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A new range of servo-drives, with unprecedented connectivity, feedback options, intelligence and functionality has been launched by Control Techniques targeting the general Machinery Automation market.
The Digitax ST range encompasses four models, each with industry-leading features. Extremely compact in size and having full compatibility with Control Techniques’ comprehensive range of click-in function and communication modules, allowing the drive to be customised easily and without special tools.
Lean manufacturing environments, demand smaller, more flexible machinery, the Digitax ST range has been designed to meet these requirements, offering machine manufacturers and system integrators a compact servo drive with an unmatched range of flexible integration features.
Digitax ST has been designed using a well-proven process that prioritises innovation, reliability and customer involvement. An example of this can be seen in Digitax ST’s compact, flat-sided construction that allows high packing density for multiple axes, other features such as the onboard motion and automation control and a “Safe Torque Off” input reduce the need for external components, further shrinking the machine size.
The drive is optimised for servo applications requiring high peak torque, exceptional dynamic response, faster installation and start-up as well as ease of integration. Four product variants make up the range at launch – Base, Indexer, EZ Motion and Plus.
The Digitax ST BASE model is designed to operate with a motion controller (or PLC or PC), connected using either digital communications such as SERCOS and EtherCAT or analogue signals. The Base unit is quick and simple to configure using the optional keypad, SmartCard or CTSoft, an intuitive drive configuration tool that’s included with every drive. Typical applications include packaging, pick-and-place or gluing machines as well as material handling, X-Y tables and profiling machines
The Digitax ST INDEXER is designed for simple stand-alone applications using its onboard motion controller offering accurate, high speed point-to-point positioning. The Indexer is particularly easy to set up using Sequential Function Chart (SFC), SFC is a graphical programming language used by PLCs and is one of the five languages defined by IEC 61131-3 standard.
The SFC programming environment is a part of the drive commissioning software, CTSoft. The intuitive interface enables users to quickly configure a range of motion commands such as homing and various index moves, considerably saving development and set-up time.
Option modules allow the drive to be integrated with other automation equipment using fieldbus, Ethernet and expanded I/O. Typical applications include indexing tables, fast conveyor positioning, cut-to-length lines, punching or dispensing machines and transfer units.
The Digitax ST EZ Motion unit utilises the popular PowerTools Pro PC programming software that guides the user through the drive, I/O and motion configuration for many indexing and synchronised motor applications. High level software features help reduce development time and motion configurations such as travel limits, queuing and gearing are easily achieved within the PowerTools Pro software using easy to complete forms and drag-and-drop functionality. Users can quickly and easily achieve a precision servo solution for indexing tables, pick-and-place, packaging and high-speed labelling machines, dancer arm loop control and rotary knife control.
Top of the range is the Digitax ST PLUS featuring a full functionality motion controller optimised for high performance machine cells requiring drive-to-drive networking, cam profiling and synchronised motion (including virtual master). The on-board drive-to-drive networking links multiple axes and enables true distributed control. Configured using SyPT Pro, the drive’s advanced motion features are configured in a flexible IEC6113-3 style development environment using PLC-open motion function blocks.
The on-board position controller saves both cost and cubicle space, SyPTPro can protect designers’ intellectual property by preventing end-users from accessing the source code and the drive-to-drive network allows close integration with devices such as HMIs, PCs, I/O and other drives in the system.
Digitax ST PLUS is the ideal choice for printing and packaging machines, synchronising conveyors, flying shear or rotary knife cutting, winder traverses for textile and cable machines – and many more applications too!
All four models are geared towards saving development time, offer easy-to-use supporting software and a wide range of option modules. Options include modules for connectivity to all industry-standard fieldbus networks and Ethernet systems, feedback from a wide range of encoders, resolvers plus additional I/O extensions (including Control Technique’s new high density SM IO 32 module) – a total of 23 option modules in all and growing as new technologies enter the automation market.
Innovative mechanical design reduces installation time with quick attachment to DIN rail systems and a sturdy cable management system that features rigid mounting and practical earthing brackets. Pluggable control terminals enable looms to be easily prepared and wiring time reduced.
Automatic motor set-up, Autotune and SmartCards that can safely store drive parameters and motion programming all contribute to reduced commissioning time.
All four units are ideally matched to the Control Techniques Unimotor FM (Flexible Motor) servomotors; Unimotor FM is a unified 200v/400v range in six frame sizes from 55mm through to 190mm and spanning powers from 0.75 up to a massive 73.2 Nm. With IP65 protection, a wide range of shaft variants and flange dimensions including IEC and Nema configurations, a choice of feedback options and other factory fitted options include integral brakes and servo-gearboxes.
Digital ST operates successfully with all makes and types of AC servomotors, including linear motors, and with almost any type of feedback device.
How can a user increase the value of their machines whilst reducing the build costs? Digitax ST – a new servo range combining reliability, high-dynamic performance, repeatability and accuracy, whilst at the same time reducing panel sizes and costs. Digitax ST successfully addresses all of these challenges.
Control Techniques UK Drive Centre
01952 213 700
