New Hiperdrive Hub reduces cost of automatic size change by up to 30 per cent

Citation

(2007), "New Hiperdrive Hub reduces cost of automatic size change by up to 30 per cent", Assembly Automation, Vol. 27 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2007.03327daf.002

New Hiperdrive Hub reduces cost of automatic size change by up to 30 per cent

New Hiperdrive Hub reduces cost of automatic size change by up to 30 per cent

A reduction in average batch sizes and the requirement to document production processes – particularly for pharmaceutical products – has led an increasing number of machine manufacturers to implement automatic size change systems on their machines.

This type of implementation typically involves the replacement of manually operated hand wheels with automated drive systems. Unfortunately, for many years, the high costs associated with traditional drive systems, such as servo drives, have provided a barrier to many machine builders.

This all changed in 2004 with the introduction of SICK Stegmann's Hiperdrive automatic size change system, a fully integrated drive system, cost optimised for automatic size change.

Now, thanks to the continuous development work being undertaken by SICK Stegmann, even more machine builders can reap the benefits of automatic size change with the introduction of the Hiperdrive Hub (Figure 1). Indeed, a system incorporating Hiperdrive Hub offers a cost reduction of up to 30 per cent compared with using individual Hiperdrive units. It does so by taking up to eight Profibus interfaces from individual Hiperdrive units and places them in a hub.

Figure 1 The Hiperdrive Hub from SICK can accommodate up to eight Profibus interfaces from individual Hiperdrive units

The Hiperdrive Hub offers users more than just a cost saving, it also offers a reduction in bus nodes. Normally, individual drives would each require a separate bus address. In comparison, the Hiperdrive Hub requires just one address through which all eight drives can be controlled.

Hiperdrive automatic size change drives comprise a performance drive, brushless DC motor and an absolute encoder, together with speed and positioning electronics; all of which are integrated in a small, robust IP65-rated package. With an operating torque of up to 20Nm and an output speed of up to 280rpm, these drives can be used for size change on most packaging, paper, printing, textile and woodworking machines. Intelligence is integrated in the drive housing and relieves the higher-level PLC or control computer.

Hiperdrive does not replace all classic servo-drives, but offers a cost effective alternative for specific applications such as size change. Decentralised and intelligent drive concepts such as Hiperdrive simplify the system structure of a plant and drastically reduce the set-up and restart times of a production process, particularly in the case of packaging machines but also in many other machine types.

For further details, please contact web site: www.sick.co.uk