Compact inverter drive with mount for motors, gearboxes

Lenze Americas' 8400 motec drive is equipped for all drive functions while maintaining energy efficiency. It can mount on motors, gearboxes and brakes, the company said.

August 20, 2011

Lenze Americas compact 8400 motec inverter drive is equipped for all drive functions and scaled to deliver energy efficiency in material handling applications, the company said. 

“Steering the whole drive package, the space-saving 8400 series is expertly integrated with high efficiency Lenze motors, gearboxes and brakes,” notes Darrow Hanesian, global director of inverter products, Lenze Americas. “For decentralized applications, the 8400 motec frequency inverter is a great fit.”

Tough enough for almost any environment, the IP66 enclosure, with its modular design, encases three units—the drive, communication and wiring units. Available in a power range from 0.37 to 3.0 KW, the unit can be mounted either on the geared motor or wall-mounted for space savings in the control cabinet, reduced shielded motor cable length, and expedited commissioning. When employed with asynchronous motors, the drive’s “VFC eco” mode permits the motor to be operated in partial load (in applications with constant or slowly changing loads) providing a 10-30% increase in energy efficiency.

The L-force Engineer configuration software affords simple commissioning and optimal control with the 8400 motec. Equipped with a large LED, operation and error status are clearly visible from a distance for simple diagnostics. The replaceable memory module stores all parameters further simplifying set-up and service while increasing system uptime. With CANopen, AS-i and PROFIBUS communication options, the 8400 motec is reportedly ready for network installation common in many industrial applications.

“The most important requirements for drive systems with conveyor lines are high reliability and robustness, together with a long service life, low maintenance costs, and low energy consumption during long operating periods,” adds Hanesian. “Yielding up to a 30 percent decrease in energy consumption means mighty savings with the mini 8400 motec.”

– Edited by Chris Vavra, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com