EC: AM8x1x Servomotors

Motion - Motors: The compact AM801x and AM811x servomotors with One Cable Technology (OCT) from Beckhoff Automation offer a low rotor moment of inertia as well as quadruple overload capacity. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Honorable Mention.

October 15, 2015

The AM801x and AM811x servomotors from Beckhoff Automation offer a low rotor moment of inertia as well as quadruple overload capacity, adhering to the highest requirements for motion dynamics even in the smallest installation spaces. With these new models, Beckhoff has added the new flange size F1 with a 40-mm edge length to the AM8000 servomotor series. Three overall lengths cover a torque range from 0.22 to 0.55 Nm, enabling the implementation of highly dynamic, yet exceptionally compact drive solutions. This space-saving design makes the servomotors ideal for applications with fast cycle changes, and machines with small footprints, conserving plant real estate.

The new motor types differ in their rated voltage, among other factors. An extremely compact and economical EtherCAT servo system can be implemented simply by combining the AM811x motors with EL7201-0010 and EL7211-0010 servomotor I/O terminals from Beckhoff, providing 2.8 ARMS and up to 4.5 ARMS respectively, at 50 Vdc. Additionally, the AX5000 EtherCAT servo drive (1 or 2 channel, up to 3 A continuous current per channel) can be used to control the AM801x servomotors, which are designed for 230 Vac.

Optionally, the servomotors are available with backlash-free permanent magnet holding brake and feather keyway groove shaft. To offer maximum performance in a compact size, the motors are equipped with an absolute encoder and One Cable Technology (OCT). With OCT, the motor supply and position feedback signal are transmitted through a single cable, significantly reducing the component and installation costs. Upon request, the motors are available with multi-turn absolute encoders.

Beckhoff Automation, www.beckhoffautomation.com