November 2010

ABB Introduces AC Drive Well Suited for Solar Trackers
Now called the ACS355 rather than ACS350, ABB has designed in additional features, to maximize the drive’s effectiveness for machinery applications.

The general machinery drive is set to establish new industry benchmarks in speed and ease of installation and operational safety. ABB general machinery drive, ACS355, is designed to meet the production and performance needs of system integrators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and panel builders, as well as the requirements of end users in a broad range of applications; from solar/solar trackers, to food and beverage, to material handling, lifting, textiles, packing, printing, rubber and plastics and woodworking.
Highly compact and cost effective and with the highest power density in its class, the drive is equipped with high levels of intelligence, functionality and safety, to meet the needs of high-volume machine building and manufacturing.

The drive offers four degrees of environmental protection, starting with the standard IP20 panel-mounted chassis. For applications requiring the drive to be mounted to the wall, ABB offers an easy to install Nema 1/UL type 1 kit that can be field installed in minutes. For more demanding environmental conditions, or for wash-down applications, the IP66/UL Type 4x enclosure, or IP69K protection with factory recommended cable glands, is a well suited solution.

The “Safe Torque Off” (STO) safety function keeps the drive energized when the motor has been stopped and ensures there is no torque on the machine. Among other benefits, it provides safe machine maintenance and reduces the need for external safety components. The STO function enables machine builders to fulfill the requirements of Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, via using the drive’s safety function as part of the machine’s safety system. The feature is certified by TUV in accordance with IEC 61508 SIL3 and IS013849-1 PL e standards.

New CANbus I/O Modules Suit Trio CANI/O or CANopen Protocols for Flexible Machine
Control Expansion
Trio Motion Technology has launched a new range of modular DIN-rail mounted CAN I/O expansion modules that feature switchable TrioCAN I/O and CANopen DS401 protocols to allow use across its Motion Coordinator motion and machine control families as well as providing as a competitively priced decentralized I/O extension system for third party CANopen devices.

The range includes separate and combined 16-point digital input and output modules, an eight-input plus four-output analogue module, and an eight-channel relay output module, all with standard industrial signal levels and fully certified EMC emission and immunity ratings. The new modules may be freely mixed to a maximum of 32 CAN addresses for the P317, P318, P319 and P327 all at 500 kHz in Trio Mode or up to 1 MHz in CANopen Mode. This allows generous and flexible I/O expansion capability with reduced machine wiring for OEMs and systems integrators using Trio motion controllers, or CANopen device users requiring standalone digital or analogue system expansion for signal processing, actuators, feedback signal and sensor monitoring. 

Supplied in an ABS enclosures, each measuring 26 mm wide by 85 mm deep by 130 mm high, the new range is designed for efficient panel installation and convenient monitoring with all modules featuring  individual channel status LEDs and removable front and top mounted screw terminal blocks for power supply and I/O interfacing. For straightforward set up, module address and CAN protocol selection is via front panel DIP switches conveniently located behind a small window with a card slot that is aligned with the status LEDs and may be marked as a visual channel reference.

Brushed DC Motors in Industrial Versions
Maxon motor is expanding its existing range of industrial type versions with the addition of two new motor sizes with IP54 protection rating as well as mounting brakes. The two DC motors, with output powers of 200 and 250 watts are protected on the commutation side with sealed aluminum housing. The cable outputs are sealed with PG cable fittings, and the shaft is secured with a radial shaft seal to guarantee IP54 rating on the flange side.

These two industrial versions, with diameters of 50 mm and 65 mm, are available as standard with various winding options. They achieve nominal torque of up to 0.9 Nm, nominal speeds of up to 5,500 rpm and an efficiency level of more than 90 percent.

Low nominal voltage, high power density, a flexible combination range and IP54 protection rating make both power packages well suited for use in industrial equipment, such as automatic dispensing machines, handling and packaging machinery, as well as in battery-operated applications such as electric vehicles, transport and logistics facilities.   

Bodine Electric Launches New 90/130 VDC and Low-Voltage 12/24 VDC
The new WX gearhead is now available with two 33 A permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motors. The WX is a high-torque gearhead built to provide longer life and higher performance than similar gearmotors in the same size range. These gearmotors are designed to drive applications such as conveyor systems, packaging equipment, metering pumps, medical devices, commercial appliances and solar powered outdoor equipment.

The WX gearmotors feature all-steel gear trains and synthetic lubricants, allowing the WX to produce up to 65 percent more torque than previous models. The steel gearing is designed to meet or exceed AGMA 9 standards to assure the quiet operation that is expected from Bodine Electric products. The synthetic lubricant improves efficiency and allows these gearmotors to operate in a wide temperature range. Accessories include a bolt-on adaptor to convert the gearhead to three-point mounting pattern, as well as an “L”-bracket for flexible mounting and a IP-44 protection kit. Forty-eight new stock models feature 12 available gear ratios, ranging from 4:1 to 312:1 and rated output speeds from 658 to 2.9 RPM.

A new low-voltage type 33 A PMDC motor with a winding rated 12/24 VDC and a standard 90/130 VDC motor are available to power the WX gearhead. Both motors provide high starting torque and linear speed torque characteristics. They feature permanently lubricated ball bearing construction for maintenance-free operation, as well heavy gauge steel housing and copper graphite brushes. The motors are Totally Enclosed, Non-Ventilated (TENV) and contain a Class F rated insulation system. Their windings are resin-impregnated to provide reliable performance in the most demanding applications. The motor armatures are designed to minimize cogging and to operate quietly. “Accessory ready” models allow for easy external mounting of encoders or brakes.

A Two-Axis Ultrasonic Piezo Motor Controller For Actuators, Micropositioning Systems and Microscope Stages
PI has introduced a new two-axis digital controller for ultrasonic high-stability piezo motor stages, such as those used on the latest generation microscopes. The two-axis C-867 piezo motor controller is especially designed for closed-loop micropositioning systems equipped with piezo linear motor drives. It can be operated from a host PC either via a USB port or an RS-232 interface. Alternatively, stand-alone operation is possible by joystick or via pre-programmed macro commands.

Ultrasonic ceramic motors are non-magnetic and self locking by nature. They provide significantly better position stability than conventional motor / leadscrew drives or magnetic linear motors.
The C-867’s specialized DSP handles all of the motion properties typical for ultrasonic piezomotors, such as dynamic control parameter adaption. Optimized settling behavior of the mechanics within 10s of milliseconds is achieved by automatically switching between gainsets for dynamic and static operation.

Changes in the mechanical properties of the ceramic motor due to temperature or load changes are automatically compensated for by a control loop which adjusts the operating frequency of the driving voltage. This leads to the highest constancy in motor force, velocity and closed-loop stability.

Rockwell Automation Expands Sensor Offering With Stainless Steel Sensors
Two new families of sensors from Rockwell Automation address the most demanding applications in the food and beverage industry. These sensors withstand high-pressure and high-temperature wash downs, while offering excellent resistance to corrosion and damage caused by harsh cleansing agents.

The 42CS photoelectric and 871TS inductive sensor families feature stainless steel construction, extended temperature ratings and IP69K enclosure ratings. IP69K testing replicates the steam-cleaning process typically used in the food and beverage industry. This testing requires the sensors to withstand spray pressure up to 1,450 psi and temperatures up to 176°F (80°C). 

In addition, both sensor families have been subjected to and certified to pass chemical compatibility testing by two independent labs, both of which are worldwide leaders in the development of cleaning and sanitizing products. In testing, the sensors were subjected to some of the most commonly used caustic cleaning agents and disinfectants in the food and beverage industry.

Worm Gear Replacement Operates at 90 Percent Efficiency
With an increasing need for energy savings in production, warehouse and distribution centers, every component must be scrutinized for efficiency. The Grove Gear IronMan E series gear reducer operates at 90 percent efficiency to maximize system effectiveness. 

The new product has a compact housing design that offers a direct replacement to traditional worm gear reducers. By utilizing helical-bevel gear technology, the E series has up to 60 percent more torque than many brands’ worm gear designs. 

Because of its modular versatility, the product fits 90 percent of the US worm gear market and allows reduced inventory.  With mounting base kits, the E series can drop-in and replace multiple sizes of worm gear speed reducers. Providing an additional inventory reduction opportunity, shaft kits ranging from 1 inch to 1.5 inches were designed to plug into a standard hollow output shaft.

Four models are currently offered, with double reduction ratios from 7.8:1 to 60:1 and power capability to 8.50 hp. Triple reduction units are available by adding a ratio multiplier. 

Strategic Analysis of European AC Fractional Horsepower (FHP) Motors Market
Research and Markets has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan’s new report “Strategic Analysis of European AC Fractional Horsepower (FHP) Motors Market” to their offering.

This research service provides a detailed analysis on the European alternating current fractional horsepower motors segment over the period from 2006 to 2016. Both single phase and poly phase FHP motors are considered under this study. The research analyzes the challenges facing this industry and market drivers and restraints emphasizing on energy efficiency. This research also provides revenue forecasts by geography and product type.

This report provides revenue forecasts for the total market and each product type. This research thoroughly examine the following technologies, single-phase and poly-phase. The analysis includes competitive structure and market share analysis by each product type.

Soaring energy prices and increasing awareness among end users and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) about energy efficiency are favoring the prospects of efficient fractional horsepower (FHP) motors. Furthermore, as the alternating current (AC) FHP motor market is price sensitive, FHP motor manufacturers are trying to differentiate themselves by offering integrated solutions and value-added services. Although the financial crisis has had a significant negative impact on the AC FHP motors market, demand is poised to rise due to certain re-initiated projects in the recovering economies of Europe and increased investments in the central and eastern European (CEE) countries.

A major shift towards energy-efficient products and integrated motor-drive solutions is poised to boost demand for AC FHP motors in Europe over the next seven years, notes the analyst of this research. With the global economy showing signs of recovery and improved consumer confidence, expansion projects are expected to be re-initiated in all the major end user segments, thereby enhancing growth prospects for AC FHP motor manufacturers.

As the maintenance, operating and energy costs of AC FHP motors contribute to a major share of the total life cycle costs, customers are shifting focus towards products that offer better energy savings. Poly-phase AC FHP motors with inverters are gaining significance as they are more efficient compared to the single-phase AC FHP motors. OEMs and end users are replacing standard, low efficient shaded pole and permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors with poly-phase AC FHP motors, adds the analyst. Further, declining inverter prices along with advancements in power electronics are spurring the adoption rate of poly-phase AC FHP motors.

The growing prominence of alternative technologies remains a key challenge. For instance, replacing the standard AC induction FHP motors, such as shaded pole motors with brushless DC (BLDC) motors, has become a trend in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, domestic appliances and business equipment segments. With increasing raw material prices, FHP motor manufacturers are looking for alternatives to cut down costs. BLDC motors appear to be the best option that benefits both motor manufacturers and OEMs, as they use about 60 percent of the copper used by AC induction FHP motor and are more efficient. Additionally, BLDC motors use permanent magnets and electronic commutation, thereby reducing the electricity costs by one-third to one-half, as compared to that of an AC induction FHP motor.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Teams with Oracle for e-F@ctory and eco-F@ctory Solution
Mitsubishi Electric Automation are the first hardware vendor in North America with an Oracle tested and approved connection to Oracle Manufacturing Operations Center, and Oracle’s new Sustainability Sensor Data Management feature.

e-F@ctory and eco-F@ctory is Mitsubishi Electric’s vision for how manufacturing unifies its best-in-class control hardware and networks with enterprise IT systems offered by strategic partner companies, including IBM, Microsoft and Oracle. Working with Oracle, Mitsubishi connected e-F@ctory and eco-F@ctory to the new Sustainability and Sensor Data Management capabilities within Oracle Manufacturing Operations Center to give customers real-time information about their plant floor production and energy consumption.

“Allowing customers to make more intelligent decisions pertaining to their manufacturing process is key to increasing overall equipment effectiveness while reducing their total cost of ownership. Oracle’s Sustainability and Sensor Data Management capabilities add the ability to determine very precisely the energy consumption of each system,” said Bob Miller, solutions marketing manager, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. “Being able to determine the energy cost of each individual product and classify the energy consumption as value added verses non-value added consumption allows customers to reduce costs by reducing the non-value added energy consumption. This enables the customer to reduce green house gas emissions and simultaneously improve their cost of production.”

All manufacturers are facing the need to continue to improve performance while reducing manufacturing costs. Having real-time information on machine status and energy consumption gives them the ability to make decisions immediately, enabling them to achieve their operational goals. Being able to identify energy losses on the plant floor will also enable companies to determine if upgrading their systems will have a beneficial ROI, calculated using actual values. Automatic calculation of carbon emissions will also help provide the company with reporting information needed to receive tax rebates for green manufacturing, and help them to determine if they are complying with any regulatory mandates.

Make Plans Today to Attend the Most Important Motor, Drive and Automation Conference of 2011
Join hundreds of industry professionals at Motor, Drive & Automation Systems 2011, March, 1-2 in San Antonio, and discover the latest economic trends and technical advancements impacting motor, drive and automation systems. Learn how new technologies are improving performance, energy efficiency and providing cost savings in a variety of applications.

If you are involved in the motor, drive or automation industries or if your products and systems use these technologies, this is a must attend event.

Register by January 20th for a special discounted rate.

Sessions include:

Motors, Drives and Motion Control - Global Market Update, IMS Research

Various Sensorless Control Methods for AC Motor Drives, Drivetech, Inc.

Technical Considerations for the Testing of Small Motors, Advanced Energy

Adhesive Potting and Encapsulating for Explosion Proof Motors, Henkel Loctite Corp.

Techniques for Improved Stepper Motor Control, Microchip Technology, Inc.

Motor and Drive Market Outlook and Success Strategies, Boston Strategies International

Magnetic Bearing Technology for Electric Motors and Other Rotating Machinery – Ready For Prime Time, Synchrony, Inc.

Active Front End Drives for Optimizing Power, Siemens Industry, Inc.

Sixth Generation IGBT Modules with Innovative Packaging, Powerex, Inc.

Meeting Reliability and Lifetime Goals in IGBT Based Converter Designs, Infineon Technologies Industrial Power, Inc.

Magnetization and Measurement of PM Motors, MAGSYS magnet systeme

A Robust Intelligent Power Module Family for Low Cost Drive Applications, Infineon Technologies Industrial Power, USA

2011

January

29 - Feb 2 - LabAutomation 2011, Palm Springs, Calif.

31 - Feb 2 - AHR Expo, Las Vegas, Nev.

March

1-2 - Motor, Drive and Automation Systems 2011, San Antonio, Texas

21-24 - Automate 2011, Chicago, Ill.

April

3-8 - MDA - Motion, Drive and Automation, Hannover, Germany

12-14 - SAE 2011 World Congress, Detroit, Mich.

19-21 - ABB Automation and Power World, Orlando, Fla.

Pacific Design & Manufacturing
February 8-10
Anaheim, Calif.

At Pacific Design & Manufacturing, at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, February 8-10, 2011, you will meet face to face with hundreds suppliers of the products and services you need to move your project forward to a successful and profitable completion. While at the event, don’t miss the complimentary presentations at the Innovation Briefs Theater, featuring 30-40 minute sessions by leaders in industry on new advances in technology relevant to your business. With your admission to Pacific Design & Manufacturing, you will have free access to these seven co-located events: Medical Design & Manufacturing West, WestPack, ATX West, Electronics West, PLASTEC West, AeroCon, and the Green Manufacturing Expo. Don’t miss this resource to accelerate your project!

APEC 2011
March 6-10
Fort Worth, Texas

Make your plans to attend APEC 2011, March 6-10 in Ft. Worth, Texas.  APEC 2011 continues the long-standing tradition of addressing issues of immediate and long-term interest to the practicing power electronics engineer. Outstanding technical content is provided at one of the lowest registration costs of any IEEE conference. APEC 2011 will provide:

1. The best power electronics exposition.
2. Professional development courses taught by world-class experts.
3. Presentations of peer-reviewed technical papers covering a wide range of topics.
4. Time to network and enjoy the company of fellow power electronics professionals in a beautiful setting.

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sueh@infowebcom.com or 330-725-5812.

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shannong@infowebcom.com or 800-803-9488 ext. 104.

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