Parker Hannifin is releasing its new AC30P variable speed drive to the UK market at Drives and Controls 2016. The AC30P is firmly focused on the needs of test rig, converting and plastic extrusion industrial customers. The new product meets a growing demand for intelligent automation to support the Internet of Things, whilst offering a legacy of application knowledge and experience from Parker SSD built into the standard drive. It will be available to buy from 13 April.
For machine builders and end users, the AC30P offers ease of use and simple connectivity into any automation system. Parker provides easy-to-use software tools, aimed at both technician and engineer level; so whoever is using the product can use the software based on their level of experience and ability. There is also a flexible programming language that allows users to do anything from minor changes, to writing PLC code inside a drive.
Based on Codesys IEC61131 open source software, the AC30P provides users with access to a large library of application macros and worked examples. So while customers are free to develop their own applications from scratch, they can also save time and energy by accessing examples of completed solutions - with supplementary advice from Parker's engineers on how to tailor existing solutions to meet bespoke needs. Popular applications include open and closed loop winder control, phase locking multiple axes to a single master and registration applications for synchronised process control.
From a connectivity viewpoint, the AC30P offers Profinet and Ethernet IP as standard through dual Ethernet ports, as well as Modbus TCP IP with client and server functionality. That makes Parker's standard product compatible with more than 80 per cent of other automation architecture; there is no need for expensive add-ons or upgrade modules.
For end users, the Ethernet protocols also provide potential for intelligent data analytics and connection to external servers - opening up links to the cloud or big data functionality.
Grant Shoebridge, Parker's market development manager for drives, comments: "Parker is bringing new ideas, new innovations and new pricing to Drives and Controls 2016 and we're expecting the AC30P to be a very popular addition to our range when it goes on sale. We know that customers are looking for reliable, flexible and capable products and the AC30P fits the bill on all three counts. It's also easy to work with and integrate into any system.
"What's more, we've improved our software control algorithms and early internal lab tests show the AC30P to be among best-in-class control performance - both on speed and torque. This product is part of Parker's vision of building intelligent automation architectures, and anticipating new requirements such as increased demands on performance, predictive maintenance and black box recording for easy fault analysis."
Parker will be showcasing a range of products, including a demo of the AC30P, on board its automation truck at Drives and Controls. The company will have a team of product experts on hand at the show to discuss customer requirements and potential bespoke systems. Delegates can book advance "˜tech talks' with a Parker engineer by visiting solutions.parker.com/drivesandcontrols16.