Drives & Controls Magazine November/December 2022

AT THE RECENT SPS show, Trio Motion Technology launched a high-performance single-axis servodrive offering machine-builders increased design flexibility in a “cost-optimal” package. The DX3 drive is available in EtherCat and conventional control versions, with power ratings to 7.5kW, and in 200V and 400V versions. The EtherCat version supports update rates down to 125μs for demanding motion applications. The conventional version supports pulse-and-direction, analogue, as well as CANopen control. Both versions have 350% overload capabilities. The 200V servodrive spans ratings from 50W to 2kW, while the 400V drive covers 1– 7.5kW. Compact footprints and zero stacking gaps allow flush-fitting in cabinets or on DIN rails. The smallest frame is 40mm wide x 172mm high x 180mm deep. As part of Trio’s “everything you need and nothing more” approach to servodrive design, functions such as I/O are minimised, cutting costs per axis. Essential features related to motor position capture are retained, including two touch probe inputs. The drives include internal protection functions. The DX3 servodrives match Trio’s MXL low-inertia servomotors, which provide fast response and high torque, and are available with high-resolution absolute encoders. Plug-and-play set-up is achieved using Trio’s MotionPerfect software, giving access to electronic nameplate and autotuning. The drive can be commissioned via USB or a keypad interface. “The DX3 adds flexibility for machine-builders by increasing the power and voltage available from our existing servodrive range,” says Trio’s president, Tom Alexander. “This is achieved while maintaining compact dimensions and, crucially, while reducing cost.” Trio unveiled several other new products at SPS including its Flex-X Nano motion controller – a pocket- sized, I/O slice design for compact machine and cabinets with high- performance servo control via EtherCat. The controller, which Trio brands as a Motion Coordinator, can control up to 64 axes and is said to improve performance by up to 25% compared to the existing Flex-6 Nano design. Trio is also releasing a new version of its three-axis pulse-and-direction motion controller. The MC403-X is interchangeable with the existing MC403 controller (which it replaces), but has an upgraded microprocessor for faster program execution. Also new is an industrial PC that operates as a controller, combining Trio’s Motion-iX motion engine with Windows 10. The MCAT-2 I provides motion control performance over EtherCat in a PC format and can integrate additional applications and components via extended Ethernet and USB ports. Finally, Trio also presented its latest (and largest) HMI, the Uniplay 15A which has a high-resolution 15” panel and can act as a user interface for Trio controllers. www.triomotion.com TECHNOLOGY n Servodrives give machine- builders more flexibility Trio’s new DX3 servodrive is said to offer machine-builders increased design flexibility and comes in ratings up to 7.5kW