Posted to News on 25th Oct 2016, 12:00
Upgraded controller boasts more power but needs no cooling
In modern machines there is an emerging trend for more flexible modes of production, so machines are increasingly becoming modular. Designed for use in decentralised control cabinets, Lenze's 3200C controller platform has now been upgraded. The performance of the new DIN rail-mounted motion control units has been boosted with new processors. Up to double the processing speed means more computing power for the control of more co-ordinated axes - for example, in robot cells. Because the new controllers use less current than before, heat losses are minimal so the control cabinets can be made without expensive cooling systems.
The 3200C platform is a range of controllers for PLC logic, motion and visualisation. Dimensions are compact, suiting DIN rail mounting, and I/O modules are available to plug directly to the side. The upgraded Intel Atom processors run at a frequency of 1.91GHz for faster processing of more complex motion systems. However, the extra performance comes without any increase in costs. Interfaces are available for EtherCAT, Profinet, Profibus and CANopen using standardised software to IEC 61131-3, PLCopen and Lenze PLC Designer based on CoDeSys 3. An internal UPS where variables are stored in the buffer memory requires no maintenance.
To take advantage of modularisation, machine designers need to utilise independent and standardised control panels. Small size is important and here both the compact dimensions and the construction without cooling fans of the 3200C range come into play. As the heat generated is minimal, cabinet cooling systems may not be required, saving on size and cost.
Lenze's matching range of cool-running i700 drives for synchronous and asynchronous motors is also available for multi-axis applications without requiring a cooling fan. If heat is not generated, it does not have to be dissipated, which is an advantage that significantly reduces costs. Furthermore, the absence of cooling fans, and no batteries for the 3200C controllers, means no maintenance is required.
Follow the link for more information about the 3200C controller platform.
