MACHINE BUILDING n These market needs have driven demand for more sophisticated machines, and the rapid acceleration in computing power, including advances in microprocessor technology and deterministic real-time networks, has enabled more powerful, centralised motion architectures. The latest generation of machine controls can incorporate PLC functions, plus the ability to integrate a wide variety of peripherals such as cameras and other sensors. They can also coordinate all machine axes in one place, including crossaxis behaviour not possible with independent, intelligent drives. In turn, the need for decentralised solutions is becoming less compelling. The rise of the lean drive The emergence of high-powered machine controllers that combine motion control and PLC functions has reduced significantly the need for intelligent drives, and this has provided machine-builders with several advantages. They can now design leaner architectures with less complex components, resulting in systems that are easier to manage. Specifically, application development is much simpler, resulting in a faster time to market. A single controller that integrates all machine I/O makes interfacing of devices much easier, reduces programming, and simplifies builds. The streamlined control architecture also makes machines much easier to use, maintain, and troubleshoot, with fewer points of failure, enhancing reliability. Because the shift in control architecture has enabled automation vendors to strip away unnecessary intelligence from a drive, this also means lower costs per axis. More capable controllers incur some cost increase, but the larger the number of motor axes, the greater the cost saving. Considering performance, an important advantage of the lean drive is that removing non-essential intelligence allows it to focus processing power where it matters most – at the motor. With machine-level logic, I/O processing and other functions handled instead by the controller, a lean, highperformance drive is dedicated purely to servo control. The result is improved tuning and shaft performance, and increased use of the motor as a sensor, enabling more effective maintenance and diagnostics. What’s more, these gains are achieved with easier overall set-ups, only requiring parameters focused on motion control applications, rather than general-purpose automation. In some cases, intelligent drives with specific functions can still be useful. And even if machine-builders identify with the advantages of centralising intelligence, changing architectures takes time to plan. But the market demand for more sophisticated machines is the real driver of more powerful central control, resulting in better performing, faster to develop, and easier-to-use machines. n A multi-axis servodrive array Water industry panel builders need components that meet the specification, arrive when required and leave room for a sensible margin. Reviewing where those components come from can open another route to value. Charter Controls is a UK manufacturers’ agent and direct importer, sourcing low voltage control and automation products from the factories that make them. That brings manufacturer relationships, UK stock and technical support together through one supplier. For water and wastewater panels, the range includes Connectwell terminal blocks, GIC timing and monitoring, Unipower motor load monitors and Esbee doorgear. The proposition is straightforward: compare suitable products on specification, availability, support and price, rather than assuming the familiar purchasing route is the only option. Whether you are pricing a pumping panel, preparing a tender or planning repeat builds, Charter Controls can review your bill of materials, identify the lines it can support and discuss appropriate options. Stock and lead times can be checked against your requirements, including quantities and required delivery dates, before you commit. This is not about changing components simply to chase a lower price. Any alternative must satisfy the application and project approvals. It is about having an informed comparison, backed by a supplier that understands the products it supplies. Your next panel may not need a different design. It may need a fresh look at how its components are sourced. Send your water panel bill of materials to Charter Controls for a product, price and availability review. Call 01424 850660 or email enquiries@charter-controls.com. n COMPANY PROFILE Better value for water control panels starts at the source Review the sourcing, not just the specification. Talk to Charter Controls about your next water panel.
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