Posted to News on 2nd Aug 2012, 14:57
Safety capability added to decentralised drive system
Metronix is launching safety-equipped versions of its decentralised drive DIS-2, which can be used as a smart drive or mounted on a servo to create a standalone smart motor. The compact new module provides a versatile and cost-effective drive and control capability for automation engineers and machine builders.
The new Safe Torque Off functionality (PLe category 3 according to ISO 13849-1) provides machinery and automation builders with a highly affordable means of delivering advanced machine safety features to their customers. This safety feature is also becoming highly valued in the machinery marketplace as it typically increases machine uptime.
Since its launch, the DIS-2 has become one of Metronix's most popular products. The rugged decentralised positioning control and drive module has also become a favourite option in this segment of the motion control market as it does not restrict users to particular brands of servo motor, and it can be mounted either directly on the motor or remotely to suit the available space.
Many machine builders like decentralised motion control systems because they simplify machine design and assembly. For example, by integrating the motor and encoder connections inside the module, DIS-2 reduces the cabling normally required. When used as a decentralised drive it also allows machine builders to reduce the size of automation control cabinets.
DIS-2 drives can be used for speed, torque and positioning control to provide very cost-effective options for many common processing and packaging requirements. The range of potential applications is very broad and includes simple automation products for common manufacturing functions such as synchronising and sorting, materials handling and conveying systems, robotic unmanned trucks, and axes that automate auxiliary functions such as set up and guarding on machine tools or printing presses. Modular machinery or plant automation - which can be assembled easily to suit specific applications by combining modular elements - are also common applications for this form of decentralised motion control technology.
The DIS-2 can be easily integrated in automation systems by digital and analogue interfaces as well as by exploiting DIS-2's integrated field bus communication interface. To realise multi-axis systems for higher performance and more complex movements such as interpolated motion, CANopen, PROFIBUS and EtherCAT fieldbus networking interfaces are available.
Universal encoder interfacing capability
As standard, DIS-2 modules are available with two choices of output ratings: 2A continuous/6A peak with a 230/115V AC power supply, or 15A continuous/40A peak with a 48V DC power supply, and come with built-in digital and analogue I/O, Safe Torque Off capability, an RS232 port, plus a universal encoder interfacing capability that allows connection to Hall sensors, resolvers, analogue/digital incremental encoders, or single/multi-turn absolute encoders with HIPERFACE. Users can also select any one of three fieldbus options: CANopen, EtherCAT or PROFIBUS. A powerful Windows-based programming, configuration and diagnostic software tool is available to users to create embedded drive and machine control software for Metronix DIS-2 systems.
The modules are very robust and are protected up to IP67, and can be supplied standalone, or ready-mounted onto the user's choice of brushless synchronous motor. DIS-2 is very compact, measuring 5.6 × 8 × 11.2 cm (2.2 × 3.15 × 4.4 inches). Metronix offers mounting adapter plates for numerous brands of servo motor, making it possible to configure systems for lowest cost or optimum dynamic performance. The footprint of the new safety-equipped DIS-2 is identical to previous modules, making it simple for existing users to upgrade machine designs to take advantage of the new functional safety capability.
To find out more about the safety-equipped decentralised drive DIS-2 from Metronix, visit the website at www.metronix.de.
