Lenze - Motion Control Tips

Motion Trends: Drive manufacturers deliver on customization

March 26, 2019 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Drive manufacturers are updating their products to satisfy the changing needs of designer demands. This includes more powerful drives with added functions, better efficiency and better connectivity, among other features.

An on-going trend across industries is that manufacturers are seeing more of a demand for custom products to suit highly specific customer needs and applications. For some drive manufacturers, this takes the shape of working closely with their customers on their designs.

In fact, companies like ABM Drives base much of their business on working closely with customers to develop custom products. As Gabriel Venzin, President of ABM Drives notes, most of their products are engineering in close cooperation with their customers.

Engineers at Lenze see much the same thing and offer a host of specialized services to aide customers. “Lenze offers full application engineering services which include programming assistance, hardware selection, product demonstration, in-house testing and onsite commissioning,” says Kevin Corcoran, Application Engineer with Lenze Americas. “In addition, field service or after sales technical support are available and there is also 24-hour emergency phone support for customers with critical machine stoppages outside of business hours” adds Corcoran.

Another theme is interoperability. More often than not a design sources components from multiple vendors or even sports legacy and newer components from the same vendor, and so the need for all these pieces to work together is critical. So because multiple vendors are involved in a single project, interoperability becomes more important.

INVEOR MP series drive controllers from ABM Drives can be combined with the company’s motors and gearboxes to simplify setup in a range of applications including warehouse logistic systems.

According to Venzin from ABM Drives, the company “always designs products that can be combined resulting in different end products – various gearboxes can be equipped with an ac induction motor or Sinochron PMAC motors and motor mounted or cabinet installed inverters or no inverter if the customers wished to do so.”

The same is true for Lenze. The company “takes several measures to allow for interconnection between our products”, says Corcoran. “The EASY Engineering Tool suite is used to promote simple access to products both legacy and current. Many of our products share similar fieldbuses that allow them to integrate easily into a Lenze PLC or even a 3rd party fieldbus structure.”

What else is driving business for drive manufacturers? For one, both expanding as well as entirely new applications. For instance, ABM Drives reports that they’ve seen more interest for their products across a broad swatch of applications and industries. AGVs (automated guided vehicles) are one area to consider. AGVs and other battery-powered equipment demands increased partly due to labor shortages and include more and more flexible assembly platforms instead of fixed assembly lines. Some vehicles are being converted to electric due to noise concerns allowing operation during night time or weekends or close in noise-sensitive buildings such as hospitals and nursing homes.

Also, applications in automated warehousing (so-called AS/RS systems) are seeing more demand for integrated systems that incorporate Industry 4.0 functions and combine conventional conveyor systems with AGVs. Some other applications like all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) have a need for drives, but limited battery life and associated cost still holds back quick expansion in these areas.

As for the future of engineering education and internship or training programs, ABM Drives is actively involved in bringing about the next generation of engineers and tech workers. As a German company ABM has always employed apprentices for functions such as mechatronics and machining. They also provide opportunities for internships for technology students from university programs. In the end, the company strongly believes that training of young professionals for all key functions is a must for long term survival and success of the company.

Access your own smart data —with Lenze and IoT specialist ei3

December 4, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Lenze (manufacturer of drives, motion control, and automation technologies) in partnership with IoT specialist ei3 (based in New York) now helps customers reach the promised value of IoT and advanced analytics. Return on investment (ROI) is possible using quantifiable metrics, available in dashboard or report form, within the first few months of deployment. At both PACK EXPO 2018 and Hannover Messe USA, booth visitors learned more about this solution which is suitable for services such as remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, while maintaining high levels of security. Lenze is able to demonstrate that Industry 4.0 is no longer an abstract concept, but indeed a reality. The cloud offers an infinite amount of storage space and computing power, but it first needs the right concepts and applications before it can become a genuine added value. Machine data from the control, the drives and the sensors can now be transferred securely to the cloud with minimal effort.

“Companies can monitor their machines’ performance in real time to increase asset utilization, improve production quality, reduce service costs, and save energy,” according to Daniel Repp, automation product manager at Lenze Americas. “This leads to operational savings and increased profit margins, without compromising machine and data safety.”

For customers of automation specialist, Lenze there’s now an easy way for OEMs to collect all the data that is available inside the Lenze controllers. They can then evaluate this data and make it available to their own customers, either as an up-to-date dashboard or in the form of reports providing performance figures. This data can be used to determine how to optimize systems and processes. In addition, the solution is suitable for services such as remote diagnosis and maintenance, and it can also be used to provide predictive services.

The data from a machine is first transferred via OPC-UA (Unified Architecture) to a security appliance within the production network. From then on, all the communication takes place in encrypted form at a high level of security in ei3’s own data centers. It is a private cloud offering big-data services with easy accessibility – preconfigured and available to OEMs. To start collecting data, machine builders will specify the target data points in the needed application – no prior knowledge of IT or big data necessary. It is also easy for the OEM to carry out remote diagnosis and remote maintenance once the product is up and running.

Data security takes top priority in ei3’s own regional data centers. There are three of these: one of each in the USA, Europe and Asia. A fourth one is currently being created in Germany so that the customers’ local data never leaves the country. The data specialist from New York employs strong encryption systems for the data transfer – comparable with the kind of encryption that is used by banks.

Data sent to the cloud can be analyzed for different applications. The simplest case would be when a warning is generated because a specific critical value has been exceeded, such as the ambient temperature (condition monitoring), or because it might be exceeded in the near future (predictive maintenance). This enables the maintenance department to plan the maintenance window in advance, combining different upcoming tasks into one maintenance job and thus reducing the system downtimes, which has a positive effect on OEE and ROI.

Industry 4.0 doesn’t only mean better machine control and the optimization of processes for the user, but the OEM also benefits from the additional information. He can optimize service on the basis of the machine data. The analysis of the usage data shows what the machines’ real operating conditions look like, since they often diverge considerably from what the customer previously reported. Accordingly, the machines can be precisely adapted to the actual operating conditions, and weaknesses that emerge can be eliminated. The machine manufacturer can also strengthen customer ties significantly with custom-made solutions and individual service offers.

Lenze offers all of the necessary modules to create smart machines – from the automation and drive technology, to the necessary development tools and software tools, and now the cloud connection. For more information, visit www.Lenze.com.

Lenze Group update: Revenue figures, technology releases, and focus on digital services

December 1, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Lenze Group has continued its course of growth for 2017/2018 and exceeded key financial targets. Group revenue increased in the reporting year by 9.2% to a new record of EUR 741.0 million, far surpassing original expectations. Organic revenue growth, adjusted for currency effects, amounted to 11.2%. Operating results (EBIT) also reached a new high, rising by 12.3% to EUR 65.7 million. The EBIT margin rose to 8.9%. Net income grew by 21% as a result of a favorable tax ratio performance.

Building on decades of mechatronics experience, Lenze is bolstering its position as a global systems partner for integrated machine automation as part of implementing its 2020+ strategy … largely through scalable hardware.

The Mechatronics and Automation Systems divisions are benefiting from the company’s growth momentum. The revenue of the digital division likewise developed positively in the reporting year. Setting the pace in global factory automation, Lenze has a considerable competitive advantage with its two subsidiaries:

• the Bremen CPQ specialist Encoway

• the software company Logicline based in Sindelfingen, Germany

These subsidiaries let Lenze provide digital services and solutions along the entire value chain … for Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) functionalities — such as remote and predictive maintenance, big data management and analytics, virtual reality, and working with digital twins.

Lenze also invested in developing global sales — and focused sales activities on five high-growth sectors: automotive, consumer goods, converting and printing, intralogistics, and textiles. In these industries, the company can effectively implement application competencies for production processes. In fact, over the last fiscal year Lenze has completed more than 1,000 customer projects.

In terms of product development, the company has been pursuing a platform strategy to accelerate innovation cycles, boost market penetration, and support cost-effective design for lean production. Case in point: i500 frequency inverters and i950 servo inverters (launched this financial year) enable consistent automation platforms.

Lenze saw the greatest absolute revenue growth in Europe. With a sales increase of 18.6%, Asia recorded the largest rise in percentage terms … and strong sales in the U.S. continued. Lenze also increased profitability with strong revenue growth. Operating result (EBIT) rose by 12.3% to EUR 65.7 million, reaching a new high. The EBIT margin increased to 8.9%. The return on capital employed (ROCE) grew in the financial year 2017/2018 by 1.2 percentage points to 23.5% (previous year: 22.3%).

All in all, the Lenze Group generated a gross cash flow from operations of EUR 62.3 million (previous year: EUR 56.1 million) – prerequisite for financial strength and stability. The company therefore has sufficient scope for investment. At the Extertal location in North Rhine- Westphalia, for example, a major future project for Lenze is currently being developed with the Mechatronic Competence Campus (MCC). Overall, the company will be investing approximately EUR 50 million in the location until planned completion of the new mechatronics campus in 2020.

Equity capital also improved. With a balance sheet total of EUR 483.1 million, equity capital amounted to EUR 321.3 million (previous year: EUR 299.0 million). This corresponds with an equity ratio of 66.5% compared with 64.1% in the previous year. In addition, the Lenze Group has net financial assets totaling EUR 63.0 million (previous year: EUR 59.4 million).

The Executive Board considers Lenze to be very well-positioned, both strategically and financially, “We want nothing less than to set the pace for global factory automation and to be at the very front of shaping digital transformation,” explains Chair of the Executive Board Christian Wendler. Wendler expects moderate growth for the financial year 2018/2019. “We are pursuing the growth strategy and investing disproportionately in sales channels, R&D, and digital services.”

Lenze reaffirms its intention to increase its revenue to EUR 850 million by the financial year 2020/2021. The automation specialist is more aiming for the one billion mark by leveraging the opportunities of digitalization in the years to come.

	2017/2018	2016/2017	Change
Revenue in EUR millions	741.0	678.3	+9.2%
EBIT in EUR millions	65.7	58.5	+12.3%
EBIT margin in %	8.9	8.6	+0.3% points
Return on capital employed (ROCE) in %	23.5	22.3	+1.2% points
Gross cashflow in EUR millions	62.3	56.1	+11.1%
Investment in EUR millions	22.4	11.5	+94.8%
Equity ratio as %	66.5	64.1	+2.4% points
Net financial assets in EUR millions	63.0	59.4	6.1%
Employees as at 30.04.2018	3,715	3,457	+258 (+7.5%)

Lenze presents other information about its business operations for specific groups via 30-second multimedia clips at annual-report.lenze.com.

Motion Trends: Integration, software tools top controller trends

March 23, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

As machines become more complex, designers are looking for more integrated solutions to simplify overall machine design. So engineers are becoming more savvy about their automation choices, and are seeking solutions that offer better precision and performance all in one package.

And controls manufacturers have heard the message. For instance, Lenze just recently introduced a new safety controller, the c250–S. With the safety controller Lenze brings the whole safety solution into the machine. In combination with the Lenze controller family, the safety controller completes the total solution by adding required safety functions like the safe bus coupler and safe I/O.

The controller follows Lenze’s easy toolchain approach where the safety controller is part of the engineering toolchain for the whole Lenze system. The safety controller is integrated in the PLC Designer, the Lenze engineering tool for PLC programming, and requires no additional software. This makes it easy for machine builders to program the safety functions together with the whole machine application.

Other manufacturers are integrating components and functions while also shrinking their product footprints, another ongoing trend. AMK has developed MultiServo, four axes of motor control and an integrated motion control in the space (and cost) of two drives. With MultiServo, machine builders can make the control of servo axes even more multifunctional, precise, and cost-effective and up to 60 % more compact. The single module is only 130 mm wide, 320 mm high and 230 mm deep.

AMK’s MultiServo line combines four axes of servo motion control into the space of two drives, integrating industrial production and the latest communication technology for IoT/Industry 4.0.

The MultiServo module also has application in robots. Specifically, it is an IP20-based drive bank that has a robotic/motion controller integrated inside. It can control four servo axes configured to match the mechanical system being controlled. The compact design allows a cascade of robots to fit into a single small cabinet. The integrated controller means the robots can be standardized quickly regardless of the mechanical system, providing robust control from any supervising system.

As the AMK MultiServo example shows, robots and other automated vehicles are a growing area for controllers. These automated vehicles are at the front lines of full-automated operation, and many come in the form of mobile robots.

“Omron offers a variety of mobile robots – or Autonomous Intelligent Vehicles (AIV), that are able to carry different functions to help customers in manufacturing as well as warehousing and distribution,” says Greg Dieck, Motion Product Manager at Omron. “For example, in hospitality, they are used to deliver incidentals to guests’ rooms; in food and beverage packaging, they are used to carry raw material inputs to various lines for integration into the final product; and in manufacturing, they are often used to carry sub components to the production line for final assembly. We’ve even seen them used to deliver mail to different departments in large companies.”

Omron’s NJ5 controller features OPC UA compatibility, the industrial communication protocol that enables data exchange between machines and from machine to IT systems, especially useful for IoT or Industry 4.0 applications. It also offers data security through encryption and authentication.

Dieck adds that these AIVs are also used in many different facets of warehousing and distribution. The AIVs can be easily called from different locations to pick up and transport products to different locations within a warehouse.

Software developments also play a big role in controller developments. For instance, Omron has been adding software-based capabilities to its controllers that mean an array of applications can be serviced easily. Specifically, this affects the IIoT and the increasingly networked world of manufacturing.

“Omron launched IO-Link to help monitor and maintain the highest level of production integrity and accuracy,” adds Dieck. “Combined with Omron InduSoft, the company offers a predictive maintenance solution to prevent downtime or costly production stops before they occur.”

The LD robot from Omron is a self-mapping and self-navigating autonomous intelligent vehicle. The mobile robots are fully safety compliant and use an onboard laser and other sensors to detect obstacles in their path and, based on speed of travel, trigger an E-stop to prevent vehicle collision.

They’re also expanding into safe motion over EtherCAT, which will allow control and safety over one wire. Using the latest technologies, Omron offers advanced motion at a high safety level (SIL3), which helps designers with faster set-up time as well as better throughput, all while running in a safe mode.

Other software capabilities include the ability to use the company’s programming software to auto-tune and set-up servos. The software can also simulate the program performance and timing which allows users to calculate throughput on their machine while still in the designing stages and ensure that they are getting the best performance possible.

The company has also created their own sizing software, which lets them account for complex mechanical systems. Customers can export a file from the sizing software and use it to create hardware configurations in the company’s programming software.

Lenze celebrates 70 years of easy machine automation

November 17, 2017 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Lenze, a global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technologies, recently marked 70 years of being in business.

In mid-October, more than 400 international experts from the industry, along with journalists, came together at the company’s German headquarters in Gross Berkel (near Hamelin) for the Future Day of Machine Manufacturing. They enjoyed creative discussions on trends, challenges, and intelligent solutions.

What started as a trading company in Hamelin, Germany, soon developed into an international drive and automation company. Today, Lenze takes pride in being a real partner to its customers by working with them to develop intelligent solutions for the Smart Factory. Always at the forefront of innovation, Lenze celebrated its 70th anniversary by looking to the future. What will be the trends of tomorrow, and which developments are currently influencing the industry? What new solutions will determine the future? These were only some of the questions that Lenze discussed at the event with customers, partners, journalists, and friends of the company. Top-class experts from very different business disciplines talked about digitalization, IoT, and future challenges, as well as the opportunities it will bring for the future of machine manufacturing.

To make digital transformations possible, cooperation is the key factor. “Our ability to develop the right solutions for the challenges faced by our customers has always depended on the people themselves, and this will continue into the future. The cooperation and partnership we establish with our customers is the most important aspect of our business,” said Lenze CEO Christian Wendler. “In order to create intelligent machines, the role of the people will increasingly be to work creatively in teams – and cooperation skills will become the new core competence.”

Digitalization also means change for Lenze itself – as it shifts its business to align with the shift in the industry. The manufacturer of components, drive solutions, and automation systems is turning into a service provider that presents itself to its machine-manufacturing customers as a complete engineering partner. “We automate machines – and make it so easy,” said Wendler. “People with drive are necessary for this, and they took the opportunity at the Future Day of Machine Manufacturing to get some hands-on experience with the automation technology of tomorrow, and to understand it – and also to celebrate Lenze’s 70th birthday in a fitting way.”

Visit www.Lenze.com to learn more.

Lenze m850 synchronous servo motors for average dynamic performance

October 2, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Lenze, a global leader and manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technologies, is pleased to announce the release of the new m850 synchronous servo motors with moderately dynamic responsiveness in the upper power range.

The m850 series offers servo motors that are compact, easy to control, and run efficiently. They are especially suitable for positioning tasks in packaging and material handling systems.

“Our tried-and-tested MCS motors meet the requirements of high-end applications where maximum dynamic responsiveness and precision are required,” said Alby King, electromechanical product manager, Lenze Americas. “With that in mind, the m850 series is especially suitable for positioning tasks in packaging, robotics, and material handling applications where a high degree of quiet, smooth operation is required.”

The housing of the series has smooth and easy-to-clean surfaces making these servo motors suitable for use in the food industry. The motors come with a robust resolver feedback system as a standard feature but can also be supplied with multi-turn sin/cos encoders for high precision. SpeedTec connections with rotary connector boxes enable speedy installation and replacement in the event of service.

In conjunction with the servo inverters i700, 9400 and 8400 TopLine, it provides high-performance drive setups in the torque range of 5.30 lb-in. to 1770 lb-in. (0.6 to 200 Nm).

Lenze is a global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology. As a global specialist in Motion Centric Automation, we offer the customers products, drive setups, complete automation systems, engineering services and tools from a single source. We are a leading provider of automation setups to the packaging industry, and the other focus industries include automotive, material handling and logistics, robotics, and commercial pumps/fans. With a global network of engineers, sales representatives, and manufacturing facilities, Lenze is well-positioned to meet the motion control needs of customers worldwide. Lenze Americas, the American subsidiary of Lenze SE of Germany, is headquartered in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, with an assembly and logistics center in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Corporate global headquarters are in Hamelin, Germany. For more information, visit www.Lenze.com.

Lenze announces Power/mation as new distributor

April 27, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Lenze Americas, a global leader and manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technologies, has announced that Power/mation, an automation distributor based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, will now be selling a complete line of Lenze products, including general purpose inverters, amplifier servo lines, servo automation systems, engineered geared motors and mechanical components.

“We are thrilled to have Power/mation sign on as a distributor,” said Doug Burns, director of sales and marketing, Lenze Americas. “Given their team’s expert knowledge, we are sure the new partnership will be mutually beneficial and look forward to their help in growing Lenze’s automation, motion, and mechatronics sales in the Upper Midwest.”

Power/mation is an automation distributor in the Midwest offering robotics, sensors, servo motion control, AC/DC drives, networking, industrial vision, connectivity, enclosure modification, safety, kits and a wide variety of customized technical solutions. Headquarters are in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit powermation.com and follow the company on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Lenze is a global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology. As a global specialist in Motion Centric Automation, we offer our customers products, drive solutions, complete automation systems, engineering services and tools from a single source. We are a leading provider of automation solutions to the packaging industry, and our other focus industries include automotive, material handling and logistics, robotics, and commercial pumps/fans. With a global network of engineers, sales representatives, and manufacturing facilities, Lenze is well-positioned to meet the motion control needs of customers worldwide. Lenze Americas, the American subsidiary of Lenze SE of Germany, is headquartered in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, with an assembly and logistics center in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Corporate global headquarters are in Hamelin, Germany. Visit Lenze.com and follow the manufacturer Twitter andLinkedIn.

Lenze Smart Automation teams up panel controller and frequency inverter

February 24, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

A global leader and manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technologies, Lenze has introduced an intelligent automation solution package combining the Lenze p300 Panel Controller and the Lenze i500 Frequency Inverter. The smart solution integrates a PLC tooling interface to reduce engineering requirements and costly troubleshooting of automated machines and systems.

“In modern automation, smart development strategies must focus on creating easier, more compact and modular machine solutions. The combination of the p300 and i500 provides more automation with less effort—so customers can focus on what they do best,” said Daniel Repp, business development manager, automation solutions, Lenze Americas.

The intelligence behind the Lenze automation solution is the p300 Panel Controller, which unites the Codesys-based sequence control and visualization in a flat device. Designed for basic to medium complexity control and visualization tasks, the robust p300 provides for uniform engineering in all phases of the machine development process. Ready-to-use templates and libraries simplify the handling of visualization displays, with plain text diagnostic information presented in different languages. The space-saving p300 unit is designed for direct installation on the control cabinet door.

The Lenze i500 Frequency Inverter features a streamlined design and scalable functionality for suitable for such applications as conveyors, formers, winders, traveling drives, tool and hoist drives. This is Lenze’s newest inverter series in the 0.33 to 100 Hp (0.25 to 75 kW) power range.

The combination of the p300 and i500 simplifies engineering with a user-friendly tool for drive parameterization. Eliminating the need for knowledge of traditional programming languages, the Lenze PLC Designer makes online and offline parameterization straightforward. The PLC tooling interface on the p300 enables direct access to the i500, so parameters can be changed intuitively during runtime and saved in the control system for reference later. The PLC Designer allows device content to be written onto a USB flash drive and easily loaded into successive machines. EtherCAT standard interfaces between the p300 and i500 ensure faster control cycles and facilitate remote maintenance and monitoring.

“Project parameters can be stored on a back-up USB—saving valuable time for customers implementing series machine design and services,” adds Repp.

Visit www.Lenze.com for more information about the Lenze p300 Panel Controller and i500 Frequency Inverter automation solution.

Lenze Americas Named Ralph Rosa President

January 19, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Lenze SE, a global leader and manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drive, motion control and automation technologies, recently announced the appointment of Ralph Rosa as president of Lenze Americas.

“More than ever, Lenze’s motion centric applications and solutions expertise can make a real difference for machine builders looking for higher productivity, better energy efficiency, lower system cost or global service support. We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Ralph Rosa as president of Lenze Americas. Under his leadership, Lenze Americas will build on our North American sales, production and engineering footprint for a dynamic future and the customers we serve,” said Dr Yorck Schmidt, member of the Lenze executive board and chairman, Lenze Americas.

Rosa is excited to join Lenze, an organization with one of the freshest product portfolios in the industry including newly launched product families and software such as: space-saving, flexible and low-cost i500 inverters; revolutionary and robust g500 geared motors; and time-saving FAST Software Modules for developing many automation applications. “Leveraging impressive worldwide capabilities, Lenze is uniquely positioned as a global Motion Centric Automation specialist and poised to dramatically expand in the Americas with its extensive new product offerings, industry expertise, and system capabilities,” said Rosa.

Rosa brings a strong track record to Lenze with more than 25 years of experience at Eaton Corporation in the controls, automation, power electronics, and services businesses. At Eaton he achieved leadership positions running business units and large sales, marketing, and engineering organizations in the United States and Switzerland. Most recently, Rosa served as president of Schaffner North America. While under Rosa’s leadership, his businesses recognized significant market share growth and improved operational efficiencies.

Rosa attended Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a dual bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and general arts and sciences. He also holds an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Lenze is a global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology. As a global specialist in Motion Centric Automation, we offer our customers products, drive solutions, complete automation systems, engineering services and tools from a single source. Lenze is a leading provider of automation solutions to industries including consumer goods packaging, material handling and logistics, automotive, robotics, and commercial pumps/fans. With a global network of engineers, sales representatives, and manufacturing facilities, Lenze is well-positioned to meet the motion control needs of customers worldwide. Lenze Americas, the American subsidiary of Lenze SE of Germany, is headquartered in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, with an assembly and logistics center in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Corporate global headquarters are located in Hamelin, Germany. Visit www.Lenze.com for more information.

FAQ: What’s the difference between single-axis and multi-axis (rack or cabinet) controls?

January 9, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

This is Lenze’s 9400 single-axis servo drive.

By Craig Dahlquist • Application Engineer at Lenze Americas || As with most applications, the requirements of the application can determine what type of drive architecture is selected.

The single-axis control means that the DC power supply is internal to each drive.This is Lenze’s 9400 single-axis servo drive.The multi-axis control utilizes a central DC power supply that a number of axes share through the common DC power. There are also control schemes that can utilize a combination of both single and multi-axis control.

There are generalities with both the single and multi-axis control schemes. With the multi axis control the assumption is that there are more than three axes in the system that generally require less than 30 kW of total power. Because the power for each axis is shared between a common DC power supply, the cost advantage greatly increases when more and more drive axes share the common power supply. Generally, the multi-axis drive costs less than its single axis counterpart because the multi axis does not have AC to DC rectification section. Some manufacturers offer multiple axes control in one single multi axis drive unit. In this case, the cost per axis is again significantly reduced.

This is Lenze’s i700 servo inverter for multi-axis applications.

The single-axis design is generally used when there are only a few axes in the system or when the power requirements are larger than 15 kW for individual axes. When there are only a couple axes in the system with a total power of less than 30 kW, the additional cost of the power supply with the multi-axis drives is generally greater than the the single axis solution.This is Lenze’s i700 servo inverter for multi-axis applications.

The multi-axis solution (when cost allows) offers other advantages. Generally, the multi-axis solution requires less control cabinet panel space.

Because there is one main AC line feed for many axes, there is a great reduction in the number of over-current protection devices, line filters or line chokes.

Also, if dynamic brake resistors are necessary, the number resistors required can be reduced. Multi-axis systems have the advantage of sharing power within the closed system. It is possible for some axes in the system to regenerate power other axes in the system motor. While single axis systems can share the DC bus power in a similar fashion, the multi-axis generally can achieve this without additional wiring or fusing.

Overall, when designing a new control cabinet, look to utilize as many axes as possible into a multi-axis control scheme and then for the larger drives use single axis controllers. With this approach, it may be possible to use a smaller control cabinet because the number of devices has been reduced. With less devices being wired and mounted, labor costs can also be reduced. Every new application must be configured to minimize the total costs while assuring that all of the specification requirements are met.