It is vital that variable speed drives (VSDs) and electric motors are appropriately matched. This is in part due to the output switching characteristics of variable speed drives and, more importantly, to ensure that end users in industry experience the benefits of system efficiency, reliability and ease of installation.
Rockwell Automation and Actom have launched the latest customer service initiative aimed at simplifying the variable speed drive and motor procurement process. Rockwell Automation has become the de facto recommendation to Actom’s motor customers, and Actom the recommended motor supplier to Rockwell Automation’s variable speed drive customers.
“This synergy opens both companies up to greater exposure in each other’s respective markets,” says Barry Elliott, managing director, Rockwell Automation. “This initiative will help our customers to match our variable speed drives and motor products. Motors and drives often operate dependently of each other in the field, but were not available as a packaged solution from either supplier.”
(From left) Henry Craukamp (Rockwell Automation), Barry Elliott (Rockwell Automation), Mark Wilson (Actom), Paul Cuthbert (Actom) and Antonio Teixeira (Actom).
Medium voltage motors and variable speed drives are promoted by either company through a solution-centric approach, while low voltage drives and motor recommendations fall in line with the industry’s requirement for a commoditised market approach.
“Our companies’ sales teams have familiarised themselves with each other’s products to offer customers detailed, personalised and accurate advice when it comes to sourcing a variable speed drive and motor solution,” Elliott says. “We can interface with each other’s distributors by supplying customers who purchase drives or motors with the matching part numbers, eliminating the need for our customers to research and source their own complementing solutions.”
Customers in the oil and gas industry will further benefit from the synergy to help variable speed drive and motor installations attain an Ex N Certification for operation in potentially explosive environments. “Extensive testing and optimisation means that our products can aid compliance with the ATEX Directive once installed,” Elliott concludes.
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