Motion control technologies on show at MachineBuilding.South

Beckhoff (Stand 100) has launched a range of cost-optimised drives, motors, I/O and control for compact machines that might only require 2-4 axes. Beckhoff business development manager Bradley McEwan comments: "Often an OEM might source different components from different vendors, but that means multiple points of purchase, and it can mean multiple points of potential failure. Also, a change to one component can mean a complete redesign - and that means you can find yourself redesigning just to stand still.

The Beckhoff OS has long been open for third parties, making it easier to source, install and configure automation components. But now the company has introduced a range of control products that mean you can address all of your automation requirements for compact machines from a single source. These products include cost-optimised servo drives, I/O, economy servo motors, compact integrated servo drives (to reduce cabinet space), variable speed drives, and compact integrated stepper drives, delivering compact, cost-efficient machine concepts with full integration into Beckhoff's world of PC-based control. Offering affordability without compromise on key features, Beckhoff says this economy drive system closes the drive gap in the entry-level segment.

Another company recognising that machine builders face growing pressure to combine compact design, flexibility and cost efficiency is Lenze(Stand 99), but the company points out that high dynamic performance does not necessarily depend on classic servo technology.

With the IE5/IE6 Motor Drive System and the i650 motec frequency, the company offers a decentralised drive solution that delivers servo-like performance while creating more freedom in machine design. It enables machines to be made more efficient, adaptable and easier to engineer without compromising on precision.

The i650 motec offers integrated Logic PLC and a positioning function that enables independent motion control without a higher-level controller. This makes the system suitable for various applications such as conveyor drives, lifting applications or positioning axes.

Next generation AC drive technology

Sprint Electric (Stand 35) is highlighting its new Generis AC drive, which delivers cost-effective and highly reliable AC motor control combined with energy regeneration and low input current harmonics.

Generis uses a patented switching technology that does not require a DC link. This means Generis gives full four quadrant control as standard, as well as unity power factor and minimal input current distortion. Four quadrant control removes the need for active front end drives or braking resistors, simplifying control of AC motors in complex applications.

Removing the DC link in an AC drive also massively reduces harmonic distortion to the mains supply as well as improving drive efficiency. The drive will control all AC motor types with both open loop and closed loop available to maximise its range of application.

Generis drives will be available from February 2024 up to 22kW with additional sizes being introduced over the next three years to cover a range up to 200kW.

Servo Components and Systems (Stand 33) will be exhibiting an extensive range of motion products including linear electric actuators, linear electric motors, servo drives, brushless motors and gearheads, and showing how these components can be assembled into simple pick and place, XYZ gantry, push/pull or stacking systems for entry level robotics and automation.

Servo Components and Systems specialises in the supply of motion control products into general industrial applications, production automation, packaging and military industries.

For its part, Festo (Stand 17)has added the first edge device to its range of AX Controllers. CEPE is a high-performance industrial PC and control unit designed for industrial motion and IoT applications. It uses the Festo AX operating system (OS), which is based on PLCnext Technology and offers an open ecosystem for modular automation and easy programming.

CEPE is designed to control and automate assembly lines and machines, as well as production processes. Highly configurable, CEPE enables the programming and monitoring of production processes, including motion applications such as pick and place, palletising and servo presses. It can also support machine visualisation and IoT data acquisition and analysis.

Ben Lloyd, Festo's Product Manager - Electrical Automation, says: "End users and machine builders are under constant pressure to meet new production demands and shorten development cycles. Automation provides the answer, but it involves integrating multiple functions, such as control and motion, AI, data integration and evaluation, and predictive maintenance into applications simultaneously. The addition of CEPE to the Festo AX platform makes this process easier than ever."

Festo AX Controls combine many software modules, such as operating system, motion, visualisation, high-level languages and low code development tools through to commissioning software with a scalable hardware platform. The AX suite consists of the Festo AX OS, Festo AX Motion control software, Festo AX Machine Visualisation software and now the CEPE edge controller.