Machinery and plant manufacturers operate in an increasingly challenging market environment. The central role played by software and electronics demand new skills over and above those of mechanical construction. At the same time, development periods are becoming shorter. One response to these complex challenges is to create powerful components that are able to perform as many intelligent functions as possible.
It is against this background that Yaskawa has designed the new generation of its Sigma servo system. The current Sigma-7 series satisfies the demand for simple and quick commissioning, maximum speed and a correspondingly high machine output, coupled with operational reliability and dependability. The motors are particularly suited to packaging plants, semiconductor manufacturing, wood processing and digital printing machines.
Rapid commissioning
Extensive pre-sets in the amplifier software simplify and accelerate the servo drives’ commissioning. For example, the tuningless function allows immediate use of the Sigma-7 without the need for complex parameterisation or special knowledge of control equipment, while an auto tuning function ensures quick adjustment. The servo motor system also supports both installation and commissioning on the hardware side. The new 400 V version has a removable quick-coupling plug produced according to European standards for easy and simple wiring. Moreover, the book-style housing supports gap-free, side-by-side installation of several amplifiers in a small space. This makes it possible to realise a high performance density inside the switching cabinet. The space inside the cabinet is reduced to a minimum, allowing it and the drive electronics to be integrated in the machine. Devices can also be connected directly from one to the next, daisy-chain wiring, which reduces installation time. An integrated real-time EtherCAT interface is also available for easy integration in the machine environment. Taken together, all of these time-saving features considerably reduce the interval leading up to a machine’s market launch.
Algorithms maximise machine output and precision
In everyday production, servo motor performance is measured in terms of two factors: machine output and precision. Torque and acceleration are naturally subject to physical limits. The mechanics of high quality motors have already approached these limits in many aspects. However, the motors in the Sigma-7 series are up to 20% smaller than their predecessors while offering equivalent performance, and they produce considerably less heat. This means that they not only need less space in the machine but they are also more energy-efficient.
Sigma-7 is characterised by its particularly powerful control algorithms. The tuningless function, for example, ensures automatic adjustment to the load. In conjunction with an automatic vibration suppression function, it is possible to keep plants vibration-free, even when running at an inertia ratio of 30:1. The system also runs reliably under dynamic load variations. In addition, force ripple compensation ensures a high level of synchronous operation.
The deft combination of 24-bit encoder resolution and powerful control performance satisfies the highest standards of synchronous operation and precision. The absolute encoders guarantee both, even at low rotational speeds. Yaskawa combines the benefits of Sigma-7 drives with consistent controller solutions – from high performance PLC to motion control units. These combinations allow synchronous applications with up to 62 axes of control, and this number can be increased to 256 using a special version.
Operational reliability and retrofitting
The newly developed servo motors have been available for 200 V since 2014 and will shortly also be available for 400 V. They cover a power range of 0,5 to 15 kW. At the same time, this new generation reflects the experience of 25 years of development know-how and more than nine million servo systems in the field. Operational reliability and availability are correspondingly high. This reduces the cost of maintenance and repair and minimises downtime.
The new Sigma-7 generation builds on the advantages of the previous Sigma-5 series – with enhanced safety standards (SIL3, Pl-e), double-axle modules, higher motor protection classes (IP67) and other features. It is also easy to retrofit existing systems as the new motors are mechanically compatible with the flange dimensions of the Sigma-5 generation.
The new Sigma-7 servo drive series from Yaskawa features intelligent functions for consistently simple and correspondingly fast commissioning and maximum machine output with high precision. Machinery and plant constructors will be able to devise powerful solutions in an increasingly competitive market environment.
For more information contact Jaco Taljaard, Yaskawa Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 608 3182, [email protected], www.yaskawa.za.com
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version