Latest News: Drives and Control
New On-Machine Motor Controller Provides Simplified Installation Machine builders can now offer customers a compact distributed motor controller that easily installs on the machine without an enclosure, and quickly connects to the enterprise network, thanks to the new family of Allen-Bradley ArmorStart LT distributed motor controllers from Rockwell Automation.
ArmorStart LT distributed motor controllers are ideal for coordinating conveyor motor systems used in material handling and packaging applications and other types of warehouse distribution systems. The new family of distributed motor controllers provides the advantages of On-Machine architecture – a pre-engineered system that helps simplify wiring, speeds up commissioning time and reduces the need for extra cabinet space. ArmorStart LT with EtherNet/IP connectivity improves the exchange of critical information about machine performance and component health, while allowing operators to access parameters, status and diagnostics, regardless of location.
“Machine builders need to provide motor control solutions that accommodate customers’ budgets and existing network architecture,” said Paul Gieschen, market development director, Rockwell Automation. “The new ArmorStart LT distributed motor controllers provide enhanced motor control at a lower price point and smaller package than other On-Machine motor control products on the market.”
ArmorStart LT is ideal in size and weight for most general material handling applications, making it easier to integrate on or near the conveyor or machine.
Installation also is simplified by the distributed motor controllers’ dual-port EtherNet/IP switch technology, which supports device-level ring (DLR) network topology. DLR-based networks reduce configuration time and costs by minimizing the number of managed switches and reducing cabling needs. Users can create a single DLR network that connects all components at the device level locally. Information can be seamlessly communicated in real time to various levels of an organization, without requiring additional complexity. Getting real time information at the right time and at the right levels of the manufacturing environment can enhance the agility of a business.
The distributed motor controllers include an add-on profile for Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000, the software used to program Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and Allen-Bradley ControlLogix programmable controllers from Rockwell Automation. The add-on profile’s automatic, predefined tag names provide manufacturers with a common language that can help improve consistency, and programming speed and efficiency.
The ArmorStart LT distributed motor controllers support a transparent clock to synchronize motor devices on an EtherNet/IP architecture, accommodating for delays introduced by other devices on the network. To help enhance safety, the devices contain a standard, local disconnect feature that allows operators to turn off the motor and perform lockout tagout procedures during maintenance. They also are group-motor listed so multiple units can be grouped under one branch circuit protection device.
Motor Mounted Drive Range is Extended to 7.5kW
The Lenze 8400 motec range of terminal box inverters has been extended and new covers powers from 0.37 to 7.5kW. By decentralising frequency inverters instead of fitting them in the control panel, machine cabling and installation is simplified. The motec range can be mounted directly on the motor in place of the terminal box, or onto a nearby surface - an option made easy with the enclosure rating of IP65. Either way, panel sizes can be reduced and the cost of cabling is lower.
Lenze offer the motec range as ‘drive packages’ consisting of the frequency inverter, the motor, and as appropriate an in-line or right angle gearbox. Two, four and six pole motors can be chosen together with options such as brakes, blowers and encoders. Power connection to the motec frequency inverter can be done with unshielded cables which reduce cost. Also the cable length can be minimised by looping the cable from one inverter to the next. The control connection can be from a simple AS-i bus, the more common industrial fieldbuses of PROFIBUS and CANopen, or even by PROFINET and EtherCAT real time buses. Choosing the control bus is simply a matter of plugging in the appropriate communication module.
Performance of the 8400 motec inverters is dynamic but controllable with PID integrated and options for sensorless or encoder feedback operation. The speed setting range is an excellent 1:24 when used with Lenze motors. Safe Torque Off to PL e of ISO 13849-1 is integrated as standard. Also standard as an option that can be chosen from the free set-up software is the VFC eco energy saving feature. This reduces the magnetisation current in the motor under partial load operation, and savings in energy usage of up to 30% are possible.
The decentralised design of the 8400 motec inverters suits large machines where the reductions in shielded cabling are significant. They also suits machinery where panel space is not available. The range extension up to 7.5kW suiting the majority of production machinery makes it easy to install, saving time and cabling costs. As part of the Lenze L-force portfolio, they are built into the L-force Engineer software meaning that programming, commissioning and diagnosis are easy too.
Lenze For all the most up to date news and products visit
www.thepanelbuilder.co.uk March 2012 Page 11
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