping are also available. The R325 has hold current reduction capability with adjustable current and timeout settings. It also features three optically isolated inputs and one optically isolated control output that can be used for step, direction, disable/enable, and fault detection.

The R325 features Pole Damping Technology™ (PDT) which enhances a step motor’s performance by creating a more accurate and smooth motion profile. PDT optimizes the microstepping performance of the step motor by outputting the correct amount of run and hold current to the motor, at the right time. Thus, each step will overcome the motor’s natural tendency to want to “jump” towards the full step ON position.

www.linengineering.com

Motion Control Tips

The module processes signals to and from the drive, mounts on 35mm DIN rail, and connects the drive to an Ethernet hub or PC. It formats drive signals to conform with the Ethernet standard and transmits these signals to the H2-ERM or H4-ERM, Productivity3000, KEPDirect OPC Server, KEPDirect EBC I/O Server, or independent controllers with a Modbus TCP/IP driver. This allows for greater connectivity to many control system architectures. The GS-EDRV100 is equipped with a serial and an Ethernet communication port and LED activity indicators.  The module ($185) features a built-in Web browser which allows users to configure and control the drive from any Web browser via the IP address of the GS-EDRV100 module.

AutomationDirect has also added the H2-SERIO-4 serial communications model to its line of communication devices for WinPLC and PC-based control systems. The H2-SERIO-4 module has two RS-232C ports and one RS-422/485 terminal. Each port on the module is capable of full hardware handshaking. The H2-SERIO-4 communications module is priced at $165.

For more information, visit www.automationdirect.com.

Motion Control Tips

In the High Speed Reversing Drive (HSRvD) the input to the two clutches rotate in opposite directions. Force Control High Speed Reversing Drives are ideal for higher horsepower applications (up to 75 hp) that require reversing often, such as automotive production machines, machine tools, mineral processing, loading machines, and many more.

Several versions are available to suit many industrial applications. In the Type II HSRvD one motor rotating in the forward direction is connected through a primary clutch and a second motor running in a reverse direction is connected through the secondary clutch. By actuating the proper clutch and brake, the reversing is handled within the Posidyne® while the motor runs continuously.

In the Type I HSRvD there is only one input motor. The input to the two clutches rotates in opposite direction by means of a jack shaft through a reversing gear set.

The Force Control High Speed Reversing Drive uses less power than traditional start/stop systems, generating much less motor heat. Traditional systems reverse the drive motor each cycle, so the major inertia load is typically the motor rotor itself, degrading the motor’s service life. With Force Control, the motor runs continuously while the reversing is accomplished with the Posidyne® resulting in significantly longer service life for motors.

Oil Shear Technology is the reason that brakes by Force Control do not need constant maintenance, adjustment, disc replacement, and last up to 10 times longer than standard dry friction brakes. Oil Shear Technology is the function of a boundary layer of transmission fluid in shear between the friction disc and drive plate. As the parts come together the fluid under shear will transmit torque between the two parts as well as absorb heat. This eliminates direct contact of the friction discs and drive plates during high speed slip. Heat from the friction surface is dissipated as the fluid circulates to the housing.

For more information, visit www.forcecontrol.com.

Motion Control Tips

Integrated with configurations for the ERD, Tolomatic’s rod-style electric actuator linear motion is easily and automatically created in the desired linear units (inch or mm).

The ERD range of actuators, which has been originally developed as an economical replacement for pneumatic cylinders, has become an affordable solution for applications such as pick-and-place, heat-staking, sorting and diverting, changeovers and more.

“The primary goal in designing the ACS Stepper Drive/Controller for the ERD product family was to create a low-cost, extremely easy-to-use drive and control product intended for single-axis actuator solutions,” said Aaron Dietrich, Electric Products Manager at Tolomatic.

“What makes creating motion so easy is that through two simple configuration steps, the ACS drive knows everything about the axis of motion. Combined with any of Tolomatic’s electric actuator products, the entire axis of motion is available from one supplier.”

For infinite position capability, the ACS provides four, eight or 16 move command modes (incremental, absolute or jog). This range of command modes is flexible enough for a vast array of single-axis actuator solutions. It also features adjustable motion profile parameters (velocity, position, force, acceleration/deceleration) that are configurable separately for each move.

To save energy, the ACS reduces holding current when not in motion. Aside from its force-limiting capacity, the ACS is also capable of zone output based on the position of the actuator. Its digital I/O can be configured in either 24 VDC Opto-Isolated, NPN or PNP, while its drive/controller is suitable for use with most brands of 24 VDC stepper motors.

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The D1 allows a 12 or 24VDC power supply, to accommodate most applications. Its valve deadband, dither amplitude and maximum current are all adjustable. For applications using programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or computers, the D1 easily interfaces with the valve, eliminating the need to write valve management routines that consume valuable processing cycles needed for other machine functions.

Its digital closed-loop current control implemented by software efficiently compensates for different types of perturbations such as change in the input voltage and change in the coil resistance due to temperature. Other features of the D1 Driver include short-circuit protection, highly efficient design (no heat sink is required) and LED indicators for power and status/fault activity. With a temperature range of -40° to 65°C (-40° to 150°F), the versatile D1 is designed for use in a variety of environments.

The unit’s enclosed format is ideal for panel mount systems or applications where the electronics will be exposed to end-users. The D1 comes with a DIN clip for rail mounting, or the clip can be removed for flat surface mounting either from within the enclosure or from the bottom. The D1 Driver can also be customized to suit many different valves, and it can be equipped with additional control electronics as required.

For more information, email info@enfieldtech.com or visit www.enfieldtech.com.

Motion Control Tips

With the enhancements on its programmable automation controllers (PACs) portfolio, the company now offers Integrated Motion over EtherNet/IP technology. This new technology helps companies optimize their machine design flexibility, reduce overall system costs and improve their systems performance.

“This really is an important evolution in machine control; what we have done is close the loop,” said Haïthem Mansouri, European Product Manager, Motion Control, Rockwell Automation.

“By introducing motion over EtherNet/IP we have given engineers the ability to side step their reliance on specialist motion protocols, such as SERCOS. This has removed the final remaining barrier that was preventing the adoption of a complete, single, integrated network that is already capable of undertaking safety, process and discrete control.”

“EtherNet/IP is, to all intents and purposes, identical to standard Ethernet; the only change being in the Application Layer,” explained Mansouri. “It uses standard, unmodified Ethernet, and allows users to effectively manage real-time control and information flow for improved plant-wide optimization; ultimately resulting in more informed decision-making and better business performance.”

He added that although other vendors use Ethernet “but they just use the first physical layer – the actual protocol is proprietary and specialist. This means that although they can claim ‘Ethernet compatibility’, it is, in fact, just as closed as any other proprietary protocol.”

With this latest innovation, machine builders can now program, commission, configure and maintain PowerFlex 755 AC drives and Kinetix 6500 servo drives with the outstanding processing capabilities of Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 557X PACs – all over EtherNet/IP.

Motion Control Tips

The new AMP-43540 and AMP-43640 4-axis drives are available as options for Galil’s DMC-40×0 Accelera and DMC-41×3 Econo motion controllers with Ethernet. Designed to minimize space, cost and wiring, the drives reside directly inside the controller enclosure. The packaging of the 4-axis drive inside the motion controller enclosure saves space compared to using external drives. The DMC-4040 4-axis controller and drive package dimensions are 8.1” x 7.3” x 1.7”. Two 4-axis drives can also be installed inside the DMC-4080 8-axis controller package which measures 11.5” x 7.3” x 1.7”.

The new AMP-43540 contains four 600W fully digital, transconductance amplifiers for driving brushless motors with sinusoidal commutation. Each amplifier drives motors operating at up to 8A continuous, 15A peak, 20-80 VDC. The gain settings of the amplifier are user-programmable at 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6A/Volt. Both the switching and sampling frequencies are 33 kHz. The amplifier offers protection for over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current, short-circuit and over temperature. A shunt regulator option is available. The U.S. list price of the AMP-43540 4-axis 600W drive is $1000 in single quantity and $600 in 100 quantities.

The new AMP-43640 contains four 20W linear, transconductance amplifiers for driving brushless motors with sinusoidal commutation. Each amplifier drives motors operating at up to 1A peak, 15-30 VDC with a gain setting of 0.1A/Volt. The U.S. list price of the AMP-43640 4-axis 20Watt drive is $600 in single quantity and $350 in 100 quantities.

The AMP-43540 and AMP-43640 don’t require hall sensors for brushless motor commutation. Galil provides commands for initialization of the motor using the encoder feedback.

The AMP-43540 and AMP-43640 are available for immediate delivery.

For more information, check out www.galilmc.com.

Motion Control Tips

The cross-lapper uses a light weight fiber web, which it accepted from the carding machine, to build a heavier web in layers. The cross-lapper then overlaps the layers through a group of reversing mobile carriages and conveyors that turn the material through 90°.

ABB’s machinery drives and servomotors are harnessed by Tatham’s TSX control system with various panel combinations, depending on the current cross-lapper configurations used.

Tatham’s system is connected to the main process control using Profibus, through which an ABB AC500 PLC delivers positioning data to the drives that gives control signals for the speed control of the servomotor.

“We chose ABB drives because of their versatility, power and competitive pricing,” said Tatham’s Senior Electrical Engineer Jim Kelly.

“Together with ABB, we developed control software based on their drives’ programmable function blocks, which meant we had a system that provided precise positioning … resulting in total control of the batt profile,” he added.

“Heaviness of the batt is a function of the speed it is laid down at, and using the ABB PLC, drives and servomotors allows us to vary this precisely, giving a much more accurate and controllable build up of the layers.”

Aside from ensuring fiber savings, the TSX control system is also energy efficient. Prior to installation of the ABB drives the cross-lapper utilized 60A peak, but after the installation the current has been significantly reduced to 15A.

Motion Control Tips

The SPiiPlus UDMnt is available in a 5A, 10A, or 20A peak current rating at up to 60Vdc bus voltage, and has dedicated encoder and limit inputs as well as general purpose I/O and robust fault protection. The drive performs real-time control of position, velocity and current at a 20kHz update rate for each axis.

The SPiiPlus EtherCAT family of products offer advanced, high-level machine control with a small footprint and low cost. The universal drive technology provides a flexible solution for all motor topologies, helping to reduce costs by letting users run multiple axes from one drive module.

For more information about the SPiiPlus UDMnt and other ACS EtherCAT network control components, visit the ACS Motion Control website at www.acsmotioncontrol.com.

Motion Control Tips

Borries latest markers feature an upgraded, high-speed stepper motor drive system that reduces cycle time in half-or more.

The drives were originally developed in response to the demands of the automotive industry for lower machine cycle times but faster production rates, as manifested by automotive stamping plants, where the stamping plants deliver 12 characters in three seconds at a speed of 5 mm.

Aside from the new systems, which are capable of increasing the throughput and reducing the cycle time, the company also provides retrofit packages for existing devices.

With the use of higher speed drives, the devices can be installed as retrofit kits either at the Borries factory or in the field. This gives users an affordable solution for optimizing marking speeds without the need of acquiring a new device.

Borries’ high-speed drives can be translated into several marking technologies: Stylus Marking, which utilizes fast-vibrating needle technology to produce minimal force on three-dimensional material; Scribe Marking, which is ideal in almost all deformable, three-dimensional configuration and delivers continuous-line mark that are easily-readable; Dot Matrix Marking, which is similar to Stylus Marking and Scribe Marking, but provides a visible dotted appearance; and DataMatrix Marking, which uses the same tool with the dot matrix and provides 2D codes (ECC 200 standard) that are camera-legible.

These high-speed drives are offered in the company’s programmable dot peen and scribe machines portfolio.

Motion Control Tips

Installed in all ACOPOSmulti drive units, the relay-free SafeMC safety circuit uses EN ISO 13849 certified digital encoders to monitor how the motor responds to the servo drive’s instructions. To avoid increasing response times, the electronics were fitted directly on the drive.

B&R’s servo drives provide external monitoring modules and eliminate the need for double wiring to offer optimum use of safety equipment. Together with the SafeMC, the ACOPOSmulti can be seamlessly installed in the existing system with the X20 Safe I/O and the SafeLOGIC safety controller. With this innovation, B&R became one of the first companies to offer a certified and intelligent drive safety function including a fully network-integrated safety system. The system not only improves the safety of the workplace, but also contributes to the machine’s efficiency, as well as increases its productivity.

The device’s programming functions are developed using SafeDESIGNER at B&R Automation Studio’s standard development environment. SafeMC components embedded with parameter chip including its autonomous configuration allow easy and fast configuration during service work.

Based on open network-based safety standard openSAFETY, the company’s synchronous servo motors and SafeMC with ACOPOSmulti provides a logical complement to integrated safety components portfolio for systems and machine manufacturing.

Motion Control Tips

“Combining this feature-rich industrial fieldbus adapter with the ACS355 and ACS850 drives will make available a great drive solution for OEM’s or system integrators who are focused on the packaging, material handling, printing, rubber & plastics, and machine tool industries,” said ABB LVD Senior Platform Solutions engineer Chris Stamas.

The adapter’s flexibility offers easy and fast connectivity to major programmable automation interfaces/controllers that support Ethercat protocol including ABB AC500 programmable logic controller (PLC). Some of the applications for coupling with this advanced drive adapter are high-speed presses, packaging machines, injection molding machines, machine tooling (CNC), robotics, test beds, woodworking machines, high speed bottling lines (food and beverage) and materials handling / logistics.

EtherCAT is an Ethernet technology aimed at maximizing the capability of full duplex Ethernet bandwidth. It exceeds the overhead usually associated with Ethernet by using “on the fly” processing hardware. An EtherCAT bus comprises up to 65535 slave devices and a master system, linked together with standard Ethernet cabling. The incoming data are processed by the slave devices, which insert or extract them and shift the message to the next slave device, creating a loop.

Various protocols can be utilized as the application layer. ABB’s drive adapter uses the CANopen over EtherCAT (CoE) technology. Customers can create a robust solution out of the combination of this data infused protocol with the company’s ACS850 and ACS355 drives. It does not only provide real time control but also the capability to extract data in order to optimize applications.

Motion Control Tips

MACCS-400

Based on Baldor Electric motion control products, the multi-axis system has three axes that use ACR’s Ethernet-compatible PowerLink servo drives.

ACR’s reasons behind the choice of this technology were the ease in applying real-time interpolated control over the machine’s five-axis servo and stepper driven motion, flexibility of Baldor’s motion control software and the simple building approach of the plug-together system provided by the Ethernet-based modules.

The new MACCS 400 machine delivers a fast and highly flexible way of selectively applying printed circuit board (PCB) mounted components with protective conformal coatings, and accommodate both batch and inline processing operations. With board components as high as 900 mm, it can coat PCBs as big as 500 x 480 mm.

MACCS 400 is a free-standing machine designed with small 1.4 m2 footprint. Capable of completely autonomous operation, it can be equipped with chain conveyors and be integrated with PCB production line. It is fully compliant with the SMEMA (surface mount equipment manufacturers association) electrical and mechanical interface standards.

The MACCS 400 can apply various conformal coatings, including HumiSeal and Parylene products, and provides a selection of cartridge or pressure vessel feed. Standard features include a remote teach pendant, an integral camera for manual alignment and built-in solvent and purge cups for flushing. The machine also has several optional facilities, such as fluid viscosity control, multiple spray heads, a laser pointer and a bar code reader.

Motion Control Tips

The flexible plug-in adapter provides fast and simple connectivity to the ABB AC500 PLC (programmable logic controller), and all other major programmable automation controllers / interfaces that support the EtherCAT protocol. Applications include packaging machines, high-speed presses, injection molding machines, woodworking machines, machine tooling (CNC), test beds, robotics, materials handling / logistics, and high speed bottling lines (food and beverage) among others.

EtherCAT is a real-time Ethernet technology which aims to maximize the use of the full duplex Ethernet bandwidth. It overcomes the overhead normally associated with Ethernet via employing “on the fly” processing hardware. An EtherCAT bus consists of a master system and up to 65535 slave devices, connected together with standard Ethernet cabling. The slave devices process the incoming data directly, extract or insert relevant data, and transfer the message to the next EtherCAT slave device, making a loop.

There are several protocols that can be used as the application layer. In the CANopen over EtherCAT (CoE) technology, the CANopen protocol is applied to EtherCAT. By combining this high speed / data infused protocol with ABB’s feature enriched ACS355 and ACS850 drives, designers can develop robust solutions. This includes not only real-time control, but also the ability to extract real-time data to gain further optimization for applications.

www.abb.us

Motion Control Tips

The multi-axis system is based on Baldor Electric motion control products, with three axes making use of the company’s Ethernet-compatible PowerLink servo drives. Key reasons behind the choice of this motion control technology were the flexibility of Baldor’s motion control software, the ease with which real-time interpolated control could be applied across the machine’s five-axis servo and stepper driven motion, and the simple plug-together system building approach offered by the Ethernet-based modules.

ACR’s new MACCS 400 machine provides a fast and flexible means of selectively applying protective conformal coatings to printed circuit board (PCB) mounted components, and can accommodate both inline and batch processing operations. Capable of coating PCBs as large as 500 x 480 mm – with on-board components as high as 90 mm – the programmable machine uses an advanced five-axis motion control system to combine high-speed throughput capabilities with precise spray-head positioning to an accuracy of 25 microns.

MACCS 400 is a self-contained, free-standing machine with a small footprint. It’s capable of completely autonomous operation, or can be equipped with chain conveyors and form part of an integrated PCB production line; the machine is fully compliant with the SMEMA (surface mount equipment manufacturers association) mechanical and electrical interface standards.

The X and Y-axes of the machine’s motion control system are based on a novel ‘H-belt’ actuator, driven by two Baldor BSM servomotors linked to Baldor MicroFlex e100 drives. The two motors are static – they occupy fixed positions at the bottom of the ‘H’ – and jointly act on a single belt. The advantage of this approach is that the motors do not contribute to the load inertia, and therefore permit fast and accurate movement – the machine can accommodate X-Y velocities as high as 800 mm/sec. The Z-axis controls the above-board height of the spray head, and is driven by a third BSM servomotor and MicroFlex e100 drive. All three drives are tightly synchronized to facilitate high speed Cartesian movement of the spray head, the angle and orientation of which are controlled by two rotary axes, driven by Baldor stepper motors.

All five electrical axes on the MACCS 400 are controlled by a Baldor NextMove e100 controller, using full interpolation to allow smooth high-speed tangential moves. Overall control of the machine is handled by ACR’s proprietary coating software, which runs under Windows XP on a built-in host PC, equipped with a large HMI (human-machine interface).

The MACCS 400 can apply a wide range of conformal coatings, including Parylene and many HumiSeal products, and offers a choice of cartridge or pressure vessel feed. Standard features include an integral camera for manual alignment, a remote teach pendant, and built-in purge and solvent cups for flushing. The machine also offers numerous optional facilities, such as multiple spray heads, fluid viscosity control, a bar code reader and a laser pointer.

www.baldor.com

www.advancedcoatingrobotics.com

Motion Control Tips

Sinamics G110D drive platform combines improved functionality, a smaller footprint, increased energy efficiency, enhanced usability and lower total cost-of-ownership in one drive. Applications for the new drive range from packaging conveyors or material handling and airport baggage carousels to fans, compressors, pumps and other industrial equipment.

The G110D includes integrated control and plug-and-play power for easier installation, as well as optional Intelligent Operator Panel (IOP) for easy-to-setup text application in a reduced footprint. The IOP assists the operator with an improved level of control, as well as resolution advice and alarm status alerts, thus reducing time for troubleshooting, said Siemens.

The drive features an optional power disconnect switch. The IP65 metal housing enclosure comes with a low profile for easy mounting near the motor, with no required drive cabinet, for further space savings. The drive can directly communicate with a programmable logic controller (PLC) or can serve as a controller through I/O inputs. The AS-Interface bus configuration and optional maintenance, and manual-auto switch are also integrated into the drive, which makes it easy to put together with other hardware in an overall control schematic. Integrated quick stop and brake control functions also deliver a higher degree of reliability.

Motion Control Tips

The SJ700 significantly expands on the performance, capabilities and functions of its predecessor, the SJ300. Hitachi reasserts its technological leadership with an improved vector control algorithm and auto-tuning function that enables the open-loop SJ700 (SLV) to develop more than 200% starting torque at 0.3 Hz. Using Hitachi’s unique “0 Hz Domain” open-loop control mode, the SJ700 can develop 150% torque near 0 Hz, ideal for vertical lift applications. In closed-loop mode with encoder feedback, the SJ700 performance is unmatched, delivering in excess of 100% torque at 0 Hz.

Another major new element in the SJ700 is Hitachi’s EzSQ (Easy Sequence) built-in programming function. It’s like having a PLC inside the inverter! In many cases, the need for a separate PLC can be eliminated. The user develops EzSQ programs on a PC, and then downloads them to the inverter using the simple-to-use configuration/programming software provided at no charge.

The SJ700 can deliver true servo-like position control when mated with a general-purpose induction motor and encoder, offering a low-cost motion control alternative. The SJ700, given a position command, speed command, and acceleration/deceleration times, can move the motor shaft from position A to position B following the defined profile and then maintain the shaft in “servo lock” status.

Hitachi has added other new features into the SJ700, such as patented micro-surge voltage suppression (to protect the motor winding insulation), advance trip avoidance functions, configurable sink/source logic on I/O, built-in dynamic braking circuit in models up to 30 hp (22 kW), built-in EMC filter up to 75 hp (55 kW).

The SJ700 also includes built-in RS485 Modbus/RTU communication, and options for other communications networks, such as Ethernet Modbus/TCP, DeviceNet, Profibus and LonWorks. Others, such as Ethernet/IP are in the works. The SJ700 can be configured via the front-mounted keypad or using Hitachi’s ProDrive PC-based software.

Designed to be a product for the global market, the SJ700 carries CE, UL, cUL and c-Tick marks, and is RoHS compliant.

Hitachi
www.hitachi.com

Motion Control Tips

The microstep drivers allow designers to optimize vibration, noise and motor torque for a broad range of applications. The circuit design is simplified by combining the features of an internal voltage regulator, DMOS output and control input translator. Operating from a maximum single 36 V supply, Rohm advanced DMOS (Pch + Nch) output topology does away with the need for external charge pump components.

The stepper motor drivers incorporate over-voltage, thermal protection and under-voltage not typically integrated in motor driver ICs. The drivers’ packaging benefits include a bottom-side heat sinking to simplify thermal design, pin-compatibility within parts with different current ratings, as well as adjacent-pin short protection on most of the models to reduce field and production failures, said the company.

Motion Control Tips

Specializing in automated food handling systems, the Cornish machine builder used controls and drives equipment from automation specialist Mitsubishi Electric (www.mitsubishielectric.com).

The machine deposits the correct amounts of Yorkshire pudding batter to the baking moulds for a frozen foods plant, and solves inconsistency problems by getting away from ordinary motors running for a set time.

WMH has developed a Mitsubishi servo-based system that increases throughput, while ironing out the inaccuracies of batter pumping.

The system consists of 10 axis J3 servo drive arrangement, with every servo connected through high speed SSC net from Mitsubishi Electric. Its nine axes are dedicated to the depositors, with each axis driving 32 pump chambers.

The servo drives are each programmed using a map of known volume to be dispensed, while the required number of pump rotation is calculated depending upon the needed product settings.

The system also has an anti-drip mechanism, which prevents excess product that causes cleaning issues in the production cycle. The servo drives cleverly suck excess batter back to the nozzle at the end of every cycle.

The 10^th axis then operates the depositor heads carriage, which coordinates with the conveyor speed, as detected by an encoder feedback. This helps reduce waste and increase throughput, according to the company.

Motion Control Tips

Manufactured by Ohio Tool Works Corporation (www.ohiotoolworks.com) and imported by Mollart-Cox (www.mollartcox.co.uk), the machine is an important investment for Premier and will be installed early next year.

The new OTW1000-5m to 2m horizontal honing machine, which features a full CNC for superior machining performance, will be the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. It is constructed from heavy, welded steel sections, providing the rigidity needed for precise bore sizing of components. The infinitely variable speed spindle drive motors and the 3.73kW servo drive reciprocation system offer quiet, trouble free and smooth operation under harsh conditions.

Stuart Grant, managing director of Premier, said: “We have ordered this new generation tube honing machine to fulfill a project for machining aerospace components. For the parts concerned its specification looked perfect on paper, and during performance trials we carried out it proved to be the ideal choice.”

Introduced last year, the model 1000 is offered in several standard stroke configurations between 2m and 6m with spindle drives up to 7.46kW. Honing diameters will range from 25.4mm to 559mm. Infinitely variable spindle speed motors of 1000rpm enable improved processing with both conventional metalbond and vitrified superabrasives.

“We have purchased the OTW1000-5-2m as a turnkey project,” said Mr. Grant. “As the components being machined required precise and consistent size control, we specified the optional Medium Size Control System which offers accurate and dependable size control to 12.5 micron, or better when metalbond abrasives are applied.”

Motion Control Tips

”Xilinx’s Targeted Development Platforms, including the latest Spartan-6 FPGA-based solutions unveiled today at SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2010, enable customers to realize system-on-chip solutions delivering the deterministic performance, highly power efficient, high precision and advanced functionality that today’s industrial end users demand,” said Joe Mallett, senior product manager of Xilinx Industrial: Scientific And Medical Group.

The Spartan-6 FPGA  provides parallel processing performance and flexible interfaces needed to manage legacy and advanced communication protocols, handle gigabit-speed video or execute complex higher bandwidth motor-control algorithms. The company’s comprehensive design ecosystem and Targeted Design Platforms assemble the development boards, tools, IP cores, kits and silicon, enabling designers to focus on adding unique value.

Comprised of a complete reference design, programmable hardware and third-party software from partner Softing (www.softing.com), the platform reduces the resources and time needed for engineers and OEMs to produce fully functioning designs. The integrated daughter card supports multiple legacy serial connectivity and real-time industrial Ethernet protocols, as well as Xilinx ISE Design Suite: Embedded Edition.

”The Xilinx Targeted Design Platform provides well defined hardware enabling us to deliver robust and fully developed IP, which customers can use straight from the box and exploit to its full performance potential,” said Frank Iwanitz, Softing’s Ethernet Business Development Manager.

Motion Control Tips

The TMCM-078 stepper motor drive is made for bipolar two-phase stepper motors, operating with motor coil currents of 0.7A to 7A (rms) (9.8A peak) and voltages of 15V to a maximum of 75V.

Depending upon the application, a high RPM of up to 256 micro steps or a high accuracy is possible, according to the press release.

A sensor-less load measurement capability can detect mechanical blocking, thus it can substitute reference switches plus the needed wiring.

The inputs for the direction, step and enable signals are optically isolated. The motor current is reduced to an adjustable level in standstills (standby) to prevent the motor from heating up unnecessarily, as well as to prevent the waste of energy.

All the outputs and inputs can be linked with JST crimp connectors or screw-pluggable connectors.

The module is available in rugged aluminum housing measuring 145mm x 96mm x 33mm.

Motion Control Tips

The Motorman hybrid connector’s key features include several pre-customized devices available for a variety of customer environments; easy-to-open enclosure: safe configuration thanks to the spacious side access to its interior; Cat 5e (ISO/IEC11801) communication in heavy environment; and usage of Tyco’s MCON interconnection system and stamped contacts, as well as compact size of a traditional hybrid construction and rectangular connector (power, communication, signal). All signals are also fitted in one interface, thus only one cable is needed. The device also offers space for, one protection earth contact, two 4-pin Ethernet sockets, five power sockets and five signal sockets.

Additional applications for the new Motorman hybrid connector include Drives (amplifiers), I/O connector on AC servo motors with PCB, I/O connector on decentral servo motors, and packaging, assembly, food producing or woodworking machine.

Motion Control Tips

“Manufacturers are challenged by tougher economic conditions. There is less capital available for new equipment purchases and users expect solutions that are easier to use and also yield greater uptime and return on investment,” said Oliver Haya, product manager of Rockwell. “When combining the new Kinetix 3 servo drive with Allen-Bradley MicroLogix controllers, machine-builders can deliver a cost-effective motion control solution for low-axis count applications, that is simple to use and maintain.”

The servo drive is configured with the Allen-Bradley UltraWare software. Configuration can be made easy by using the automatic motor recognition facilities in Allen-Bradley linear and rotary servo motors. More features include advanced auto-tuning, online vibration suppression, as well as rapid settling time, which cut start-ups by eliminating many steps during the commissioning process. The drive can also index up to 64 points through its digital inputs or via Modbus.

Connected Component Building Blocks technology from Rockwell are used to provide CAD drawings, bills of materials, sample code, operator interface screens and electrical layouts for the drive. Indexing operations for three axes are performed on the Modbus network using Rockwell MicroLogix 1400 controller, TL-Series motors, and Allen-Bradley PanelView component operator interface.

Motion Control Tips

The SilverSterling provides RS-232, RS-485 and CAN communications ports, supporting DMX, MODbusTM RTU, and CANopen®, ASCII and Binary protocols.

OEM expansion is provided via a 60-pin header including support for a second serial port, two SPITM ports, an I2C port, and multiple analog, digital and PWM I/O. The SilverSterling is available as the QCI-S2-IG with an extruded housing/heatsink which has been designed to easily accommodate custom/user specific expansion circuit boards. It is also available as an open-format PCB, QCI-S2-IG-01. Contact the factory for quantity pricing and availability.

QuickSilver Controls, Inc.

www.quicksilvercontrols.com

Motion Control Tips

Designed to enable current and next generation office and home automation applications, the manufacturer’s wide range of industrial devices provides market-leading levels of reliability and ruggedness to support the drive for high efficiency, low power design.

The all-new AMIS-30523 combines a CAN transceiver and a stepper motor driver in one package, two-die device. This one-of-a-kind configuration can be utilized to control several motors of the same type on one bus, and provides important space-saving designs where a PCB real estate is limited or where one PCB mounted on the rear side of the motor is employed. Usual applications include general purpose stepper motors in industrial, automotive, marine and medical environments.

The AMIS-30523, which has a high speed of one megabit per second (Mb/s), delivers seven step modes from full step up to 32 micro-steps.

Meanwhile, the latest NCP1090, NCP1092 and NCP1091 are Power over Ethernet Powered Devices (PoE−PD) interface controller offering reliable and cost-effective integrated detection, ‘hot-swap’ and classification control in applications such as video over IP, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and wireless access point (AP).

Motion Control Tips

The super miniature network-based servo drive has dimensions of just 55mmx46mmx15mm, and weighs a mere 55 grams.

The highly-efficient Gold Whistle has high bandwidth performance and supports a variety of feedback types such as Incremental Encoder, Resolver, Analog and Digital Hall, Potentiometer and Tachometer. The servo drive offers multiple communication options including EtherCAT, CANopen, Ethernet, USB and RS-232.

“Elmo Motion Control’s engineers have again succeeded in bringing innovative solutions to the marketplace. Ultimately, the most important user community for us are the application engineers who integrate Elmo’s motion control solutions into their applications. They are looking for flexible solutions that are lightweight, high power and support the latest EtherCAT communications technology,” said Haim Monhait, CEO of Elmo Motion Control.

“We launched the Gold Line technology about a year ago. This represented a real step forward and we are now in the process of launching a range of 10–12 new servo drives that are all based on this new technology. These are exciting times for Elmo, and based on the feedback we receive from our customers and the participants at international exhibitions, we know that our excitement is shared by application engineers all over the world,” he added.

Motion Control Tips