A new range of servo-drives for the general machinery market, offering an unprecedented level of connectivity, feedback options, intelligence and functionality has been launched by Control Techniques. The Digitax ST range encompasses four models Base, Indexer, EZ Motion and Plus), all compact in size and having full compatibility with Control Techniques’ 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 is of 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 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.
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.