26 n DRIVES January 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com functions and set up parameters, simplifying the configuration, management, and longterm maintenance of the conveyors. A KI-Keypad allows users to adjust the drive parameters while displaying information such as current drawn, RPM and faults. The Unidrives work with three IE4 LeroySomer IMfinity three-phase induction motors – one for each of the conveyor’s lifts. The new installation’s Digitax HD M750 servodrives are optimised for high-dynamic applications, in either standalone and modular configurations. In this project, they control the drum motors for the powered roller conveyors, as well as the conveyor belt’s incline and decline. The conveyor and lift system was installed, ahead of schedule, in just four months. Since its implementation in April 2024, it has had a considerable impact on productivity and on staff morale, according to Nidec. The team can now retrieve parts without physically moving and accessing bulk materials. In addition, production bottlenecks have been eliminated, while efficiencies have been increased. “The conveyor is just the latest step in our ongoing efforts to enhance our manufacturing facilities,” says Evans. “We are always exploring the next steps we can take to improve efficiency and quality, and we look forward to further growth.” Nidec Drives is now considering introducing AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) to the Newtown site. These would navigate the environment independently, picking, sorting and transporting components. They would enhance employee safety and allow the teams to focus on more complex tasks. n The conveyor installation has replaced the previously manual movement of materials from the warehouse to production lines Welsh drive helps to reveal stunning Brazilian vista Visitors to the Brazilian city of Criciúm can now reach new heights with views over the region thanks to a new tourist attraction reached by a panoramic lift controlled by a specialist elevator drive. The 30m-tall structure, on top a mountain, was opened in November 2023. It allows local residents and tourists to admire the views over the city, mountains and sea. The R$4.2m (£550,000) project was part funded by the Brazilian Government. The viewpoint is named after Realdo Santos Guglielmi, a local business leader who made large investments in the region, and left his mark on the history of the city. A local elevator specialist, Panoramico Elevadores, was hired to carry out the installation work. “The application had to be as smooth and safe as possible for the elevator users,” recalls Aguinaldo Oliveira, from the company. “This would be part of the experience of riding to the top of the viewpoint.” Panoramico Elevadores specified an IP20protected Optidrive Elevator VSD from Invertek Drives to control the lift’s 7.5kW, 380V permanent magnet gearless motor. According to Oliveira, the drive was chosen “because of its ability to provide precise control of the motor, including accurate and smooth stops for the passengers. The drive’s ease of configuration and reliability in controlling the PM motor were fundamental to the success of the operation. “The population has accepted the project very well,” he adds, “enjoying the views from the elevator before heading out on to the viewpoint where there is a glass floor. They now have a super 360-degree view of the entire city of Criciúma and the surrounding mountains and sea.” Visitors reach the top of the viewing platform via a panoramic lift
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