MOTION CONTROL FEATURE Servo solutions
A number of new servo drives have recently been introduced to the UK market. Here we take a look at just a few of the latest releases and their suitable applications
S
ervo drives are used across industry in a wide range of applications; and
recently a number of new solutions have entered the UK market, each of which offers its own features and benefits. Take, for example, ABB’s new MotiFlex e180 series of high-power servo drives, which are available from Heason Technology. This high performance servo drive solution will benefit applications for continuous and heavy-duty motion control and machinery drive tasks in demanding industries such as metal cutting/forming, textiles, plastics and packaging, the company explains. The range can be adapted as part of a centralised control system or, with its built in advanced MINT motion programming capability, as a single axis intelligent stand-alone controller. Cabinet-mounted, this is available in four frame sizes which cover nine drive-stage power ratings up to 120 A peak. With up to 300% of rms current available for peak overload, this feature ensures increased productivity. Additional features include an Ethernet communications capability which extends to configurable EtherCAT and POWERLINK for real-time connectivity, plus Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, or RAW Ethernet based systems. Drive feedback options are equally adaptable with dual-encoder support covering several different serial encoders (EnDat, SSI, BISS, SmartAbs and Hiperface) as well as full support for resolvers and incremental encoders. A single power and feedback cable solution is available for Hiperface DSL encoders. Additional features include integrated
dual channel support for Safe Torque Off (STO); and onboard IO includes six digital inputs, four digital outputs, two analogue inputs and one analogue output. Also included are two one-microsecond fast inputs to capture position for advanced synchronisation in applications such as flying shear and product registration.
The drives can be employed in many different control system architectures with PLC or PAC controllers, as well as ABB’s own NextMove e100 controllers. Also available is the PSD standalone and
multi-axis servo drive from Parker – its ‘next generation motion product line’. This compact drive will, the company explains, serve as the lead product in a Parker system solution that also features a new global PAC control platform offering communication via EtherCAT. Furthermore, the new single cable DSL feedback system is said to provide machine builders with lower cabling and installation cost. As the encoder feedback between the drive and motor is fully integrated into the motor power cable, a separate feedback cable is not needed. The servo drive
family, which is available with different power ratings and form factors, currently comprises: the PSD-S, a standalone version which can be connected directly to the mains supply; and the PSD-M which is a multi-axis system where each power module can supply up to three servo motors. Available with power stages in a range
from 2A to 30A and four digital inputs and two digital outputs per axis, these are suitable for use in markets including food and packaging, material forming, textile, paper, converting and plastics machinery.
MEETING APPLICATION DEMANDS For applications that face harsh environmental challenges, Harmonic Drive has introduced the AlopexDrive servo range which can withstand high shock and vibration loads, rain, dust,
/ DESIGNSOLUTIONS
The PSD standalone and multi-axis servo drive from Parker can be used in markets including food and packaging, material forming, textile, paper, converting and plastics machinery
Harmonic Drive’s new servo drive has been designed for use in harsh environmental conditions
temperatures up to 63°C and corrosive atmospheres. These benefit from a high single stage gear ratio, a high precision and zero backlash Harmonic Drive Gear, and a compact yet powerful hollow shaft synchronous motor with feedback system. An optional brake is also offered on the actuators, which are available in six sizes and six ratios from 30 to 160:1, with a maximum torque of 9-647 Nm. In addition, an output bearing with high tilting capacity allows direct attachment of heavy payloads without the need for further supports, thereby providing simple and space saving design installations. To adapt to a specific application, the AlopexDrive series offers many possible configurations of motor windings, motor feedback systems, motor brake, sensors and cables as well as connector options. Typical applications for the new series
include pan and tilt drives, providing motion for high precision communications antenna and camera systems. B&R Automation, meanwhile, has added two new safety functions to its ACOPOSmulti servo drive family – Remanent Safe Position (RSP) and Safely Limited Acceleration (SLA) – as well as machine options for SafeMOTION parameters. The RSP function allows SafeROBOTICS SLS, SLP and SLO functions to be used without homing after every power-on cycle. The SLA function monitors the acceleration or deceleration of an axis. If the limit being monitored is exceeded, the SafeMOTION module goes into an acknowledgeable error state. According to the company, using
the SLA safety function for coupled axes, for example, makes it possible to significantly reduce the maximum remaining distance an axis will move in the event of an
error. The speed limit set in the SLS SafeROBOTICS function can therefore be configured closer to the point where there is real danger. In addition, it is possible to use the
machine options function to selectively transfer the safety parameters from the functional application to a SafeMOTION module. These safe machine options can be used to update parameters.
Heason Technology
www.heason.com
Parker Hannifin
www.parker.com
Harmonic Drive
www.harmonicdrive.co.uk
Enter 218 Enter 219 Enter 220
B&R Automation
www.br-automation.com Enter 221
DESIGN SOLUTIONS | MAY 2015 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52