Motion Drives and Controls add Quicksilver Controls range of closed loop microstepping motors and intelligent drives

Citation

(2008), "Motion Drives and Controls add Quicksilver Controls range of closed loop microstepping motors and intelligent drives", Industrial Robot, Vol. 35 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2008.04935dad.002

Motion Drives and Controls add Quicksilver Controls range of closed loop microstepping motors and intelligent drives

Article Type: New products From: Industrial Robot: An International Journal, Volume 35, Issue 4

Closed loop servo control is based upon microstep motors to provide superior torque and higher accuracy at competitive pricing

A new range of intelligent servo drives combining the cost benefits of microstep motors and the dynamic performance of closed loop control is available exclusively in the UK from Motion Drives and Controls Limited. The complete range from US-based Quicksilver Controls Inc. includes size 17, 23 and 34 NEMA frame microstep motors fitted with high-resolution encoders matched to servo drives with integrated motion controls. The intelligent controller/drives are supplied as compact board-only designs, in enclosures with breakout boards or packaged to IP50 rated standards. Distributed control versions with CAN or Ethernet are also available along with I/O modules, cables and accessories to form a complete positioning solutions.

Quicksilver Controls has innovated the application of servo control using microstep motors by developing control algorithms that combine the accuracy, precision, and power savings of traditional servo motors with the higher torque and lower cost of traditional stepper motors. Additional benefits of these innovative drives includes the Advance PVIA™ servo loop feature for 100:1 inertia mismatch and oversized load capability, and an optional feature named Anti-Hunt™ that allows the motor to switch to open loop mode when at rest – removing any tendency for servo dither whist holding the load in place.

Typical servo drive specifications covers an 8 kHz servo loop with output ratings from 3.5 to 10 A/phase with voltage and current input from 12 to 48 VDC at 4.5 A max. The controller stage includes a generous complement of analogue and digital I/O with RS232 and RS485 communications interfaces for programming and for multi-drop control of several positioning axes. Advanced software controls included are electronic gearing and cam profiling for position following and on-the-fly motion synchronisation. An electronic brake/clutch software feature can also handle variable torque and wind/unwind applications.

Installation, programming and controller status are taken care of with the PC-based QuickControl^® serial port-programming tool which also includes a communication data mode making PC, embedded controller or PLC interfacing straightforward.

Whilst the controller/drives will suit many size 17, 23 and 34 frame size microstep motors, a full range is available with torque ratings up to 2.5 Nm, complete with 8,000 to 16,000 line count encoders and interfacing cables. IP65 rated motor/encoders are also available.

To facilitate evaluation for OEM applications, a number of start-up kits are available which typically include a selected controller/driver with QuickControl software CD, user manuals, communications and motor cables with optional I/O modules, breakout boards and clamp modules.

Motion Drives and Controls are an ISO 9002 approved manufacturer and distributor providing a complete service in clutch and brake, motion control and power transmission applications with specialist expertise in tension control and web-processing technologies. The company offers a customised design and on-site installation service for turn-key automation systems with a 24/7 service backup.