Rockwell Automation introduces a new addition to the Allen-Bradley MP Series family of servo motors. The new MP series stainless steel motor (MPS) is specifically designed for harsh environments for meat processing (where high pressure, caustic wash down is the norm), food, beverage and pharmaceutical applications
The new MP series stainless steel motors from Rockwell Automation are the latest addition to the comprehensive Kinetix motion control solution. With the arrival of a servo specifically designed for use in clean processes, customers who had previously been forced to rely on hydraulic or pneumatic systems can now take advantage of a servo-based automation solution that offers lower maintenance costs, better process control, improved quality and production efficiency.
Ever-more stringent hygiene and traceability regulations mean that the design and operation of food, beverage and pharmabio processing facilities is more tightly regulated than ever. A single contamination incident can have disastrous consequences, meaning that hygiene and safety are, quite rightly, at the top of manufacturer’s priorities.
But in the past, this has meant users sometimes having to accept the performance and cost implications of adopting hydraulic or pneumatic motion solutions in food and beverage applications because no servo solution existed which could be reliably employed in environments regularly subjected to harsh cleaning regimes.
Now, the MPS stainless steel motors deliver the performance of Allen-Bradley motors in a package which is in accordance with the best practices in food safety, lowering the total cost of ownership by minimising plant downtime and eliminating the need for expensive shielding, enclosures and mechanical transmissions.
Based on proven MP-Series technology, the new motors are tightly sealed in a 300-series stainless steel housing for maximum protection and corrosion resistance. Considerable consultation with end-users throughout the design and testing of the new MPS stainless steel motors has resulted in a unit which exceeds current best practice for food safety requirements.
The motor case is passivated 300 stainless steel to make cleaning easy. Washdown and caustic chemical rated, it has 3m flying leads with a factory sealed cable exit and pre-fitted food-grade connectors. The MPS motor is tested to meet IP66, IP67 and IP69K for 1200psi washdown capability. Rockwell Automation’s “Kinetix” test uses water at 160 to 180 deg C and 1200 psi and either a manual test with a high pressure wand 300mm away or an automated high-pressure washer for one hour. No water ingress is permitted during these tests. There is high-resolution feedback for smooth operation and absolute feedback to eliminate frequent homing routines. There is also an option for a 24v fail-safe brake and for ultimate protection, an “air purge kit” which uses constant positive air pressure to prevent condensation in applications involving extreme thermal cycling.
The MPS stainless steel motors are available in three frame sizes, 100mm, 130mm and 165mm. They are intended for use with Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6000, Ultra 3000 and Ultra 5000 servo drives and provide peak torque from 11.1 to 67.8 Nm (98 to 600 lb-in.
The construction builds on the pedigree of the Allen-Bradley MP series motors that have been firm favourites with customers since their introduction in 2000; packing more torque into a motor which typically has a 19% smaller frame size and is 39% shorter than previous generations. The range was extended at the end of 2004 into the MPF range for damp and dusty environments such as food packaging and now the ultimate MPS in stainless steel.
