New powerful servo drives for precision applications
March 2024
Motion Control & Drives
Motion control specialist, Aerotech is launching two new digital PWM drives. The slimline single and multi-axis servo motor drives are designed for use with Aerotech’s Automation1 platform, and offer a lower price compared to Aerotech’s higher performance drives. Both single- and dual-axis versions are available, either as a standalone motion controller, or as part of a PC-based configuration with I/O expansion options. A four-axis version will follow later this year, together with I/O expansion and DC motor supply input for the entire series.
“With the new XA4 drive series, we are creating a small revolution in the market for PWM drives and motion controllers,” says European director, Simon Smith. “Never before has there been such performance for a comparatively low price. We are opening up the market to other industries and showing how others can also benefit from high-precision automation solutions.”
Aerotech European director, Simon Smith.
The new drives are available with one-, two- and soon also four-axis versions. They are part of the user-friendly Automation1 motion control platform. Automation1 has many amplifier options that can be configured to suit the application and controller performance needed. The platform has its own software-based motion controller, which offer high levels of flexibility, while making it easy to control the positioning solutions and other connected components. Areas of application include automation systems, precision laser processes and test and inspection processes.
“Our slimline single- and dual-axis servomotor drives provide users with precise, powerful control for several motion axes in the same machine,” says Smith, explaining some of the benefits. “The iXA4 also reduces the space required on the machine and eliminates the need for an industrial PC.”
Communication with Automation1, PC and drive-based control elements takes place via the patented HyperWire motion controller of the Automation1 platform. As a drive, the iXA4 supports several feedback device types, and also has an on-board memory for high-speed data acquisition and process control. The integrated Automation1 controller can be used to control a total of 12 HyperWire motion axes and execute up to nine user tasks.
Smith concludes: “In combination with our motion control platform Automation1, users achieve the highest level of precision and performance, while enjoying advanced setup tools and ease of use. For their products, this in turn means shorter development and build times, and also offers the ability to produce better quality parts at higher throughput.”
Further reading:
Problem solving under pressure
Axiom Hydraulics
Motion Control & Drives
The greatest strength of Axiom Hydraulics lies in the company’s ability to solve complex problems and adapt systems to meet unique challenges. This capability stems from two key factors: the diverse experience of its team members, which spans decades across multiple disciplines, and their unwavering dedication to their clients.
Read more...
New AI advisor for robot selection
igus
Motion Control & Drives
igus’ new AI chatbot has been added to the online platform RBTX.com. The interactive consultant is designed to enable companies with little previous experience and technological expertise to quickly and reliably put together low-cost automation solutions to becoming more competitive.
Read more...
The world’s most powerful worm
Motion Control & Drives
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.
Read more...
Building resilience in extreme environments
ACTOM Electrical Machines
Motion Control & Drives
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...
Collaborative robots pioneer automation revolution
Motion Control & Drives
Collaborative robots (cobots) are a versatile, cost-effective robot form factor that is demonstrating value across many industry verticals. According to a new report from ABI Research, revenue from cobots will increase from $970 million in 2023 to $7,2 billion by 2030.
Read more...
SKF shines at Mining Indaba
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
This year marked SKF’s second consecutive participation at Mining Indaba, where the global bearing and seal manufacturing giant spotlighted its premium quality, future-smart, environmentally sustainable mining and industrial products, technologies and services.
Read more...
Reducing the risk of sewage spills
Motion Control & Drives
The UK government has announced plans to impose tougher penalties on water companies in England and Wales that fail to prevent sewage discharges into rivers and seas. David Strain, technical director at the automation systems specialist, Technidrive explains how solutions like variable speed drives and smart monitoring systems can help water companies reduce the risk of sewage spills and ensure compliance.
Read more...
High-performance electric wire rope hoists
Motion Control & Drives
Becker Mining South Africa’s Kito RX electric wire rope hoists, launched in Africa two years ago, play a critical role in many industries.
Read more...
Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Motion Control & Drives
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
Read more...
Planetary gear units for high torque requirements
Motion Control & Drives
Packing a compact design, along with high torque and low-speed outputs, the new SEW PPK and SEW P2.e planetary gear units from SEW-EURODRIVE offer new capabilities in continuous heavy-duty applications where space is at a premium.
Read more...
Aerotech European director, Simon Smith.
printer friendly version