Drives span the VSD-to-servo gamut

Danfoss has unveiled a new general-purpose drive based on the same platform as its high-performance VLT AutomationDrive FC302, launched last year. The company says that, together, the two drives will span the full spectrum from simple variable speed drives to near-servo performance

Danfoss has also teamed up with Pilz to offer drives with built-in support for the SafetyBus p safety network technology.

The new AutomationDrive FC301 (shown above) shares the same structural platform, user interface, menus and options with the FC302. This makes it easy to interchange drives, while programming and commissioning will be similar for drives doing different duties on a production line. Options, settings and programs can be transferred between drives, saving training and engineering effort.

A range of matching numerical control panels has been launched at the same as the FC301. The drives can also be used without a dedicated control panel, and can be set up by loading programs and settings from a temporarily connected panel.

The AutomationDrives are designed to be efficient and easy to maintain. They incorporate Smart Logic PLCs and themostatically controlled fans, and offer optional Profibus and DeviceNet communications.

The new drive was launched at last month`s Hannover Fair, where Danfoss also announced that it is working with Pilz to add SafetyBus p support to some of its drives. The two companies unveiled a Danfoss VLT AutomationDrive FC300 with a SafetyBus p interface. This drive already has built-in safety functions, but two-way communications via the safe bus are said to simplify parameter setting, operation and diagnostics. Functions such as safe stops and protection against restarts are claimed to be quick and easy to implement.

The combination of technologies is also said to give users access to a safe, co-ordinated drive system which already has safety-related approval.

Danfoss` mid-range FC302 drives can be combined with Pilz`s PNOZmulti safety system to provide a safe drive that not only monitors speed across several axes, but also provides extra safety functions.