Gefran has expanded its ADV200 line of high-performance, field-oriented control (FOC) vector inverters, adding three larger frame sizes with heavy duty overload power now available up to 1.2MW. The modular range now includes four panel-mount and three cabinet-housed drives for continuous service, constant torque power output applications from 0.75kW to 355kW at 400-480VAC.
With heavy duty and light duty overload management and with a choice of open loop, closed loop with speed feedback, or V/F control, the ADV200 range provides maximum application flexibility with up to three front-mounted option card slots for a mixed combination of encoder and fieldbus interfaces or I/O expansion cards. The ADV200 is aimed at system builders and OEMs requiring an inverter drive platform that is able to meet the needs of the widest possible range of speed control applications.
Based on a high-performance 32-bit microcontroller providing a closed-loop speed regulation up to 0.01 per cent and a speed range of 1:1000, the ADV200 includes three levels of programming and control options as standard. A built-in alphanumeric keypad with a backlit four-line text display can provide a means for direct parameter programming or for simple control. For applications requiring an intermediate level of control, Gefran's GF-Express configuration tool features an integrated oscilloscope and tools for fast set-up and application commissioning, plus a simple integrated PLC for straightforward I/O control. For demanding machine control and application integration, an IEC61131-3 sequential PLC is included with Gefran's MDPLC advanced development software.
To allow integration with factory automation systems, standard fieldbus options include CANopen, Devicenet, Profibus-DP as well as Gefran's GD-Net real-time fast Ethernet for high-speed synchronisation between ADV200's or servo-controlled axes from Gefran's XVy-EV range. As standard, each drive is fitted with two analogue inputs and outputs, 6 +2 digital inputs and outputs and two relay outputs. Separate machine control expansion cards are available in various digital and analogue I/O combinations. An RS485 serial input is also available that may be optionally modified for Modbus RTU, to provide peer-to-peer or multidrop connection for multi-axis systems.
The advanced ADV200 also includes safety features such as Omega clamp for 360 EMC cable shielding, an external 24VDC power supply for keep-alive on mains input loss, and an optional safety card allowing the motor to be disabled without the use of a safety contactor on the drive output - in compliance with EN954-1 category 3. Features for fast installation include removable easy-access screw terminal connectors and front-facing option card slots, plus the keypad is removable. For maximum reliability the ADV200 also features integrated DC line chokes and input filters for full EMC compliance EN61800-3.
Curtis Machine Tools has developed the Vector GFS cylindrical grinding machine to cope with components in the 1-2mm diameter range, which are difficult to handle and locate using conventional methods. The Vector GFS (grind from solid) is capable of producing a range of parts from hardened bar in one cycle using a multi-form grinding wheel. The key elements of the design are the stock feed unit, which feeds bar into the work spindle from a magazine located at the rear of the machine, and a puller unit, wherein a servo-driven gripper pulls bar material a precisely programmable distance through the work-spindle chuck.
