2nd Quarter 2015Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Tectra Automation recently supplied and integrated the drive components for bevel head servomotor-driven CNC plasma cutting tables manufactured by CNC Clear Cut in Pretoria. The Bosch Rexroth servo drive train, which interfaced with the CNC control through the Ethernet-based Sercos 3 communications protocol, provided enhanced cutting accuracy and throughput for superior three-dimensional metal profiles. Tectra Automation also integrated the drive train, including engineering, programming, coding and fine tuning. The servomotor requirements were sized according to the torque, speed and inertia specification of each machine cutting axis.
“The servo system with integrated Sercos 3 protocol improved machine output, by providing an instantaneous instruction relay between the CNC control and the servo system across Sercos 3,” explained Georg Venter, Tectra’s divisional manager, electric drives and controls. “Sercos 3 also provided a high immunity to electrical noise. Given the electrical nature of plasma generation, this was invaluable for attaining a more precise, higher quality plasma operation.”
CNC Clear Cut has now built two plasma tables utilising this servo system configuration. The first machine incorporated a sophisticated bevel cutting head, which allowed machinists to swivel the plasma arc for the cutting of precise three-dimensional cone profiles. This required two motors synchronised for the longitudinal axis; a single motor for the cross axis; a motor for the cutting torch height; and two motors for the control of the bevel action. Five planetary gearboxes were used with the servo motors. The second machine did not incorporate the bevel mechanism and was comprised of four servomotors requiring three planetary gearboxes.
Precise detection of complex rotational movements Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The EP3751-0260 EtherCAT Box module by Beckhoff connects an acceleration sensor with an inertial measurement unit - a gyroscope. This provides accurate detection of acceleration and rotational motion in addition to shock, vibration and tilt measurement, both as preprocessed values and as raw sensor data.
Read more...Energy management system for electrohydrostatic actuation systems
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
In the machine manufacturing industry, more drive systems are being converted from servo-hydraulic throttle to electrohydrostatic actuation systems. The four-quadrant capability of the electrohydrostatic pump unit and servo drive used in this technology, in combination with the new Moog energy management system, allows regenerative power flows generated during braking or pressure relief to be stored and reused.
Read more...Drive solution for stacker reclaimer
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Hägglunds Drives South Africa recently completed a retrofit project on the bucket wheel of a stacker reclaimer at Richards Bay Coal Terminal. The project entailed replacing a gearbox drive solution with a direct drive solution from Hägglunds Drives SA.
Read more...Kamoa-Kakula power pack order for SEW-EURODRIVE SEW-EURODRIVE
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With well over 100 units already delivered, SEW-EURODRIVE is set to continue supplying Ivanhoe Mines’ prestigious Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Read more...Seven ways to reduce production downtime on the plant
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Production downtime is one of the biggest risks in the manufacturing industry. Follow these seven tips to reduce machine downtime in your production line.
Read more...The time is now to implement a motor management strategy Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Motor management plays an all-important role in controlling motor energy costs in various industries, segments and applications. Research and practical experience have consistently shown that effective motor management practices can result in significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall system reliability.
Read more...Rapid overhaul of compressor motors ACTOM
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Marthinusen & Coutts Zambia was requested by a smelter based in the Copperbelt to provide an in-country repair solution for its two critical 4,5 MW compressor motors. The company was given only three weeks in which to overhaul and commission the motors.
Read more...PC-based motion control on a labelling machine Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For 50 years, Bausch+Ströbel in Germany has been developing packaging and production systems for the pharmaceutical industries. The company’s goal is to offer the best technical and economical solutions for the challenges of modern industry. Its new ESA1025 labelling machine shows how this is achieved with PC-based control from Beckhoff as the central motion controller.
Read more...Thrust for hybrid electric flying
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Several leading academic institutes in Germany are collaborating on the future of hybrid electric flying. The partners are researching an entirely new propulsion system for medium-range aircraft with up to 35 passengers.
Read more...Precise knowledge for precise applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech has been supplying standard product solutions such as motors, drives, controls and positioning tables since 1970. Customised motion subsystems include positioning systems on granite structures with undercarriage and vibration isolation, and also external measurement systems.
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