Motors & Drives Information

Five Axis Integrated Stepper Module runs on distributed block I/O network, and consumes 3 of 77 available block I/O slots in control system. It includes stepper translator so output is connected directly to stepper motor eliminating need for stepper drive. Five channels of SSI encoder feedback are available for position verification of each stepper motor being controlled. Stepper motion profiles are set up through main control's application program using PiCPro for Windows.

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January 17rd, 2005 - G&L Motion Control, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin - G&L Motion Control is pleased to introduce the new Five Axis Integrated Stepper Module (FAISM) as part of their distributed block I/O offering. The FAISM directly controls up to five stepper motors. The FAISM runs on G&L Motion Control's distributed block I/O network, which is available on the entire range of control products from the stand-alone MMC to the half-slot PCI card MMC for PC to the rack-based PiC900. The FAISM consumes three of the 77 available block I/O slots in a G&L control system.

The FAISM includes the stepper translator, so the output of the FAISM is connected directly to the stepper motor, eliminating the need for a stepper drive. In addition to the connection to the stepper motor, five channels of SSI encoder feedback are available on the FAISM for position verification of each stepper motor being controlled.

Stepper motion profiles for the FAISM are set up through the main control's application program using PiCPro for Windows. This allows you to program stepper motions using IEC61131 ladder logic and function block or structured text, and to seamlessly integrate the stepper motions with the rest of your machine logic with a single-point programming package. It also allows close-coupling of machine logic, stepper motion and servo motion in one application - because all G&L control products have the capability of mixing servos and steppers in the same system

G&L Motion Control LLC is a division of Thyssen Krupp MetalCutting. G&L manufacturers a wide variety of motion control products including motion controllers, servo drives and motors. OEMs serving a multitude of industries including, packaging, converting, printing, material handling, machining, assembly, metal cutting and semiconductor wafer processing incorporate G&L motion controls into their machinery and equipment.

Alternately called speed controls, small variable speed drives (VSDs) typically range from 10 to 2000 watts in output power. The core of this lower power class is best represented by VSDs ranging from 75 to 750 watts, often described as the fractional horsepower segment of this important family. Applications can be found in many markets; some of the most popular uses include variable speed conveyors, multi-axis conveyors, bar feeders, fans, compressors, pumps, mixers, food processing equipment, automated ticket handling equipment, body scanning actuators, and centrifuges.

Regardless of the type of application, a VSD must control the speed of the motor over a wide speed range. It holds the motor's velocity signal within a specified range as a function of voltage, temperature, and load changes. Actual performance parameters include speed range and speed regulation. Other important performance parameters include motor torque, power levels, input current levels, and motor efficiency.

Two control strategies are used in industry: open-loop control and closedloop control. Open-loop control depends on the electric motor's internal regulation. Closed-loop control techniques measure the motor's speed and compare it to the desired speed values.

Most smaller VSDs in use today continue to employ brush DC motors for a majority of applications due to their lower unit cost and ease-of-use, but technology change is on the immediate horizon. Two different VSDs - brushless PM and AC induction driven VSDs - are competing technology replacements. Both provide performance enhancements and better long-term cost savings than equivalent brush DC VSDs.

At the beginning of the design process, users may select a brushless PM VSD (employing a brushless DC motor) because they need high performance capability and are willing to pay more to obtain it. AC induction VSDs, on the other hand, are selected for longer life requirements and acquisition pricing similar to brush DC VSDs.

With motor, transmission, and bearings totally enclosed in drum shell, Series BLD conveyor drive systems produce noise levels of 50 dB, meeting OSHA requirements. Rated from 0.11-7.5 hp and running at 96% efficiency, drum motors range in diameter from 3.18-12.6 in. with face widths from 7.8-67 in. Belt speeds range from 23-1,369 fpm. Mounted with 2 brackets, sealed-for-life units are virtually maintenance-free and protected from water, dirt, dust, and chemicals.

BDL America, a manufacturer of internally-motorized drum motors, will be highlighting their complete line of products that provide maintenance-free operation in a variety of conveyor belt applications at ProMat 2005, Booth #355, January 10-13, McComnick Place South, Chicago, III. The BDL drum motor, also referred to as a motorized pulley, is an advanced and highly efficient conveyor drive system where the motor, transmission and bearings are totally enclosed within drum shell. Power from the motor is transmitted through the gearbox which is coupled to a geared rim fixed to the drum and housing.

Mounted with just two (2) brackets, there is no need for multiple parts -- and multiple vendors. Ordering and installation are quick and easy requiring less than half the time needed to install external drives. The drum motor requires no external component maintenance.

Series SE500 consists of 8 brushed servos from 23-500 W, while Series SE600 features 8 low inertia brushless servos from 30-1,500 W, and Series SE700 includes 12 medium inertia brushless servos from 50-7,000 W. Differential Hall signals U, V, and W are standard on SE600 and SE700 units. Torque ripple on these 10-pole servos is 0.3% of rated torque. Series SE500 features 1,000 line differential encoders, while Series SE600 and SE700 come with 2,000 line differential encoders.

San Luis Obispo, CA - Trust Automation, Inc. has introduced a new series of brushed servos and two series of brushless servos that can lower the cost of new or existing applications, and improve the performance of an existing application. The integration into an existing application is easy as each motor has been designed as a, "Drop-in-Replacement." Additionally, each series of servo motors has been engineered to reduce torque ripple for smooth operation. Integral encoder, brake, and tachometer options make these brushed and brushless servos ideal for: Robotics, machine tools, medical equipment, assembly, and packaging applications.

Matching the right servo is easy. The SE500 series consists of eight brushed servos from 23 Watts up to 500 Watts. These motors have been designed for high performance. For example, the 5000 rpm SE540-0200 motor is rated at 200 Watts, 3.3 A continuous, and 25 A peak for greater throughput.