New drive system for light-load conveyors is simple and efficient

ECDriveS delivers higher performance than comparable systems with 40W continuous power and an overload capacity of 250%, enabling fewer rollers per system that contributes to overall project cost savings. The set-up has also been designed to be really simple – just plug it in and it’s ready to go, with auto configuration on all motors.

The integrated encoders on the new drive system provide precise positioning and controlled ramps, extending belt life and enabling precise product placement. The modes of control are Profinet/Ethernet based zone controls or simple binary control. The Ethernet/Profinet controller features integrated conveyor logistics software that provides zero pressure accumulation for two zones per controller. This spaces and positions products automatically into predetermined zones. 

SEW Eurodrive recently demonstrated the benefits of the new ECDriveS system on a conveying application in the automotive sector. The system, that transported wooden pallets, would normally have required 464 powered rollers and 309 Ethernet controllers. However, due to ECDriveS’ dual zone Ethernet controllers SEW were able to reduce the total amount of controllers required from 309 to 232 with a saving of about £10K. This was due to ECDriveS’ dual zone controllers enabling independent control per motor that, incorporating the configurable ramp times, zero-pressure-accumulation and bidirectional control for two motors per controller nearly halved the requirements.

There was also an estimated 50% saving on installation time due to the plug-and-play feature and auto-configuration of the controllers and rollers. Additionally, long life-time savings on the installation could be demonstrated due to the reduction of belt wear thanks to the incorporated encoders enabling precise ramps. The plug-and-play feature and auto configuration of the rollers and controllers will also benefit the customer’s future maintenance and reduce downtime costs.

Typical applications for the new ECDriveS include, automotive logistics, food and drink manufacture, and airports etc.