Drives & Controls May 2022

n TECHNOLOGY May 2022 www.drivesncontrols.com 16 TRIO MOTION TECHNOLOGY used the recent Drives & Controls Show to launch a multi-axis servodrive designed to provide precision motion coordination for space- critical applications up to 750W. The DX5 servodrive is aimed at machine-builders who need multi-axis EtherCat control in a compact format, with no gaps between the drives. The drive is suitable for 2-16-axis applications such as laser, plasma or water cutting. It can also be used for packaging applications including form-fill-seal and labelling. “The DX5 multi-axis servodrive is for machine-builders who need high-performance motion synchronisation in a lower power, compact and cost-effective package,” says Trio’s president, Tom Alexander. “The multi-axis system provides high speed and precision EtherCat motion control, offering what we believe is the most price-competitive multi-axis servo package up to 750W.” The drives’ multi-axis synchronisation capabilities include EtherCat control down to 250μs, with 350% overload for pulse duty cycles. The drives also support 20-bit single-turn or 23- bit multi-turn absolute encoders, allowing precision high-speed control with multi-axis coordination for high throughput and production quality. The servodrives are designed as space-saving dual-axis modules in 400W and 750W frame sizes. They can be combined to offer up to 16 400W axes or eight 750W axes with no stacking gaps, thus minimising footprints. A dual-axis module measures 40 x 205 x 203mm. Eight 750W axes including their power stage occupy a width of 240mm, while 16 400W axes are 400mm wide, making the DX5 among the smallest multi-axis servo systems available. The 750W drive supports 400W and 750W servomotors, while the 400W drive supports 100W, 200W and 400W servomotors. A regenerative DC bus system absorbs motor braking energy, allowing it to be re-used across the machine’s axes. Cost savings are achieved by removing I/O from the individual drive axes, and integrating them instead into a Trio Motion Coordinator. This achieves one of the lowest cost-per-axis counts in the market, according to Trio. When used with the company’s matching low-inertia, high-speed MXL servomotors, plug-and-play operation is possible. Trio’s free Motion Perfect PC tool allows fast auto- configuration, while seamless integration with Trio’s quick-to- program controllers ensures trouble-free machine set-ups. There is a choice of programming languages between IEC 61131-3, PLCopen and Trio’s text-based Motion-iX language. Extra control functions can be added using Trio’s Flexslice I/O system with modules that click into place. https://www.triomotion.com/ public/home.php Multi-axis servodrive is ‘the most price-competitive’ up to 750W “The DX5 multi-axis servodrive is for machine-builders who need high- performance motion synchronisation in a lower power, compact and cost-effective package” Trio claims that its new DX5 servodrive is one of the smallest on the market ROCKWELLAUTOMATION has released a series of machine-mounting AC variable- speed drives designed for quick installation, simple commissioning and predictive maintenance. The Allen-Bradley Armor PowerFlex drives, available in standard or safety versions, replace multiple components for easier integration into automation systems. The drives move controls and hardware out of cabinets and onto machines, close to the application. This can simplify machine designs as well as cutting costs and deployment times. The drives are designed for use in harsh environments, where reducing installation times and costs are critical. The drives have built-in EtherNet/IP dual- port switches for fast collection of real-time data. They also monitor their component lives, helping to avoid costly downtime. To improve cybersecurity, the drives support CIP Security which provides data authenticity, integrity and confidentiality, helping to protect against the risk of someone accessing a network remotely. The safety version of the drive offers built-in CIP Safety and hardwired STO (safe torque-off ) or SS1 (safe stop 1) functions, avoiding the need for external safety monitoring or control components. Advanced safe-speed functions can be achieved by using the drives with Allen- Bradley GuardLogix PLCs and encoders. “Manufacturers can expect greater efficiency and productivity when using the new Armor PowerFlex drives, which have built-in technology that’s smarter, safer, more secure and easier to apply than other solutions on the market,”says Rockwell global product manager, Joe Azzolina.“Armor PowerFlex drives can reduce time-consuming tasks within the machine lifecycle. They can also help users realise greater profitability as part of a decentralised, zero-cabinet design approach.” www.rockwellautomation.com n On-machine drives cut time and costs, and accelerate deployment