Motion Control & Drives


Bosch Rexroth facilitates cabinet-free drive technology

October 2015 Motion Control & Drives

Reallocating control functions to the individual machine modules allows machine engineers and operators to make maximum use of valuable site space, enhancing their production capacities. The cabinet-free drive technology, IndraDrive Mi from Bosch Rexroth, enables this idea to be implemented in automation applications across numerous industries and production sites.

The IndraDrive Mi merges its drive electronics and motor into an integral unit. This combination virtually eliminates drive electronics housed within a cabinet and drastically reduces the wiring required to connect the individual components. With the integrated drive control unit, drive functions, motion control and flow logic merge into an open automation platform. Complex motion tasks can be handled with the motion logic system, which is fully designed in accordance with IEC 61131-3.

“The cabinet-free drive technology extends the possibilities to modularise machine concepts,” Georg Venter, divisional manager, Tectra Automation, explains. “Machine manufacturers pre-assemble machine modules and then connect them to one another at the cabinet without any further work.”

Central to the reallocation of drive control components are the Bosch Rexroth decentralised supply and mains modules. “This is how machine manufacturers can integrate all drive components directly into the machine without needing a cabinet,” Venter explains.

The mains module includes a mains filter, mains regulator and mains protection in a single unit. The supply module includes an energy-recovering power supply, control electronics and brake resistors. The connection of the machines or modules to the power supply is carried out directly and without deviation via the cabinet. This reduces wiring in the assembly by as much as 90%.

A newly developed hybrid plug for adjacent near-motor drives further reduces assembly work. These protected connector pieces for communication and power supply are simply plugged into adjacent IndraDrive Mi units by assembly technicians.

IndraDrive Mi supports all of common Ethernet-based protocols, including Profinet, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT, all on a single piece of hardware with the multi-Ethernet interface via the automation bus Sercos. The hardware remains identical, with selection occurring purely via software parameters. A connection to Profibus can be created via a gateway.

The motor-integrated and near-motor drive modules are designed in accordance with IP65-class protection for dust and water stream protection.

Up to 20 IndraDrive Mi modules can be connected in series in a cable harness up to 200 m long. The drive-based control by Bosch Rexroth coordinates up to nine IndraDrive Mi as slaves in real time.

For more information contact Georg Venter, Tectra Automation, +27 (0)11 971 9400, [email protected], www.tectra.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Driving heavy equipment industry
Motion Control & Drives
Cimolai Technology, a leader in the design, production and installation of lifting and handling equipment, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software. This move aims to deliver innovative, reliable and custom-made solutions to meet the most demanding technical specifications across sectors such as shipyards, infrastructure and heavy industry.

Read more...
Actuators for automated fully
Motion Control & Drives
Rotork supplies actuators for an automated next generation fully electrified offshore gas platform

Read more...
AG Lubricants partners with
Motion Control & Drives
AG Lubricants has partnered with a major player in the South African steel industry to supply high-performance Mobil lubricants, Quaker Houghton industrial fluids and value-added technical services.

Read more...
Smart features increase crane safety
Motion Control & Drives
The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety but also deliver a higher level of operator protection.

Read more...
Compact, powerful hexapod for high-precision applications
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.

Read more...
Hexagon Electrical services electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.

Read more...
NORD modular drives for frequently changing motor speeds
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG has made a substantial investment over the years to ensure assembly, stockholdings and technical support for the Nord range are in line with stringent international quality, safety and environmental standards.

Read more...
Cutting-edge robotics and smart manufacturing solutions
Yaskawa Southern Africa Motion Control & Drives
Yaskawa Southern Africa made a compelling impact at this year’s Africa Automation and Technology Fair

Read more...
Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation
Schneider Electric South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.

Read more...
Powerful high-precision hexapod
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved