Mitsubishi Electric - Motion Control Tips

New low-profile, direct-drive motor from Mitsubishi Electric

February 5, 2019 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

The new TM-RG2M/TM-RU2M low-profile direct- drive motors from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. are designed to let machine designers have direct control of a load without traditional transmission components.

Built with speed and precision in mind, they provide a smaller footprint and allow for more compact, efficient, and precise machines than those typically built using rotary servo motors. Applications that are well suited for the new motor include coating and vapor deposition systems, index tables, tool changers, rotary material handling robots, and rotary axis on XYθ inspection positioning systems.

Unlike rotary servo motors that are coupled to a load with a mechanical transmission such as a gear, coupling, or belt, the TM-RG2M/TM- RU2M low-profile direct-drive motor is coupled directly to a load, resulting in greater positioning accuracy, reduced energy use and less maintenance. It is ideal for use in industries such as semiconductor / LCD manufacturing, machine tool, material handling and inspection.

The new direct-drive motor allows users to reduce installation space, while combining direct control with the accuracy of a servo motor. It also allows for flexibility when sizing by allowing for compatibility with larger- capacity servo amplifiers such as Mitsubishi Electric’s MR-J4-40B (-RJ) with the TM-RG2M/TM-RU2M 004E30 to further increase torque. It features two installation methods – flange type with pilot and table type with positioning pinholes.

“The TM-RG2M / TM-RU2M Low-Profile Direct Drive Motor reduces the complexity of traditional mechanical power transmission systems which increases the machine efficiency and reduces downtime/maintenance by eliminating mechanical components,” said Dan Zachacki, Senior Product Marketing Engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. “It provides customers with the all advantages of a servo motor in a compact package that is capable of supporting and driving a load directly.”

For more information, visit https://us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en.

AEGIS Series UPS

September 4, 2015 By Mike Santora Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric announces the AEGIS series UPS as the successor to its 9900A Series. Like all other Mitsubishi Electric UPS products, AEGIS is a three-phase, on-line double-conversion system and features Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) technology for improved performance and reliability. The AEGIS series is available in 80, 100, 150, 160, and 225 kVA and is UL924 listed.

The AEGIS has a relatively flat efficiency curve, indicating that the UPS is highly efficient regardless of the load. “This is significant since loads in various data centers can range from 25 to nearly 100 %,” said Dean Datre, general manager, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Inc.’s UPS division. “The 225 kVA model has an efficiency of 95.7 % with a load of just 25 % while in the inverter mode.” The optional Enviro-Mode offers the ability to achieve 99 % efficiency.

The AEGIS also has a small footprint, with the largest unit having a width of less than 3-ft. It is also significantly lighter in weight than its competitors of the same size. There are numerous connection options with the AEGIS, which offers cable entry from the top, bottom, and either side. The AEGIS can be configured as either a single module or a multi-module system with up to four units. It includes a three-year parts and labor warranty.

Mitsubishi Electric’s UPS products are designed and manufactured to extend data center uptime, prevent costly data loss and protect against damaging power surges.

Mitsubishi
www.meppi.com

Advanced functions move to cost-effective PLCs

April 22, 2015 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Now a family of new controllers — the iQ-F Series compact controllers from Mitsubishi Electric Automation — gives engineers a compact and affordable design option.

Based on Mitsubishi Electric’s FX Series, they deliver the same control capabilities as their predecessors … but the controllers have new functionalities for even better performance and user experience. More specifically, the controllers offer synchronized motion control, data logging, and sophisticated security features. The controllers also have some of the features of Mitsubishi Electric’s more advanced iQ Platform controllers, unifying connectivity and programming with other Mitsubishi Electric automation components for a scalable solution.

“With our new iQ-F Series, OEMs can build powerful automation systems with fewer components, shorter engineering time, and at lower total cost,” said Deana Fu, product manager, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

Here’s a link to the product overview (as a PDF) from Fu.

“Plus advanced security features let OEMs protect intellectual property at the final installation. Each controller can have a security key that allows users to easily manage access to and operation of both software and hardware.”

Download a summary PDF about the controllers.

Engineering managers, maintenance engineers and other end users get more throughput, ease of maintenance, and extended machine life-cycles.

When paired with Mitsubishi Electric’s D700 Variable Frequency Drives, the compact controller provides intelligent drive control that is useful in the water industry, specifically irrigation and pump control applications. When combined with the GOT2000 Series Graphical Operator Interface (GOT), the iQ-F Series is an excellent solution for food-and-beverage applications that require recipe management such as filling, sealing and labeling.

The iQ-F Series controller also has embedded functions such as analog and digital I/O, positioning control, security features, data logging, serial and Ethernet communication. Aside from built-in positioning, an add-on Simple Motion Module lets users perform synchronous and cam control for up to four axes of servo via SSCNET III/H in an easy and intuitive format.

Additional functionality with the add-on Simple Motion Module includes gearing, torque control, and linear and circular interpolation, making it a suitable for food and beverage, packaging, and assembly equipment. Applications include labelers, small packaging machines, pick and place, and cut to length.

Get information on the new iQ-F Series Compact Controller and other factory-automation products at mitsubishielectric.com.

Mitsubishi Electric Adds Simple Motion Module to PAC Platform

December 5, 2012 By Motion Control Tips Editor Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric’s QD77MS simplifies programming of complex motion profiles, reduces engineering costs and minimizes learning curves.

Other advantages of the QD77MS Simple Motion Module include:

Programming and set up of both PLC and motion control using a single software program — GXWorks 2.
Controller compatibility, assuring smooth migration to improved technology platforms using tools that offer motion project diversion and project recycling capability.
Drive compatibility, allowing use of either existing or newer technology servo amplifiers for actuation control.
A high-speed 300 Mbps communication network that improves system response and data capacity, and provides full insight into the control dynamics. Metrics such as power consumption can also be measured over this network. A function block library on the 2-, 4- and 16-axes modules. With the connectable servo drives, users can reduce total energy consumption.

Users with minimal programming experience in creating motion profiles can do so intuitively, thanks to the motion controller’s position table and mechanical editor system. The QD77MS also supports advanced motion functions such as cam profiles and registration, speed, position and torque control.

Available with 2-, 4- or 16 input/output axes, the QD77MS Simple Motion Module is the newest member of the iQ family of expansion modules available for use with the iQ automation and control platform. The iQ Platform combines all aspects of control. These include PLC, motion, CNC, HMI, robotics and communications in a compact, rack-based configuration.

The QD77MS module connects to Mitsubishi Electric’s MR-J4-B servo amplifier over SSCNET III/H, the company’s servo system control network. This allows high-speed synchronous communication between the amplifier and the simple motion module, offering technical advantages for machines that require synchronous accuracy.

QD77MS motion controllers are engineered for motion control applications used in food packaging, semiconductor fabrication, LCD manufacturing, machine tool, material handling, automotive manufacturing and more.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
www.MEAU.com

Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s RT Toolbox2 has iQ Works Software Suite

October 26, 2012 By Motion Control Tips Editor Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. has integrated RT Toolbox2™ into its popular MELSOFT iQ Works® software platform and has added robots to the MELSOFT Navigator® environment. The addition of RT Toolbox2 allows programming, maintaining, retrofitting and monitoring of Mitsubishi Electric robots ─ along with PLCs, HMIs, Servos and Motion Controllers ─ from the same platform.

In addition to software tools already included for PLCs, HMIs, Servos and Motion Controllers, RT Toolbox2 provides access for Mitsubishi Electric’s line of robots within MELSOFT Navigator. Now these different types of equipment can be configured into a single environment, creating paths for communications and a shared database of data labels.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation customers can use RT Toolbox2 as part of the MELSOFT iQ Works software to create a cost-effective integrated suite that covers even more of their software needs. MELSOFT iQ Works includes GX Works2™ for PLCs, GT Works3™ for HMIs, and MT Works2™ for Servos and Motion Controllers. All feature simulation tools for PLCs and HMIs that not only work independently, but can also be combined to simulate a complete PLC/HMI system with no hardware required.

Current Mitsubishi Electric Automation customers are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version of iQ Works, enabling access to RT Toolbox2 as part of their iQ Works software suite.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
www.MEAU.com

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Debuts Ethernet Communications Adapter for PLCs

August 23, 2012 By Stacy Combest Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric Automation has an Ethernet adapter for its FX3 Series PLCs. The FX3U-ENET-ADP can be a cost-efficient alternative to micro PLCs to connect equipment such as PLCs, HMIs and personal computers, and has a built-in data monitoring tool so users can view real-time status and current data values of their equipment.

The FX3U-ENET-ADP features easy setup through standard programming software, four-channel communications for access to a wide range of devices, and an embedded data monitor for viewing network status using just a web browser. The adapter interfaces easily with other control systems and connects with most modular machine components to deliver detailed information about network conditions. It uses GX Works2 to create a direct connection without setting any IP addresses, and automatically synchronizes a PLC’s internal clock to an SNTP time server.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation
www.MEAU.com

Mitsubishi Introduces MR-J4 Servo & Motion Controller

July 3, 2012 By Motion Control Tips Editor Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric Automation (www.meau.com) has unveiled the MR-J4 Series of servo amplifiers, servo motors and motion controllers that efficiently deliver a frequency response speed time of 2500Hz.

The MR-J4 maximizes machine throughput and performance for end-users and machine builders while reducing settling times to less than two milliseconds.

Designed to deliver improved operator safety, the MR-J4 features a modular architecture that comes with a standard redundant two-channel STO input (Safe Torque Off) and an optional module to offer Safe Stop (SS1) input in line with EN61800-5-2. Meanwhile, the system configuration of the MR-J4 supports PLd (EN13849-1) and SIL2 (EN62061).

For advanced systems requiring the highest level of safety support for SOS, SS2, SBC, SLS and SSM, the MR-J4 utilizes motion controllers and amplifiers equipped with safety modules. This allows users to cut down on costs by “tuning” the configuration of their system to satisfy the safety requirements of the target applications.

Aside from the MR-J4B (SSCNET III/H motion network) and MR-J4A (analog/pulse train) models, the MR-J4 series also comes with two additional variants for three- and two-axis operation amplifiers. This approach does not only provide for a more efficient and compact solution, but also allows machine manufacturers to save money in terms of energy costs while reducing CO2 emissions.

Additionally, the MR-J4 servo family features a bus speed that is three times faster through SSCNET III/H (Serial Network from Servo to Motion). When using the three axis model, the servos require less wiring and connections as well as reduced energy consumption due to the increase in regenerated, reusable energy.

Melsec L series positioning modules adds simple motion module

January 10, 2012 By Motion Control Tips Editor Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric (www.mitsubishielectric.com) has optimized its Melsec L series positioning modules to include a “simple motion module”, which offers various advanced functions such as torque and speed control, using simple parameter settings.

The module supports circular interpolation of two axes, linear interpolation of up to four axes, continuous orbit control and fixed feed control. Users only have to set the speeds as well as the positioning addresses from within a sequence program.

The auxiliary functions of the Melsec L series positioning module feature step operation, M codes, skip and target position change. Featuring a built-in mark detection interface, the series’ cam control and synchronous control can also be combined.

The module has been specifically designed to match a library of function blocks that are based on PLCopen motion control specifications. Offering single- and multi-axis functions, the library delivers a standard command set that effectively enhances the set-up, despite the complexity of motion tasks, leading to reduced maintenance, development and support costs.

Instead of using motion programming, the motion module employs parameter settings to simplify the system set-ups. A data table is used to execute the positioning control, while the positioning data is set with the help of functions such as offline simulation, automatic calculation of auxiliary arcs and speed simulation. Synchronous control can be implemented using parameter settings, while cams can be easily set without worrying of electronic cam controls.

Mitsubishi offers Ethernet/IP connectivity in SD series robots

October 20, 2011 By Motion Control Tips Editor Leave a Comment

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. (www.meau.com) made a headline when it unveiled its SD series robots with five degrees to six degrees of freedom. A handy group of machines, the RV-2A and RV-2AJ have been especially designed to help in moving as well as in placing components during production. Featuring various uses, the SD series robots now have an added facility. They have been upgraded to feature an Ethernet/IP protocol option.

The decision to include an Ethernet/IP protocol came after Mitsubishi wanted to offer an industrial communication system with real time capabilities. The SD series robots feature a protocol used in ControlNet and DeviceNet. Its Common Industrial Protocol or CIP comes with a plug-and-play interoperability among various vendors. The new Ethernet option utilizes a single cable to connect the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) with the Robotic controller.

With their multitasking operating system boosted by Compliance control function and CIP, the robots have delivered exceptional performance in the industry. Aside from reducing setup time, the new Ethernet/IP option has also reduced hardware costs and saved a lot of idle time during further routing and wiring of the parallel input as well as the output terminals one at a time, resulting to increased productivity of the plant.

The Robots are generally utilized in quality control and analysis department. With the new Ethernet/IP connectivity, company’s using the SD series robots expects to seen an increase in their application.

Mitsubishi Electric Introduces Motion Controllers for the iQ Automation(TM) Platform

November 10, 2008 By Motion Control Tips Editor Leave a Comment

VERNON HILLS, Ill.–Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. introduced its Q172D and Q173D motion controllers for its leading-edge iQ Automation™ platform at PACK EXPO International 2008. These new controllers are engineered for simple to complex motion control applications including packaging, material handling, printing, semiconductor fabrication, solar panel movement, automotive manufacturing and all non-metal cutting applications.

Source: Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

“The Mitsubishi Electric iQ Automation platform combines all aspects of control — PLC, motion, CNC, HMI, robotic, communications and more — in a compact rack-based configuration,” said Sunny Ainapure, Mitsubishi Electric Automation servo and motion product manager. “The iQ Automation platform addresses the needs of OEMs and system integrators for flexibility, ease of use, enhanced control, reusable design, safety and faster time to market.”

The Q172D is an 8-axis motion controller and the Q173D is a 32-axis motion controller expandable up to 96 axes. These controllers offer high-performance positioning, speed, synchronous phase and torque control. The units provide on-the-fly mode switching and registration through electronic cam and gearing. Q172D and Q173D are ideal for such packaging applications as feed-to-length, roll feeding, bag making, press feed, flying cut-off, random in-feed, form-fill-seal, linear slide, linear motors and indexing conveyors and rotary tables.

The Q172D and Q173D motion controllers connect to Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s MR-J3B servo over SSCNET III, Mitsubishi Electric’s proprietary serial servo control network, which has an installation base of more than 1.5 million axes – one of the largest motion networks in the world. The MR-J3 servo offers OEMs compact design, side-by-side mounting for reduced panel space and the ability to operate rotary and linear motors, and fully closed loop systems. Quick release connectors reduce wiring and setup time. Amplifiers are plug-and-play and all operating parameters are instantly downloaded at power up. Servo axis tuning is quick and easy as is in-plant replacement of servo drives.

The iQ Automation platform’s high-speed, high-accuracy machine control is achieved through the simultaneous processing of sequence programs and motion programs by multiple CPUs and through a high-speed communication bus. The motion control’s CPU cycle time is 0.44 msec, two times faster than previous models. Most of the sequential functional chart motion commands are executed four times faster than previous models. With the new iQ Series programmable controller system bus, the high volume of data exchange — 32K words between multiple CPUs —is about four times faster than previous models.

Programming tools allow users to program in real or virtual mode. The Mitsubishi Electric Mechanical Support Language represents complex motion and mechanical relationships in a graphical manner. This means users can program complex motion on screen using a mouse. The virtual environment allows simple and complex motion programs using a series of mechanical icons to visually represent gear ratios, transmissions, line-shafts, cam profiles and more. The result is that a significant amount of traditional mechanical control can be replaced by servo control, so machine size and cost is reduced and programming is simplified.

Sequential function chart programming is straightforward and easy to learn, allowing for quick programming, as well as visual identification or diagnosis of motion and sequential event processing. This block-by-block format is further simplified with clear distinctions of motion, arithmetic and sequence commands. Detailed descriptions and notation capabilities allow for an easy-to-follow program and cam profiles can be created using advanced software tools or using predefined standard profiles. Additionally, free-form cam profiles can be created using spline interpolation. Once the profiles are created, these motion controllers have the capability to store multiple profiles and change those profiles on the fly. This eliminates the typical downtime associated with mechanical cams.

In terms of programming software, MT Developer, MR-Configurator, GX-Developer 2, GT Works 2 and GT Designer may be used with the new motion controllers. This allows programming motion profiles by using a sequential function chart format, which is the same as the company’s Q170M stand-alone motion controller and the MR-MQ100 single axis/1.5 axis motion controller. This standard programming environment ensures faster set up and ease of programming. The new Q172D/Q173D is CE, UL, and cUL approved as well as RoHS compliant.