Seven innovations in electric drive technology

Drive technology Seven innovations in electric drive technology

2023-05-03 Von 5 min Reading Time

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From compact drives in terminal format and asynchronous motors with decentralized controlled frequency inverters to a small drive package for AGVs and AMRs – we present to you seven innovations from the field of electric drive technology.

The compact drive technology ELM72xx is suitable for translational movements as well, in addition to rotary servo motors AM8100 (right), now with the electric cylinders AA3100 and the linear motors AL8100 (left).(Image: Beckhoff) — The compact drive technology ELM72xx is suitable for translational movements as well, in addition to rotary servo motors AM8100 (right), now with the electric cylinders AA3100 and the linear motors AL8100 (left).
(Image: Beckhoff)

Compact drive technology in terminal format

As full-fledged servo amplifiers in a robust metal housing and with up to 16 A output current (Ieff) at 48 V DC power supply voltage, the EtherCAT terminals ELM72xx expand the Beckhoff portfolio of compact drive technology in terminal format.

The new electric cylinder series AA3100, designed for the ELM72xx, for the low voltage range of 24 to 48 V DC, extends the application range of Beckhoff electric cylinders to include compact drive technology. According to the company, they are optimally suited as direct drives for linear applications, especially with high process forces. This should make almost the same forces available for 48-V applications as for the AA3000 series, with the same functionality and robustness.

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With JAT's app, it is possible to scan the 2D matrix code on the type plate and retrieve all relevant product information.(Image: JAT)

Decentralized asynchronous drive systems with controlled frequency converters can offer significant advantages in end-of-line packaging.(Image: Nord Drivesystems)

The new Combiperm P2 from KEB Automation is a new permanent magnet brake that is designed to achieve a significantly higher torque while being more compact in size.(Image: KEB Automation)

For the first time, the ECX Prime 6 is available with a motor diameter of 6 mm.(Image: Maxon Motors)

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With the new linear motors AL8100, the highly dynamic, modular linear technology from Beckhoff can also be used in the field of compact drive technology. They are available with a construction width of 50 mm (AL812x) and are optimally matched to the ELM72xx.

All the new products at a glance can be found here:

Technical documentation for mechanical engineering

The new information portal from Jenaer Antriebstechnik harnesses the potential of digitalization. Fragmentation and linking via metadata enable the provision of customized documents and information.

The digitization of technical product documentation at JAT marks a fundamental change in understanding. The handling of technical documentation has been simplified, thereby relieving manufacturers and users. The elimination of physical media also aims to contribute to a more sustainable use of natural resources.

All information on products and solutions is provided in the JAT Information Portal. The portal is available as a web version or as an app for Android and iOS at no cost. Through a standard access, the user can obtain a variety of documents and data on JAT products, such as datasheets, manuals, certificates, CAD data, Eplan data, commissioning software, firmware. In addition, customers can request individual access, with which they can call up accompanying documents for customer-specific mechatronic systems, e.g., assembly instructions, maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams, drawings, test reports, and spare parts lists.

Asynchronous motors with decentralized controlled frequency converters

In end-of-line packaging, drives with centrally controlled servo motors are widespread. However, for applications with high inertia or long travel distances – for example, palletizing, stabilizing or handling – these are generally not strictly necessary. Decentralized drive solutions, for example with controlled asynchronous motors, are intended to provide an efficient and economical alternative. Nord Drivesystems realizes modular drive concepts that are precisely tailored to the specific application and customer requirements.

According to Nord, their asynchronous motors offer decisive advantages in end-of-line packaging due to their higher inertia. The company states that for moving heavy masses, they ensure better regulation and motion control than classic servo solutions, which need to be adapted to the application with a large gear ratio. Furthermore, they enable high process stability, they reduce vibrations, and the risk of damaging the load or the packaging machine.

Permanent magnet brake optimized for the servo motor

Brakes in servo motors must operate precisely under special environmental conditions. Against this background, KEB Automation has developed the permanent magnet brake Combiperm P2 as the successor model to the established Combiperm P1. It requires less power, which prevents the motor from additional heating. Moreover, the brake impresses with an optimized magnetic flux, which has positive effects on the torque. Additionally, less permanent magnet material is needed, according to the company.

Among the innovations in the P2 is a felt ring, which is integrated as standard. Due to the position of the brake on the motor bearing, it serves, among other things, to catch the resulting oil mist. More emergency stops and a greater wear reserve are further advantages that distinguish the new brake from its predecessor. Designed for voltages of 24 V and with a torque range from 1 Nm to 60 Nm, the P2 presents itself as particularly powerful according to the manufacturer. Due to its precision and resistance to high temperatures in the motor compartment, it is suitable for application areas such as servo motors, robotics, medical technology, or logistics.

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Small power package with high rotational speeds

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The new ECX Prime are powerful, brushless motors with 4-pole rotors and ironless windings. For the first time, the ECX Prime 6 is available in an M HP version with a motor diameter of just 6 mm. Based on customer-specific designs, the technology already proven in larger motors has been further developed and designed for industrialization in such small diameters. The result is a small powerhouse with speeds up to 50,000 rpm and continuous torques up to 0.57 mNm.

The drive specialist Maxon is releasing the 2023/2024 product catalog with over 600 pages. A highlight is the new ECX Prime 6.

Intelligent controllers for motion and drive control

The servo controllers of the SVTE-A series from Servotecnica are suitable for demanding applications in the field of automation and intralogistics, or transport robotics.
(Image: Servotecnica | © Vanitjan-stock.adobe.com)

Servo drives offer advantages whenever high precision and dynamics are needed in motion sequences. Servotecnica, with its SVTE-A series, provides the matching controllers: they are ideal for controlling brushless servo motors, DC motors with brushes, and stepper motors.

Typically, the servo controllers are used in applications with low voltage or battery operation, such as in portable devices and systems or Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or material handling equipment. According to the company, the motion control systems of the SVTE-A series are characterized by a compact design and high performance; this allows them to fit even where there is limited space, such as in transport units. Moreover, they are suitable for both DIN rail and control cabinet mounting.

The controllers from Servotecnica operate in 4-quadrant mode with regenerative braking (recuperation). They offer integrated PLC functions via analog inputs as well as digital inputs and outputs, and various options for fieldbus connection. All variants and models of the SVTE-A series are equipped with the CanOpen DS301 interface and, depending on the device profile, DS402. They are available with EtherCAT and Profinet options.

Small drive package for compact AGVs and AMRs

The new drive controller is as compact as a computer mouse
(Image: Sumitomo)

Sumitomo Drive Technologies has showcased together with Lafert Group at Logimat 2023 a new version of its drive for automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The Smartris Drive Compact is a compact drive controller that is four times smaller compared to the standard model.

Small drive package for compact AGVs and AMRs

The additional compactness is ensured by the single-stage Cyclo principle in the gearbox, the directly mounted servo motor, and the in-wheel structure. Compact AGVs can maneuver in tight spaces and narrow aisles, making them very flexible and suitable for use in various environments including production sites, warehouses, and distribution centers.