Innovative Motors and Drives Products

Micro-drive is easy to install and operate

How does Allen-Bradley's PowerFlex4(TM) variable frequency ac drive differentiate itself? "It's compact, flexible, and easy to install and operate," says Product Line Manager Paul McCabe. Zero Stacking(TM) minimizes drive spacing at ambient temperatures up to 40C to save valuable panel space. The flexible package offers DIN-rail or panel-mount options, easy conversion from IP20 to IP30, and removable MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor). Large power terminals, full-size saddle clamps, and a wiring diagram inside the pop-off front cover ease installation. A 4-digit LED display, 10 LED indicators, keypad control, and side-panel sticker with fault code and other parameter references simplify start up and operation. Available in power ratings from 0.2 to 3.7 kW (0.25-5 hp) and in voltage classes of 120 and 240V single and three phase, and 480V three phase, the design offers versatile programming and network solutions, and architecture designed for future growth in ratings and I/O. Applications include machine tools, fans, pumps, conveyors, and material handling systems. Rockwell Automation, www.ra.rockwell.com: Enter 515

Drive system snaps together

Supporting multiple servo drives with a common power supply reduces parts count and cost on the Control Techniques Modular Drive System (MDS). Building off of a power unit that supports up to eight servo drives, MDS comes in 230 and 460V versions. A modular architecture eliminates the need for DIN rails, auxiliary power wires, and inter-module cabling. "MDS makes motion control faster, easier to configure, and less costly to implement by simplifying wiring, programming, and operation," says Product Manager Shane Beilke. A modular backplane separates high-power components from low-power digital control electronics to reduce electrical interference, improve safety, and eliminate associated power-handling issues. Each integrated backplane module includes ac filters, line reactors, and fuses, and snaps to the next module. After mounting the backplane assembly to the enclosure panel for grounding, each bus bar secures with two screws. The drive modules then snap on the front. With DeviceNet, Profibus, and Modbus RTU interfaces, MDS includes snap-on control modules for applications including conveyor synchronization, web-tension control, and high-speed labeling. Emerson Control Techniques, www.emersonct.com: Enter 516

Segmented stator improves torque output

T-LAM(TM), the new segmented motor stator design used in Exlar's GSX Series linear actuators, delivers 35% more continuous motor torque from the same frame sizes as existing GS series units. "Because each stator segment is wound individually, we can maximize the slot fill, and minimize the wasted copper at the end turns that generates heat instead of torque," says John Walker, national sales manager. "This improves torque performance without adding cost." The design also benefits from thermally conductive stator potting (to improve heat dissipation and protect failure-prone parts from contamination), interphase insulation against high voltage and currents, and Class H insulation that complies with UL requirements. The actuator integrates a brushless servomotor, feedback transducer, and an inverted roller screw for converting rotary motion into linear thrust in a single compact assembly. "The roller screw's large contact area allows high forces and long life," Walker explains. Exlar Corp., www.exlar.com: Enter 517