4th Quarter 2015Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Reallocating control functions to individual machine modules allows machine engineers and operators to make maximum use of valuable site space, enhancing their production capacities. The cabinet-free drive technology IndraDrive Mi from Bosch Rexroth merges the drive electronics and motor into an integral unit. This combination virtually eliminates drive electronics housed within a cabinet and drastically reduces the wiring required to connect individual components. With this integrated drive control unit, drive functions, motion control and flow logic merge into an open automation platform. Complex motion tasks can be handled with the motion logic system, which is fully designed in accordance with IEC 61131-3.
“The cabinet-free drive technology extends the possibilities to modularise machine concepts,” explains Georg Venter, divisional manager of Tectra Automation. “Machine manufacturers pre-assemble machine modules and then connect them to one another at the cabinet without any further work.” Central to the reallocation of drive control components are the Bosch Rexroth decentralised supply and mains modules. “This is how machine manufacturers can integrate all drive components directly into the machine without needing a cabinet,” Venter explains.
The mains module includes a mains filter, mains regulator and mains protection in a single unit. The supply module includes an energy-recovering power supply, control electronics and brake resistors. The connection of the machines or modules to the power supply is carried out directly and without deviation via the cabinet. This reduces wiring in the assembly by as much as 90%.
A newly-developed hybrid plug for adjacent near-motor drives further reduces assembly work. These protected connector pieces for communication and power supply are simply plugged into adjacent IndraDrive Mi units by assembly technicians.
IndraDrive Mi supports all common Ethernet-based protocols, including ProfiNet, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT, all on a single piece of hardware with the Multi-Ethernet interface via the automation bus Sercos. The hardware remains identical, with selection occurring purely via software parameters. A connection to Profibus can be created via Gateway. The motor-integrated and near-motor drive modules are designed in accordance with IP65-class protection for dust and water stream protection. Up to 20 IndraDrive Mi modules can be connected in series in a cable harness up to 200 metres long. The drive-based control coordinates up to nine IndraDrive Mi as slaves in real time.
Next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
WEG and SpinDrive are collaborating to integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s market-leading electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution.
Read more...Direct drive with integrated control Vepac Electronics
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The PSD 40 direct drive is a mechatronic system with integrated control, bus interface and absolute measuring system, with no battery required.
Read more...AI-powered on-premises analytics for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens is introducing a new on-premises analytics solution for industrial drive systems. The software enables users to evaluate drive data entirely within their own infrastructure and meet stringent data-sovereignty requirements.
Read more...Hydrostatic machine base for ultra-precision grinding centre
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hyprostatik Schönfeld has developed a high-precision hydrostatic machine base for a new ultra-precision grinding centre for Optotech. The machine platform enables a previously unattainable combination of dimensional accuracy, dynamics and surface quality in the ultra-precision grinding of optical surfaces.
Read more...Innovative drive system for smart logistics Horne Technologies
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With its new DualGear, Faulhaber presents a high-performance drive system with high dynamics, robustness and precision in a compact, diameter-compliant design.
Read more...Proportionate specification for hazardous locations
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
As automation spreads deeper into processing, handling and transport operations, motors are increasingly required to operate in spaces that sit on the edge of hazardous zones.
Read more...Redefining compact motorsport driving simulators
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Leading driver-in-the-loop simulator manufacturer, Ansible Motion has introduced the Delta T1 Sport, the first in a new class of motorsport simulators that offers high-fidelity dynamics, ultra-low latency and a fully immersive experience, all within a compact footprint and accessible price point.
Read more...The shopping cart that knows the way Horne Technologies
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
How can visually impaired and blind people shop independently in a supermarket? VIRAS supplies the answer: an autonomous shopping cart developed at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.