Lenze's L-Force product family, comprising geared motors, controllers,
field devices and supporting software (system engineering, motion
function and process control), has been augmented with the introduction
of a new servo drive, the 9400. And it looks like Lenze has been
consulting widely with customers on the development of this leading
L-Force automation platform product.
The mechanical construction of the 9400 is particularly noteworthy, with
a separate backplane that mounts separately from the main drive
electronics, containing all the high voltage connections, braking control
module and dc bus. The drive body simply clicks into the backplane cradle
to make these connections and is locked into position by a single lever.
The drive can be adapted for a particular application by selecting from a
range of plug-in modules, including memory modules containing the drive
settings and application data; function modules, providing safe operating
modes compliant with international standards, and fieldbus modules that
add Profibus, DeviceNet and Ethernet PowerLink capability, in addition to
the drive's pre-configured CANbus networking.
The plug-in safety options include safe stop, safe standstill, safe
inputs, safe parameter setting and a Profisafe port, enabling field
safety devices to be connected directly to the drive. Apart from the
obvious cost savings, these features also ensure much shorter reaction
times to safety critical events.
The 9400 is initially available in the 0.37-11kW range, but the company
says this will shortly be extended up to 400kW. The drive is fully
compatible with Lenze's L-Force motor series, including highly dynamic
synchronous servomotors and asynchronous models with a wide speed range.