Wash-Down Capable Stainless Steel Servo Motor from Beckhoff

Burnsville, Minn. – Beckhoff Automation’s new AM8800 stainless steel servo motor series supplements the highly dynamic servomotors with single cable technology from the new Beckhoff AM8000 series with a resilient, stainless steel finished version. The stainless steel motors are implemented completely in a food-grade design and can be used in extremely harsh or corrosive environments such as in the food, chemical or pharmaceutical industries. 

All motors from the AM8000 series need only one motor cable instead of the usual two. The otherwise necessary feedback cable is eliminated, since the encoder information is transmitted digitally via two cores of the motor cable. The single-cable feedback technology leads to a clear material savings and reduces installation and engineering expenditures.

The AM8800 stainless steel motor series is based on the Beckhoff AM8000 motor series. However, it’s been supplemented by an all-stainless-steel housing in AISI 316L, which was designed according to FDA guidelines, and a stainless steel motor shaft. The series encompasses three sizes, each with three overall lengths. The power range extends from 1 to 8 Nm standstill torque. In designing the motor, corners and edges were avoided; similarly, drill holes and screwed connections were largely dispensed with in order to prevent the accumulation of dirt. The motor flanges are implemented in B5 form and are compatible with the AM8000 series flanges, simplifying the conversion of existing plants and machinery.

Power losses have been kept low because of the optimum connection of the stators to the stainless steel housing. The motors are implemented without additional cooling and the thermal conductivity of stainless steel is approximately 14 times lower than the aluminum housing of the motor in its standard version. All AM8000 servomotors are equipped with a sensor for temperature monitoring, which passes the data on to the drive via the single cable. The data can be processed in the higher-level controller in such a way that the motor can be intelligently controlled in relation to its temperature, a useful function when processing easily perishable foods.

Equipped with IP 67 protection, optionally also in IP 69K rating, the AM8800 motors are even suitable for cleaning with high-pressure cleaners, which are commonly used in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Connection using ‘hygienically designed’ stainless steel cable glands ensures the permanent sealing integrity of the motors. As a special feature, the AM8800 motors can be provided with a sealing air connection in order to prevent the formation of condensation inside the motor. They can also be equipped with a holding brake or a multi-turn encoder, depending on the application requirements.

For more information, visit www.beckhoffautomation.com/am8800.