Motors, Drives and Motion Control Award Winners

By Control Engineering Staff February 1, 2009

DrivesAF-6 Series Drives

General Electric

AF-6 Series Drives are used to reduce overall energy costs and accurately control motor speed. GE introduced the new series for applications up to 1,350 hp with many features already built-in, like PLC controllers and RFI filters, while still lowering total cost. The user interface can shorten set-up to minutes with full text features to make programming easier. Parameters can be copied to multiple drives almost instantly. Distributors and panel builder customers are enthusiastic and orders have been above expectations. New web tools include an energy saving calculator to help customers prove the value of the new line. The AF-6 Series shows how built-in features and built-in simplicity save time and money.

www.geelectrical.com/drives

HONORABLE MENTION MCA 121 EtherNet/IP Option Card – Danfoss Drives

The MCA 121 is a powerful networking tool that enables Danfoss VLT AutomationDrive users to deploy standard Ethernet technology in manufacturing applications, while also enabling Internet and enterprise activity.

www.danfossdrives.com

Motion ControllersIndraControl MLC with Robotics

Bosch Rexroth – Electric Drives and Controls

High performance IndraControl L65 PAC gives OEMs easier integration, networking, and fast processing with 64 axes of motion. Motion and ladder logic are integrated, reducing needed component count for a system. The L65 can be programmed with IndraWorks unified software program, with real-time Ethernet onboard and built-in connectivity for SERCOS III, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Profibus. It has dozens of PLC open machine functions that are pre-programmed to IEC 61131-3 standards and features 36 megabytes of program memory for extensive multitasking. The L65 PAC is ideal for general automation, printing, converting, packaging, machine tool and other industries. www.boschrexroth-us.com

HONORABLE MENTION Q170MCPU stand-alone motion controller – Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc.

The new Q170MCPU is a high-speed, high-precision, stand-alone motion controller with a built-in PLC and 1 to 16 axes of motion for packaging, material handling, printing, and many other applications.

www.meau.com

Motors, Drives, and Motion ControlLaserTurn 1

Aerotech Inc.

The LaserTurn 1 is an integrated linear-rotary motion subsystem that combines automated material handling with high performance direct-drive linear and rotary motion. The LaserTurn 1 is a cylindrical laser processing system with an automated, pneumatically actuated, Type D collet closer. The collet closer has a clear aperture forproduct feed-through and is designed to minimize axial tube motion during clamping operations. Its direct-drive noncontact motor and encoder technology for the linear and rotary axes permits higher throughput and maintenance-free operation when compared to gear and screw-driven technologies. Linear and rotary encoders coupled directly to the load provide the highest level of system accuracy and repeatability over the operating lifetime of the stage. www.aerotech.com

HONORABLE MENTION Electric Monorail System – SEW-Eurodrive

This intelligent Electric Monorail System (EMS) for overhead trolley systems saves floor space. It uses Movitrans contactless (inductive) energy transfer and wireless Ethernet.

www.seweurodrive.com