SPS 2024 Six innovations in drive technology

Related Vendors

Servotecnica GmbH

YASKAWA Europe GmbH

SIEB & MEYER AG

Stöber Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Oriental Motor Europa GmbH

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FAULHABER Drive Systems

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

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At SPS 2024, leading companies presented new solutions for drive technology, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and precise monitoring. From smart condition analyses to powerful controllers and robust components for demanding environments—the range of innovations showcases advancements in automation.

The smart analysis tool Health Index from Wittenstein Alpha captures and checks functionally and load-relevant data from drivetrains in the application—providing the opportunity to detect critical operating states and associated failure risks early, thereby reducing the likelihood of uncontrolled downtimes. The Health Index visually displays the interpretative findings through a digital traffic light with different colors: green—no anomalies in the gearbox detected; yellow—changes detected, service recommended; and red—risk of unplanned downtime, replace gearbox. The analysis tool is available from the Smart Service portfolio Cynapse Analyze for gearboxes from the company with Cynapse functionality, i.e., with integrated sensors and logic as well as an I/O-Link data interface.

Motion controller: synchronize up to 64 servo axes

Yaskawa has launched the automation platform I-Cube Control. The first controllers from the I-Cube control portfolio are now available with the IC9226 series, namely the safety version and the Ethercat version. The Linux-based controller IC9226 operates with the industrial processor Profichip Triton and can control up to 64 servo axes synchronously. The entire ecosystem is programmable via the software tool I-Cube Engineer, which is based on the PLC-Next platform from Phoenix.

Frequency inverter: output frequency increased

Sieb & Meyer has expanded its SD4x product family with additional performance classes, thereby broadening the application range. The models of the SD4S, SD4M, and SD4B series for high-speed applications feature improved performance, higher speeds, and reduced motor heating without a sine filter. At the trade fair, the company presents its complete range of SD4S products. Increased processor performance has raised the maximum output frequency to 4,000 Hz for synchronous motors and 6,000 Hz for asynchronous motors.

Slip rings: Suitable for harsh environments

Servotecnica showcased its extensive portfolio at SPS 2024, focusing on custom, tailor-made slip rings for use in harsh conditions. The stainless steel or aluminum housing of the SVTS D series is specially sealed, protecting them from dirt, dust, and liquids such as cooling lubricants. They are suitable for applications in industrial manufacturing, such as in machine tools. The SVTS A series, with gold plating for brushes and rings, serves for corrosion protection.

Drive controller: available with control unit upon request

At SPS 2024, Stöber presented the SB6 drive controller, suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises for applications from one to four axes. The stand-alone solution offers numerous functionalities in a space-saving unit, thus minimizing control effort. With its compact dimensions, it fits into control cabinets from a depth of 8,27 Inches. Upon request, the company equips the product with a control panel. All safety functions can be used up to SIL 3, PLe (Category 4). Both linear and rotary synchronous servo, lean, and asynchronous motors can be controlled. An SD card as an application memory, easily insertable into the SB6, especially supports commissioning. A special feature is also the number of digital and analog inputs and outputs.

Driver: reduces wiring effort and saves installation space

Oriental Motor's drive technology solutions aim to impress with both performance and compactness, as well as their energy efficiency. The multi-axis driver of the CVD series for 2-phase or 5-phase stepper motors can control up to four axes simultaneously. This saves machine and plant builders a lot of wiring effort and installation space. The driver can be easily and conveniently connected to the fieldbus network via an Ethernet cable. The setting and execution of operational data, as well as the adjustment of various parameters, the output of alarm information, and monitoring functions, can thus be controlled via the network. Commands and status messages are transmitted in real-time. New is a particularly compact version of the AZ multi-axis driver: its dimensions have been reduced by 66% compared to the standard multi-axis driver.

Driver: reduces wiring effort and saves installation space

Oriental Motor's drive technology solutions aim to impress with both performance and compactness, as well as their energy efficiency. The multi-axis driver of the CVD series for 2-phase or 5-phase stepper motors can control up to four axes simultaneously. This saves machine and plant builders a lot of wiring effort and installation space. The driver can be easily and conveniently connected to the fieldbus network via an Ethernet cable. The setting and execution of operational data, as well as the adjustment of various parameters, the output of alarm information, and monitoring functions, can thus be controlled via the network. Commands and status messages are transmitted in real-time. New is a particularly compact version of the AZ multi-axis driver: its dimensions have been reduced by 66% compared to the standard multi-axis driver.