Supplementing Tectra’s broad range of Bosch Rexroth drives and controls, the frequency converters offer an excellent price to performance ratio, simple operation and comprehensive basic functions. This reduces operating expenses and minimises CO2 emissions.
Frequency converters for every eventuality
Scalable and cost-effective, they allow easy, fast commissioning via the integrated operating panel, with minimal installation effort. Harmonised parameters allow the user to configure several electronic frequency converters quickly and easily via the removable control panel with memory and copy function. This reduces integration and downtime in case of system expansion or replacement. “The service technician simply uses the control panel and copies the existing parameters to the new device,” says Georg Venter, divisional manager of Tectra’s electric drive and controls division. All have CE marking and UL certification.
An economical solution
The inexpensive Fe series has a scalable power range from 0,75 to 160 kW. Fe converters are designed for V/f operation in harsh environments and have a wide range of applications. The P series is for pumps, and fans with high continuous load and the G series for general automation with high overload. High overcurrent carrying capacity and an integrated brake chopper up to 15 kW rank among their features.
Higher performance up to 90 kW
The Fv series is a field-oriented drive designed for higher performance in the power range from 0,4 to 90 kW. The different control modes – voltage/frequency (V/f), sensorless vector control (SVC) or field oriented vector control (FOC) – enable use in a wide range of applications including material transportation, hydraulics, cranes and lifting gear, and textile machines. Easy to operate and service, these converters have a brake chopper with up to 30 kW of continuous braking power.
Completing the range
Complementing the Fe and Fv series, the EFC3600 is designed for the lower power range, having single phase from 0,4 up to 2,2 kW and three phase from 0,4 up to 4,0 kW.
The EFC 3600 can be connected to other automation topologies via optional Modbus or Profibus fieldbus interfaces or via digital and analogue inputs and outputs. Due to the integrated brake choppers and mains filters, additional peripheral devices are not required. The simple program structure and easy parameter input provide for quick commissioning and startup without the need for a PC.
Due to its compact design, which is complemented by the pluggable I/O terminals and optimised cooling concept, gapless side-by side and space saving installation is possible. For devices up to 0,75 kW fans are not required, and subsequently they are supplied fan-free. Devices with a performance level of 1,5 kW and higher are supplied with integrated fans that can be easily accessed without needing tools for cleaning or replacement. Motor noises are minimised through the continuously adjustable pulse frequency.
Comprehensive support
All this is backed up by comprehensive on-site support in all major centres, a repair facility at Tectra’s head office in Johannesburg and 24-hour technical support. Tectra also has offices in Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Town, with a staff of some 65 highly specialised experts.
State-of-the-art test bench
Tectra has recently invested in a state-of-the-art servo test bench as part of its commitment to the service and support of Rexroth electric drive and control components. The bench is designed to test and setup the full range of Rexroth servo electric motors to the same standards used by Rexroth when manufacturing the motors at their main facility in Lohr, Germany. The unit is built entirely from Rexroth mechanical profiles and is fitted with an L20 PLC and VCP35 colour touch-screen operator interface that is used to select the type of test required and the motor type to be tested.
It is also fitted with various servo drives to enable testing of anything from the 1980 vintage MDD through to the latest range of MKD, MHD, MSK, KSM, 2AD and MAD servo and spindle motors. “We can now set up a motor in a fraction of the time previously taken and run a full test,” Venter adds. “We are one of only a handful of authorised Rexroth distributors outside of the Bosch Rexroth Group to be accredited as a Service Centre of Competence and it’s quite a feather in our cap.”
The accreditation encompasses the repair and testing of the Rexroth range of hydraulic components, including the servo hydraulic systems. Tectra is also required to comply with additional certification requirements for the electric drive and control product range. The certification requires regular overseas training by Tectra technicians on the latest repair techniques. In addition the company must keep records listing, amongst others, the serial numbers, work performed and test results of any equipment that passes through the workshop. Regular testing and certification of any testing equipment is also a pre-requisite for the granting of accreditation by Rexroth. Auditing is every three years.
On-site support for automotive engines
The support of Rexroth controls is not limited to the test and repair facility. Tectra also provides on-site support at an automotive engine producer in Port Elizabeth as the manufacturing equipment is fitted with the latest Rexroth MTX multi-axis controls on the machining centres and overhead gantries. The line comprises machines and high-speed handling systems with over 800 Rexroth servo axes in total. With a total manufacturing capacity in excess of 200 000 engines per annum, it is vital to keep downtime to a minimum and the support offered by Tectra on the Rexroth equipment has ensured that production targets are met.
Refurbishments and upgrades
Tectra has also been involved in several projects together with Hytec to refurbish and upgrade hydraulic presses where customers have required increased production capacity or reliability. In addition Tectra specialises in upgrading the drive and control equipment on feed to length and flying shear lines that have outdated drive technology. “We have designed and built test equipment to test pressure vessels as well as large hydraulic cylinders of up to 15 metres in extended length,” says general manager, Kevin Lombard. “In all these systems Tectra used the Rexroth range of high powered PLCs and developed customised data capturing and fault logging software. These are specialised in synchronisation of multiple servo axes using standalone PLCs or with full PLC and motion control functionality built into the servo drive.”
The full range
Tectra is also responsible for the other automation products within the Rexroth range which, besides the electric servo products, comprises the full range of pneumatic, linear motion and assembly technology products. This enables the company to offer customers solutions from the supply of components only through to complete systems that minimise the design and engineering time required for automated handling systems in a variety of industries. As each product is supported by a dedicated team of technical and sales staff, customers are assured of the best service and expertise on each aspect of the system. “Whilst customers have traditionally preferred to purchase components when designing customised handling systems, the tendency is now to purchase a complete axis that can be combined and set up with minimum design or commissioning effort by the customer,” adds Lombard.
Easy to handle
An example of this is the Rexroth range of Easy Handling products that is comprised of complete linear drives designed to be attached to one another using standard brackets and connection elements. These drives come ready to attach the Rexroth servo motors, which themselves are supplied with pre-parameterised software for a variety of standard applications. This reduces the time to set up the machine. The range comprises not only the electromechanical drives and motors but also a comprehensive range of pneumatic products for gripping, rotating or low cost positioning of components. “By using the comprehensive Rexroth range of aluminium profiles and connection elements, customers can minimise the amount of machining required to build complex handling systems; and with the use of standard design software from Rexroth the time taken to design frames and structures is minimised thus resulting in extensive cost savings,” Lombard concludes.
For more information contact Georg Venter, Tectra Automation, +27 (0)11 971 9400, [email protected], www.tectra.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 971 9400 |
| Fax: | +27 11 971 9440 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.boschrexroth.africa |
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