Products of the year 2024
Drive technology - The winners
In the 'Drive Technology' category, a product with a very top target group came out on top.
The winners of the 'Drive Technology' category Stefan Schneider (Lenord+Bauer) and Christopher Kleinert (Beckhoff) with Andrea Gillhuber (Computer&Automation).
© Julia Bergmeister Photography / Computer&Automation
3rd place - Lenord+Bauer
High-resolution built-in encoder with digital interface Lenord+Bauer is expanding its portfolio of digital 'minicoders': with the MHSSI interface (Mitsubishi High Speed Serial Interface), they offer a resolution of up to 67,108,864 positions per revolution (26 bit). Compared to the classic 1 VSS interface, the use of the MHSSI interface enables direct integration of the bearingless encoders into Mitsubishi CNC systems.
Stefan Schneider from Lenord+Bauer is delighted with the trophy.
© Julia Bergmeister Photography / Computer&AutomationThere is no need for an additional signal converter box, cabling is simplified and additional connectors as potential sources of error are eliminated. The resolution of the mini-encoders has been increased 16-fold compared to the first generation. This is available up to a maximum speed of 100,000 rpm. In addition to the speed and position, the built-in encoders also record the temperature on the b-side bearing, which enables the condition of the bearing to be monitored during warm-up and spindle operation under load. The additional transmission of warning and error messages via the digital MHSSI protocol supports condition monitoring.
2nd place in the drive technology category
2nd place - Heidenhain
Inductive encoders for robotics Heidenhain is expanding the areas of use in advanced robotics applications with additional variants of its already well-known inductive robotic encoders. The dual encoder 'KCI 120 Dplus' with motor feedback and position measurement in one encoder is available in three sizes. The central scanning unit and the two separate pitch circles with hub are adapted to different hollow shaft diameters and installation dimensions. This encoder therefore always offers compact dimensions with the same functionality and can be easily integrated. The purely serial EnDat 2.2 interface with functional safety also allows use in safe applications such as human-robot collaboration. As compact rotary encoders for hollow shafts with a diameter of 30 or 40 mm, the KCI 120 and the KBI 136 round off the range of inductive rotary encoders, which are specially designed for robotics applications. They transfer the strengths of the smaller 1300 series to much more robust and stronger robot drives.
1st place in the drive technology category
1st place - Beckhoff Automation
The 'AM8300' servomotors from Beckhoff are a modular motor series with integrated water cooling, which enables a rated power of up to 40 kW to be delivered in the smallest installation space, depending on the size. According to the company, the standstill torque is three times higher than that of comparable convection-cooled motors. The new series is technologically based on the AM8000 series. Although the torque increases due to the water cooling, the rotor moment of inertia remains constant.
Christopher Kleinert from Beckhoff accepted the trophy for 1st place in the Drive Technology category.
© Julia Bergmeister Photography / Computer&AutomationThe motors are available in five flange sizes, each with three lengths and with stall torques from 5.1 to 274 Nm. The servomotors can optionally be equipped with a backlash-free permanent magnet holding brake, shaft seal and keyway. Depending on the size, various feedback systems are available, including resolvers or batteryless single and multiturn encoders with One Cable Technology (OCT) or Hiperface. Thanks to the water cooling and IP65 degree of protection, the servomotor is also suitable for demanding ambient conditions and in particular for high ambient temperatures. Depending on the size, the AM8300 is equipped with a 1/8" or 1/4" thread for connecting the cooling circuit.
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