An easier route to multi-axis drive control
December 2006
Motion Control & Drives
Multi-axis drive applications like transfer lines or web processes usually require some form of special interface between the host controller and the various drive elements of the machine. This can involve the purchase of expensive secondary hardware or alternately, the embedding of special control functions within each drive in the form of bespoke software. In both cases, the additional systems integration tasks add cost and time to the project.
Some recent drives and drives control product developments from KEB could make life easier for machine control systems integrators. The company has recently come up with an effective alternative approach to this problem in the form of its Combicontrol C5 module, which can be interposed between controllers such as PLCs or industrial PCs, and the motor drives themselves. It is primarily designed to interface controllers to KEB's Combivert F5 series of AC motor drives, and is freely programmable using the company's CoDeSys IEC 61131-3 compliant software. In some cases, the Combicontrol C5 module can replace a PLC in a decentralised control application.
With a 32-bit microcontroller at its centre, the Combicontrol C5 offers a host of communications options, including drive bus connections for up to eight separate axes, Ethernet for parameterisation and visualisation, CANopen and Profibus fieldbus connectivity, and eight digital inputs and outputs. The unit mounts on a standard 35 mm top-hat rail.
KEB's latest offering in the Combivert F5 series of drives is the Version SCL (sensorless closed loop) option, which is available across the power range, 0,75 to 630 kW. Working on the principle of real field orientation without encoder feedback, this drive package could save unnecessary investment in motor-mounted encoders, the additional cabling required to route encoder signals back to the drive and the cost of a drive encoder interface. Combivert F5 SCL can presently be used in conjunction with servomotors, spindle motors and torque motors, with linear and asynchronous motor operation promised in the not-too-distant future.
For more information contact PECS, +27 (0) 11 907 1910.
Further reading:
Bearing failure analysis transforms operations of battery manufacturer
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Persistent bearing failure on a centralised extraction fan motor was negatively impacting operational efficiency for a leading battery manufacturer in East Africa. SKF Kenya conducted a bearing analysis and solved the problem.
Read more...
Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in
Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.
Read more...
Bearing strategy maintains production for cement manufacturer
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF South Africa and its Authorised Distributor, Bolt & Engineering Distributors Klerksdorp successfully remanufactured a double-row tapered roller bearing assembly for a vertical mill within a two-week timeframe, offering the customer a cost-effective 50% cost-saving alternative which keeps the plant operational while they await the supply of new bearings.
Read more...
Lubrication solutions for cranes
Motion Control & Drives
Fuchs Lubricants South Africa provides a comprehensive range of lubrication solutions that meet the specific needs of mobile cranes.
Read more...
SKF lubrication team assists iron ore producer in Liberia
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The highly skilled team of specialised lubrication technicians from SKF South Africa has demonstrated its exceptional onsite expertise through the seamless installation of Lincoln Lubrication systems for a key customer, ArcelorMittal Liberia.
Read more...
Bearing failure analysis is a perfect solution for Tongaat Hulett
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
A collaborative bearing failure analysis conducted by SKF and Authorised Distributor, Bearings Services Durban at one of South Africa’s leading sugar refinery plants in KwaZulu-Natal provided tremendous value for the customer.
Read more...
World’s largest production capacity mine hoist
Motion Control & Drives
BB has been selected by global mining company BHP to deliver, install and commission three friction hoists and a further electrical system for a Blair service hoist to its Jansen Potash project in Canada.
Read more...
Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.
Read more...
New torque sensors for fastening applications
Spero Sensors & Instrumentation
Motion Control & Drives
Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.
Read more...
Versatile variable speed drive for efficient motor control
iTek Drives
Motion Control & Drives
The Invertek Optidrive is a versatile variable speed drive designed for efficient motor control in various applications.
Read more...
printer friendly version