Cost and time reductions do not start with the production process but in the development process of new machine tools and production systems. According to Guenter Schmitz, MD of Gauteng-based Flexible Electronic Systems, the increasing complexity of processes has to contend with product life cycles that remain the same or are shortened, leading to demands for more compressed development cycles. Simple and consistent integration of the drive into the machine concept is therefore critical.
“Along with increased expectations for speed, precision and flexibility, the topic of safety systems in the context of personal and machine safety is becoming increasingly important,” he explains. “In order to achieve maximum availability whilst maintaining the required productivity, the highest process safety is demanded and the interaction of safety-relevant components within the safety chain is critical here.”
An example of the safety functionality incorporated into a drive controller is Safe Torque Off, a feature which limits the drive to a safe speed or safe standstill says Schmitz. “The drive controller itself thus becomes part of the safety concept and is even more deeply integrated into the overall drive design.”
The latest ServoOne High Performance servo system from LUST aims at satisfying the most demanding requirements for dynamic response and smoothness in machine tools and production systems.
It does this by incorporating innovative control algorithms, a variety of modern realtime communications interfaces and comprehensive safety functionality. Well thought-out control algorithms and flexible encoder interfaces permit operation with a wide spectrum of motors, from synchronous servomotors through asynchronous motors to linear and torque motors.
To incorporate the control performance of the ServoOne into a wide variety of automation solutions, communication interfaces are available as option cards. In addition to CANopen and Profibus, SERCOS II and EtherCAT protocols are available for rapid synchronised multi-axis movements. Both SERCOS III and Profinet are in the pipeline for the ServoOne.
For application development ServoOne has a standardised IEC 61131 programming system and a wealth of motion control libraries.
Control without complexity Axiom Hydraulics
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In an era where precision, performance and smart control define industrial success, the right driver can make all the difference. At Axiom Hydraulics, we’ve seen firsthand how the Sun Hydraulics XMD series transforms hydraulic systems, from mining and construction to agriculture and automation.
Read more...Planetary gear units for high torque requirements SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Packing a compact design, along with high torque and low-speed outputs, the new SEW PPK and SEW P2.e planetary gear units from SEW-EURODRIVE offer new capabilities in continuous heavy-duty applications where space is at a premium.
Read more...Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.
Read more...Servicing the electric motor sector
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.
Read more...Powerful high-precision hexapod
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.
Read more...Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.
Read more...Industrial gear units for mixing and agitating processes Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Nord Drive Systems encompass modular drive configurations that ensure optimum performance of mechanical speed control for specific applications in almost every industry.
Read more...PC-based control for a food capsule and pod packaging machine Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For TME, a machine builder specialising in the packaging of powdered foods, Beckhoff’s PC-based control technology offers unlimited opportunities when it comes to performance and innovative capacity in terms of flexibility, scalability and openness.
Read more...New torque sensors for fastening applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.
Read more...Miniature position sensor for precision motion control applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The ILPS-13Z Series miniature linear variable inductive transducer position sensor is designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability for a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications, including automotive R&D, motorsports, motion control, medical, military and aerospace.
printer friendly version