Novel drive gives 'ready-to-go' axis positioner

A novel integrated motor-drive that adds configuration flexibility to packaging and process industry machinery provides ultra-simple programmable axis positioning.

Automation leader Festo is introducing a novel integrated motor-drive that is ideal for adding configuration flexibility to packaging and process industry machinery.

Designed to provide machine builders with ultra-simple programmable axis positioning, the MTR-DCI combines a DC servo motor with a drive and position controller in a protected IP54-rated housing.

Optionally, a miniature user interface may be specified to give machinery operators a local control mechanism.

A typical application for the new MTR-DCI is the automation of conveyor pitch in packaging lines.

While today's manual hand-wheel method remains the least expensive in direct terms, this error-prone procedure has cost impacts elsewhere.

In contrast, deploying traditional servo motor technology for such a simple automation task can be complex and expensive - both in purchase and implementation costs.

The Festo motor-drive, which integrates everything required into a single protected enclosure, offers a highly practical alternative.

It can be programmed easily by teaching desired positions in-situ or by a Windows programming tool, and then controlled via I/O or fieldbus signals, or alternatively the user interface if fitted.

"This is a unique product and the first to integrate so many attributes into a single device available as a single part number" says Nigel Dawson, Electrical Drives Product Manager at Festo.

"This very high level of integration provides OEMs with a solution for increasing the flexibility of their machines that is intrinsically easy to apply, and economic to install.

With issues such as environmental protection and EMC compliance already taken care of - it offers a very easy route to distributed control and higher degrees of machine modularity and flexibility - a concept that directly benefits industry." The new MTR-DCI range offers a choice of motors delivering torques from 0.16 to 7.7Nm, with either a 7:1 or 14:1 ratio gearbox.

Also integrated into the housing are a position controller and encoder for closed-loop control, power electronics, and an optional human-machine interface in the form of a keypad and miniature LCD.

The display offers varying font sizes for clarity along with selectable display orientation for easy reading, plus user control keys for teaching and editing positions and manual override.

The rear panel provides a limit switch input, power input, programming port and a choice of electrical interfaces for closed-loop operation.

Festo's first MTR-DCI introduction features 4-bit I/O, but models launching soon will offer CANopen, Profibus DP or DeviceNet interfaces.

MTR-DCI motors can be specified as either 24V or 48V drives.

The compact units feature a 'clean design' profile with smooth surfaces rated to the IP54 standard for protection against dust and fluid spray and easy cleaning.

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