Motion Control & Drives


Innovative decentralised drive systems

December 2006 Motion Control & Drives

Drive engineering specialists, SEW Eurodrive, has for years been proving how compact and modular a decentralised system structure can be in a variety of applications. This has resulted in the development of the MOVIFIT unit that is suitable for horizontal as well as vertical materials handling applications in demanding fields such as the automotive industry, the food and beverage industry, and logistics.

The MOVIFIT is designed to be installed close to a motor in large plants where modularisation and standardisation of conveyor functions play an important role. The MOVIFIT allows easy access to its electronics, and is easily retrofitted onto existing motors. It is available in three versions offering flexible system design: the MOVIFIT MC is suitable for the control of up to three drives; the MOVIFIT SC is suitable for reverse starting or duo starting; and the MOVIFIT FC is a configurable inverter up to 4 kW.

All versions are equipped with standard functionality, including fieldbus and network connections; energy distribution; local I/Os and robust housing technology with a high degree of protection. For operation, system control and diagnostics MOVIFIT offers multilevel functionality. The 'Classic' function level offers simple PLC gateway functionality. The 'Technology' function level is based on the user programming to IEC 1131 with MOVIPLC for flexible and customer specific drive controls integrated into the system. The 'System' function level is based on a complete solution for data storage, configuration and diagnostics in a system using standardised conveyor functions. Additional safety functions are ensured by means of standard safety compliant option cards.

MOVIFIT's flexible installation technology provides more efficiency for component and system planning. The modular system enables electronics and connection units to be combined and configured to match the requirements of the application. The electronics unit is housed in an EBOX and comes equipped with communication interfaces, digital inputs and outputs as well as an optional power component such as a frequency inverter or an electronic motor controller. The EBOX's counterpart, the ABOX is a passive unit for connection. The simple and uniform closing mechanism of the EBOX and ABOX allows for a range of possible combinations as well as quick and easy installation allowing the MOVIFIT system to offer the function level and design requirements best suited to a particular application.

In addition to this MOVIFIT is not only modular and compact but also meets the demanding hygienic standards of the food and beverage industry, with an IP69K version which is protected by a special surface coating.

For more information contact Rene Rose, marketing manager, SEW Eurodrive, +27 (0) 11 248 7000, rrose@sew.co.za



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