Motion Control & Drives


Drive system for light load conveyors

October 2018 Motion Control & Drives

SEW-Eurodrive is once again expanding its range with the launch of its ECDriveS brushless DC gearmotor. This drive system is a simple, efficient and cost-effective solution for the lower power range of light-load roller conveyors. It will be on show in March at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018, together with SEW-Eurodrive’s full portfolio of gearmotors, motor starters and decentralised drives. Motion Control’s editor paid a visit to national sales manager Norman Maleka to find out more.

“We call it the Easy Drive because it is so easy to work with,” explains Maleka. “It’s a simple plug-and-play system that is easy to set up, install and maintain without any parameterisation or programming using a PLC.” The drive comprises a 24 V DC brushless motor in roller form, together with a gear unit. A communication interface controls the speed of the motor and when it should stop. It can be set up using dual inline package (DIP) switches, or programmed with SEW-Eurodrive software. A big advantage is that the ECDriveS is easily integrated into existing applications and platforms such as Ethernet and Profinet, so there is no need for users to change their network.

Tailored for small conveyors, the ECDriveS drive is very compact, and the rollers come in sizes ranging from 300 to 1200 mm. The maximum velocity of the driven roller ranges from 0,04 to 5 m/s, and 8,5 up to 645 rpm for the gearmotor. It meets IP54 protection rating, with IP66 being available on request. This means it can be used for food and beverage applications as well. The temperature range is from -10 to 40°C with a -3°C option included. It has a 250% overload capacity at 40 W S1 power rating and optimised gear construction for a long service life, even at a high capacity utilisation.

These conveyors are typically found in packhouses in farming and agricultural applications that transport empty boxes. Here most of the items are packed manually, and then placed on a conveyor to be sent outside and loaded onto a truck. However, SEW-Eurodrive has had considerable interest in other applications, and Maleka says that a major automotive manufacturer is considering the ECDriveS for the transportation of boxes containing small parts to the production line. “It is not only small customers that can use the system, but big customers with small applications,” he continues. “These small conveyors provide in-feeds of all sorts of components such as tyres, and the ECDriveS can help to reduce total costs along the supply chain.”

Maleka notes that, while the product is easy to use, behind the scenes it is backed by the full force of SEW-Eurodrive’s high end technology. The gearmotor is directly integrated into the roller. The external commutation electronics have Ethernet-based zone controls or binary control. Ethernet controls featuring integrated conveyor logistics provide both conveying with zero pressure and decentralised solutions for a wide range of conveying tasks.

Another advantage is that the integrated encoder allows for precise positioning of ramp-up and ramp-down on the conveyor, as well as varying the speed. This enables items to be positioned accurately where they need to stop. There are also inputs and outputs fed back to the system, which can send an alarm to alert the user in the event of any problem.

Maleka explains that SEW-Eurodrive’s overall strategy is to cover all gaps in its product offering. He continues: “Applications evolve along with changing customer requirements, and we identified a new opportunity. We realised customers are now wanting something smaller, more cost-effective, quicker to build and easier to handle. These applications do not need much power.”

SEW-Eurodrive keeps over R130 million worth of stock, with servicing back-up in all the company’s branches countrywide. Maleka notes that stock of the ECDriveS is coming in soon ahead of the launch, together with test units to enable customers to try out the system, and samples for an awareness campaign. “This is a huge market and very competitive. We are giving ourselves a year to focus, get out and create awareness, and develop the market,” he adds.

“We used to be known solely as a component supplier and a gearbox manufacturer, but now with our wide range of products, we partner with system designers and integrators, as well as OEMs, to develop total solutions. This is in line with our strategy of system integration for the provision of total solutions,” he concludes.

For more information contact Jana Klut, SEW-Eurodrive, +27 11 248 7000,  [email protected], www.sew-eurodrive.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

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...
Servicing the 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...
Control system for deep antenna
Rockwell Automation Motion Control & Drives
When a major university in South Korea set out to build a 21-metre deep space antenna, the researchers needed a control system that could track celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy, a level of precision they thought was out of reach. By partnering with Rockwell Automation, they discovered that the right technology and support could turn their vision into reality.

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