Rockwell Automation has extended the ratings of its Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 AC drives to 1500 kW/2,000 Hp, completing the power range of the PowerFlex 750-Series portfolio and providing customers with a wide selection of options and features. The high-power drive builds on the application flexibility and common user experience of the PowerFlex 750-Series, giving heavy industries a new option for advanced power control.

The PowerFlex 755 drive is well suited for a wide variety of applications ranging from simple variable speed and variable torque control to the most demanding systems requiring constant torque control. Target applications include fans, pumps, mixers, compressors, conveyors and extruders, as well as applications for the oil and gas, tire and rubber, refining, metals and mining industries.

“We designed the PowerFlex 755 drives with ease-of-use in mind, and expanded its power range to deliver this user experience to a wider range of applications,” said John Cherney, global product manager, Rockwell Automation. “Whether an application demands one or 2,000 horsepower, the way users interface with any PowerFlex 755 frame is nearly identical. This commonality helps to simplify operation, from configuration and integration to maintenance and troubleshooting.”

The latest frame extension delivers the enhanced control capabilities of earlier high-power models, including features, such as 400/480/600/690 volt ratings and N-1 technology. With N-1 technology, users can configure the PowerFlex 755 high-power drive to utilize one, two or all three of its power structures. This gives the redundancy and advanced control needed to effectively manage load changes, protect equipment, and keep the drive up and running in the event of a power failure. The common DC-bus option allows users to connect the PowerFlex 755 AC drive to a DC-bus configuration, which takes advantage of different drive cycles to share energy. Using a common DC-bus system helps increase system performance and reduce loss – ultimately improving the application’s energy efficiency.

With the launch of Simatic S7-1500, the Siemens Industry Automation division is introducing a controller family of the next generation for medium to high-end machine and plant automation. The new generation of controllers is characterized by high performance and efficiency. Its characteristic features include outstanding system performance and a host of functions integrated as standard, including Motion Control, Security for maximum possible plant security, and Safety for safety applications that are easy to implement. Greater efficiency is represented in particular by the innovative design for simple commissioning and safe operation, the configurable diagnostic functions for the plant status and the integration into the TIA Portal for simple engineering and low project costs.

The new generation of Simatic S7-1500 controllers is being launched on the market in stages. Initially, the portfolio will comprise the three CPU types 1511, 1513 and 1516 for the medium performance range, each also available as a F-version (failsafe) for safety applications, with graded performance features. These differ, for example, in the number of interfaces, bit performance and the size of the display and data memory. According to the individual automation task, the CPUs in the central configuration can be supplemented with as many as 32 expansion modules, e.g. with the new communication and technology modules or IO modules, in the same format as Simatic ET 200MP from Siemens.

For more information on this product click Simatic S7-1500

Rockwell Automation has introduced the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5500 servo drive, Kinetix VP low-inertia (VPL) servo motor, and single-cable technology as an integrated motion solution on EtherNet/IP that is more compact, easier to use and simplifies system wiring.

“Machine and equipment builders are challenged with making smaller, more complex equipment in a shorter design cycle and at a lower price point,” said Mike Schweiner, Kinetix product manager, Rockwell Automation. “Our new single-cable Kinetix motion solution gives machine builders a proven solution for both servo and induction motor control on a single development platform that will result in less design time and cabinet space with improved power density and efficiency.”

The Kinetix 5500 servo drive joins the Kinetix 350 and Kinetix 6500 drives to provide users with more options to match motion control needs. Integrated motion control on EtherNet/IP eliminates the need for a dedicated motion network, reducing cabling by up to 60 percent and removing the need to create gateways to get information to or from secluded networks. Additionally, the Kinetix VPL motors new winding technology and DSL encoder, connected with the smart-cable technology, allows power transmission and feedback communication to and from the Kinetix 5500 drive to take place on a single cable. This further simplifies application design and limits points-of-failure for improved reliability and uncomplicated maintenance.

Ideal for packaging, material handling or converting systems with more than six axes, the Kinetix 5500 and Kinetix VP drive-motor system does not require discrete power rail or additional accessories, so machines can be scaled up as needed. Optimally matched motor and drive ratings uses half the energy of comparable solutions, while still providing 125 μsec loop closure for maximum performance.

Wahl Instruments, Inc. announces the launch of its Free Rental program for z30 and z50 series Heat Spy thermal imaging cameras. Thermal imaging technology is a powerful, non-invasive diagnostic tool. Wahl makes it easier than ever for companies to try out a Thermal Imager for your application. Evaluate Heat Spy in your facility to see what it can do for you. Your Heat Spy unit comes pre-configured and ready to use straight out of the box.

Try out Heat Spy at your location for up to seven days at no charge – shipping fees are all you pay. A $350 value, your seven day free rental starts the day your unit is delivered to your door. Add Wide Angle or Telephoto lenses to your free Heat Spy rental for a nominal fee, and discover the extended capabilities of Heat Spy available with these accessories.

The Wahl Heat Spy Free Rental program is available to qualified companies in the USA & Canada only.

For details click Rental Program and Heat Spy