Victor’s Vturn 36 with direct coupled servo motors eliminates backlash

Subcontractor Qualitek (www.qualitek.com), impressed by the performance of the two Vturn lathes and services provided by Victor Europe (www.victoreurope.com), has purchased a Vturn 36 from Victor once again.

The Victor Vturn 36 features a bed length center distance of 50″, a swing over bed of 26.77″, and a maximum cutting diameter of 20.9″, which make it ideal for large chucking tasks.

The tool’s slant bed design, together with a rigid spindle and torque-tube box ways, results in a rigid machine tool that is ideal for the heavy cutting of several materials such as hardened steels.

The Victor’s Vturn 36′s spindle motor, which is coupled with a two-speed gearbox, is balanced to deliver enhanced machining performance for heavy cutting at low rpms. Its pre-tensioned, double anchored ballscrews further improve machining accuracy by minimizing the thermal growth effects, while direct coupled servo motors eliminate backlash.

“Even though we had been impressed by the performance of our two older Victor lathes, prior to the purchase of the Vturn 36, we examined the merits of several alternative, large CNC lathes. Although our first class experience with the company’s machine tools may have influenced our decision, I truly believe that the Victor Vturn 36 best met our long list of criteria. In fact, the rapid payback on investment we have experienced with Victor machines means that we hope to be purchasing a further bar fed, Victor CNC lathe in the near future,” said John Tovey, managing director of Qualitek.

National Instruments Releases New High-Performance Servo Drives and Motors

National Instruments announces new AKD Servo Drives and AKM Servo Motors that make it possible for engineers and scientists to easily build scalable, distributed motion control systems. The new products simplify setup and configuration for deploying custom motion applications to any NI real-time controller supporting NI EtherCAT technology including NI CompactRIO, PXI real-time controllers and NI industrial controllers. Additionally, National Instruments is releasing the NI LabVIEW 2010 NI SoftMotion Module that provides support for NI EtherCAT drives for simplified motion application development.

The new AKM brushless servo motors provide superior dynamic performance, are available in four different frame sizes and feature high torque, density and speed ranges. The motors use low-inertia rotors and feature low-cog, low-harmonic distortion magnetic design. The motors also are perfectly matched with NI servo drives and provide plug-and-play configuration with integrated Smart Feedback Device (SFD) technology and simplified cabling.

The new AKD Servo Drives feature simplified setup and configuration through EtherCAT technology and integration with the LabVIEW project, a feature in LabVIEW software that engineers use to group together LabVIEW and third-party files, create build specifications for executables and deploy or download files to hardware targets. The new drives deliver cutting-edge technology and performance with torque loop updates in 0.67 μs, and velocity and position loops at 62.5 μs and 125 μs. The AKD Servo Drives provide a solution for a wide range of applications, from basic torque-and-velocity applications to indexing to multi-axis programmable motion, using graphical system design.

The new motors and drives provide seamless integration with LabVIEW graphical programming through the LabVIEW NI SoftMotion Module to deliver graphical development for custom motion control applications. With the module, engineers and scientists can use the LabVIEW project to configure motion axis settings, test configuration, tune motors and quickly develop a custom motion application. The new version of the NI SoftMotion Module features an updated interactive configuration and a high-level function block API for increased ease of use and makes the execution of motion applications on a Windows-based system possible. In addition, the new module easily connects to the new drives and motors as well as third-party drives and motors using NI C Series drive interface hardware.

Readers can visit www.ni.com/motion to learn more about the new servo drives and motors and NI motion control software.

National Instruments
www.ni.com

MAG introduces new HyperMach™ GTi Series Five-Axis titanium aerospace profilers with water-cooled servo motors

MAG (www.mag-ias.com) is proud to announce the release of the new HyperMach™ GTi series five-axis titanium aerospace profiler for efficient processing of large parts like door edge frames, spars and bulkheads, or nested part groups. The company will showcase a new HyperMach H4000 GTi with hard-metal cutting demonstrations using the latest five-axis HSK100A 6000rpm/850Nm high-torque geared spindle.

The five-axis HyperMach GTi series, which is developed for high-output machining of larger monolithic titanium aerospace parts, turns the profiler concept on the side in a fixed-column, traveling table arrangement. Its modular machine design is also available with part capacities from 6.6×13.1 ft (“2×4 m”) to 6.6×26.3 ft (“2×8 m”). Unlike other T-type machine designs – which require frequent re-alignment and lose up to 80% of their stiffness to maintain accuracy – the patented structural link of HyperMach GTi gives lock-up between the column and the X-axis table base to give stiffness for aggressive cuts in the upper limits of the workzone.

Its X-axis table/pallet receiver gives feed rates up to 2000 inches/min (“50 m/min”), while the Y-axis can reach vertical speeds up to 1378 inches/min (“35 m/min”) to minimize parasitic time. Water-cooled servo motors can be used on X, Y and Z axes of the GTi series machines to maximize performance for high deceleration/acceleration and feed rates and to eliminate thermal influence of the motors on positioning accuracy. Its spindle carrier rotates at 10 rpm (“60 degrees/sec”) in A and C axes, which is powered by worm/wheel drives. The scale/encoder feedback on all five axes gives accuracy above the capabilities of other horizontal machines, and the optional Volumetric Error Compensation package from MAG can enhance the GTi series machine’s volumetric performance by 50% or more. The machines come standard with the 72-tool magazine, which is field expandable from 110 to 142 tools.

High-speed MODBUS with Integrated Servo Motors from JVL

JVL Industri Elektronik A/S now offers yet another feature: The latest firmware for the integrated servo motors MAC400 and MAC800 now supports the MODBUS RTU protocol.

The implementation supports the Read Holding Registers and Write Multiple Registers commands, which will give R/W access to all motor registers at speeds up to 1 Mbit/s, though typically the PC standard rates of 9600..115200 and 230400 bits/s would be used.

The implementation uses the original V1.1 version of the MODBUS protocol for maximum compatibility. For systems requiring a 2-wire RS-485, the MAC00-P4 interface module is used. For 4-wire RS-422, the MAC00-FSx modules or one of the MAC00-Bx modules are used.

MODBUS is generally considered the most widely used serial communications protocol in the industry.

JVL International
www.jvlusa.com

New Option Module for MAC Servo Motors

The MAC00-B41 is a new module intended to be used for the integrated MAC servo motors type MAC400 and MAC800.

The module offers the following extended I/O functions :

- 6 digital I/O (24V tolerant)
- 2 analogue 12 bit inputs
- 2 multi function RS422 channels
- Dual supply feature for safe motor stop
- Galvanically isolated RS232 and RS485
- New simple and robust internal connector
- M12 industrial connectors for simple and safe connection

The module is primarily intended for dispenser applications where a very fast motor start and stop function is needed. The start and stop jitter is les tha 50µs and syncronization with an external encoder is possible.

In addition the module contains a galvanically isolated RS232 and RS485 interface to be used for setup and diagnosis or permanent connection in a network.

Later this year additional software features are planned, such as fully programmable PLC with high speed I/O´s.

JVL International
www.jvlusa.com

Slotted Brushless DC Servo Motors

Pittman® brand Series N2300 slotted brushless DC servo motors incorporate internal Hall sensor feedback for linear speed-torque characteristics, high starting torque, and variable speed control with appropriate control electronics. Their 6-slot lamination design contributes higher power, faster acceleration, consistent operation, and longer service life.

These brushless DC motors are ideal for a wide range of industry applications, including data storage, medical and biotech, semiconductor processing, automation, and others requiring high performance and reliability.

The motors (2.25 in. in diameter) are available in four standard stack lengths (1/2 in., 1 in., 1-1/2 in., and 2 in.) and integrate high-energy neodymium magnets for optimized performance. Depending on model, they can achieve peak torques up to 488 oz-in and speeds up to 7020 rpm at continuous torque for standard motors at rated voltages.

Other standard features for all versions include 3-phase stator, 4-pole rotor, and shielded ball bearings. Motors can additionally be equipped with planetary or spur gearboxes and optical encoders to satisfy particular application requirements.

Mounting configuration is consistent with NEMA 23 standards. Modular motor design facilitates customization with options including modified shafts, multiple windings, and brakes, among others.

AMETEK Technical & Industrial Products, Inc.
www.ametektechnicalproducts.com

High-performance, Compact Servomotors for Demanding Motion Control from Siemens

Elk Grove Village, Ill. – Siemens has introduced new motors to its 1FT7 family, a line of high-performance servomotors for such demanding motion control applications as machine tool CNC interpolation and production machine web handling.

The new additions include a forced ventilated and water-cooled motor, complementing the convection air-cooled 1FT7. A new high dynamic design is also available. This design features low rotor inertia, making these motors practical in applications where it was previously impossible to drive a servomotor. Such applications include sorters in the printing industry, which previously required mechanical cams, but can now use electronic cams for better energy efficiency and less wear.

Their use results in shorter machine cycles due to higher dynamic response, gained through a 30% shorter design and 4x overload capacity versus 3x on the predecessor family of servos. Less downtime results from the new rigid vibration-insulated encoder mounting. This design also enables OEMs or end-users to exchange the encoder in the field in less than five minutes, without encoder alignment. High-resolution encoders, currently up to 22-bit, let these servos become highly precise motion control system components.

Start-up and commissioning personnel will appreciate DRIVE-CLiQ, the Siemens electronic nameplate and digital encoder interface on this new servomotor. It simplifies start-up or replacement by not requiring manual parameterization of the axis, as the drive reads all that data from the electronic nameplate stored in the encoder system. With this feature, these motors become essentially plug-and-play devices. The drive automatically recognizes the motor and optimizes the parameterization accordingly. This digital encoder interface further allows users to standardize on one signal cable type for all the different feedbacks offered with the 1FT7 motors.

For a catalog or more information on these new servomotors, please contact Siemens at 847-640-1595 of fax at 847-437-0784.

www.usa.siemens.com/motioncontrol

JVL Integrated Motors

JVL offers compact and versatile integrated motors. They offering connection to a wide range of bus systems such as CANopen, Devicenet and Profibus as well as Wireless Bluetooth, WLAN and Zigbee systems.

JVL also offers complete motion control solutions. This includes a wide range of gears that fit directly on the motors for any application:

Low Cost Planetary
If the application is cost sensitive and high performance is not needed the HMGH series is the right choice.

Worm Gears
If cost is important and a 90° angle is also needed – then Worm gear boxes, the HFOS series, should be the first choice.

High Performance Planetary
When an honest hard working Planetary gear box is needed think of the HTRG series. They provide standard backlash of 15 or 10 arcmin (1+2 stage) and also high precision reduced backlash of either 5 or 3 arcmin.

Backlash free Robot Gears
Combine bearing and backlash free gear box into one ultra compact unit – the HSPG reducer. These gears offer unbeatable specs and performance.

JVL International
www.jvlusa.com

Pittman 8000 Series Brush DC Motors

Pittman® “Series 8000” brush-commutated DC motors feature a 7-slot skewed armature design to minimize magnetic cogging (or reluctance torque) and promote smooth and quiet operation. This family of motors offers high performance and reliability to power applications ranging from data storage and medical equipment to semiconductor processing and automation machinery, among others.

These motors are available in three lengths (2.070 in., 2.195 in., and 2.445 in.) and can achieve peak torques up to 16.8 oz-in and speeds up to 9020 RPM at continuous torque for standard motors at rated voltages. Speed, voltage, current, and torque characteristics can be varied to satisfy particular application needs.

Standard features for all models include, 2-pole stator, neodymium magnets, heavy gauge steel housing, silicon steel laminations, and copper graphite brushes. Commutators are diamond turned after armature assembly to promote optimum concentricity and long brush life. Windings are resin-impregnated for greater reliability in incremental motion applications.

Modular construction enables their assemblies to be customized with alternative brush materials, optical encoders, timing belt pulleys, brakes, cables, connectors, modified shafts, and RFI suppression or other special configurations to meet application demands. Motors can be equipped with planetary or spur gearboxes as specified.

AMETEK Technical & Industrial Products
www.ametektechnicalproducts.com

400W MAC400 Integrated AC Servo Motor

A unique feature on the market for integrated servo drivers is the JVL MAC400 motor’s provision of both 3 x nominal torque at peak torque and full peak torque at all speeds.

This means that the power of the motor can be fully utilized. Equally important is the fact that in the majority of applications a smaller motor rating can be used, since peak torque is normally only required during acceleration or braking (deceleration).And this means it is possible to achieve more compact machinery at lower prices.JVL has had these 2 characteristics as key parameters throughout the development of the entire range of MAC Integrated Servo Motors — and triple-torque with flat torque characteristics therefore also applies to the MAC050…141 and MAC800 motors.

MAC400 thus delivers 1.2kW peak, while MAC800 delivers 2.2kW peak.Given these characteristics, it is quite remarkable that JVL’s R&D department achieved this performance without the use of a cooling fan, using only cooling fins. After the extensive development work, JVL now expects to have the MAC400 UL recognized. Already now the MAC400 is UL pending.

www.jvlusa.com

Next Page »