Product category:
Plant Design and Construction
News Release from: Lenze | Subject: 8400 series
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 10 April 2008
Cutting costs in the engineering
value-added chain
For a number of years now engineering industry has faced the challenge of cutting costs in its own value-added chain while continually striving for innovative features to gain a competitive edge
Rather than focusing solely on component prices, increasingly Engineers are taking a wider approach to look at the costs throughout the value-added chain With regard to drive and automation technology, a key role is played in this context by issues like simple selection and commissioning, intuitive operation, fast servicing and adapted remote maintenance concepts
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 14 Dec 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
More efficient rollers with ETP Locking Bush
In a processing line for the production of steel rod and bar, the fixing of the feed rollers has been made more efficient by the use of an ETP-Hyloc shaft to hub connection
Drives power innovative dry ice cleaning machine
Lenze smd drives provide the flexibility, simplicity and small footprint required to drive the compressed air systems used in the revolutionary IceTech mobile dry ice blasting machines
The new 8400 series of frequency inverters from Lenze is set to assist with this trend.
The frequency inverters in the new series are much more than just new drive components.
As the series is arranged in levels of increasing functionality, this latest member of the L-force family is much more oriented towards offering solutions tailored in terms of performance and drive behaviour.
Further reading
New inverters from Lenze are the 'Rightsize'
With a launch at the April Hannover Show, Lenze announce the new L-force 8400 frequency inverter, a modular range of tailored drive solutions that let you select the "Rightsize" for your needs
A new drive for the Lenze L-force inverter family
The 8400 inverter drives are the latest to join the Lenze L-force drive and automation family, meeting requirements for robustness, flexibility, usability and innovation in a machine control system
Controller brings flexibility in motor protection
The new ABB Universal Motor Controller, UMC22, offers a powerful and flexible intelligent control device for motor protection applications, and is designed for use with the new ABB Fieldbus Plug
This supports the value-added chain of mechanical and systems engineering at all stages.
Three versions - BaseLine, StateLine and HighLine - provide the basis for ensuring that the optimum 8400 inverters are selected for the application using the concept of "Rightsizing".
This new approach looks at the steps to optimise drive selection with benefits of cost and energy savings.
The functionality and features of the 8400 series are arranged in clear levels and, as the versions increase from BaseLine and StateLine to HighLine, they consistently build on one another.
At the same time, Lenze has ensured that the features are consistent throughout.
All the models in the series can for example be run in the same ambient conditions, their parameters are set using the same diagnostics interface and they use the same parameter setting software.
This greatly assists handling during planning, commissioning and service work, all the more so as the series fits seamlessly into the L-force drive and automation platform.
The main thing is simple handling.
The industrial design of the 8400 inverter drives is also clearly focused on usability.
There are no visual 'bells and whistles' to get in the way allowing for clean wiring and straight lines for an efficient control cabinet layout.
Good usability continues in parameter setting and programming using the uniform L-force Engineer engineering software which cuts training and project planning costs.
* Memory module: The memory module is extremely useful in the context of saving engineering time.
The pluggable memory unit contains all the inverter parameters.
This allows for parallel working that is of particular benefit in series production of machines.
The frequency inverter parameters can be set offline on a PC at operator convenience.
The data can be copied to modules as often as is required.
The clear division between software and hardware also shortens commissioning.
Once the module has been programmed and fitted, the inverters are ready for use instantly.
This concept also speeds up service work and increases availability of production lines.
If a drive needs replacing, neither complex reconfiguration nor data downloads to the inverter are required.
Motor data, controller settings and fieldbus configurations are immediately available.
The preset module is simply plugged into the replacement drive - and off you go.
This is a task that even maintenance staff from production companies can undertake on their own and plant managers need have no concerns about them forgetting to perform an all important setting.
* Faster to get up and running: Lenze has tested operator ergonomics, be it using the keypad or PC, to the nth degree and continually refined it.
Testing focused on being able to commission the drives with simplicity and intuition.
The 8400 inverter drives take their place in the Lenze L-force family of drive and automation products.
Fitting in with the 9400 servo inverters, the same keypad is used for both series.
This makes it easier for drives to be commissioned and serviced.
This robust, plug-on keypad has a plain text display, context-sensitive keys and start-stop keys and uses a menu structure that is derived from the mobile phone world and intuitive to use.
The backlighting improves legibility, especially in dark environments.
If inverters are installed in areas that are difficult to access, the keypad can be combined with a shock-proof hand-held module including a protective cover and a 2.5-metre long connecting cable.
The hand-held unit can also be fitted in the control cabinet door with IP54 enclosure.
The protective cover prevents contamination and is easy to clean.
L-force Engineer software is used for PC-based operation.
Simple inverter parameter setting is undertaken with the free of charge StateLevel version.
Complex machines can be project planned, i.e all axes set to their corresponding bus configuration and commissioned from a central point, with the HighLevel version.
The uniform tool prevents the compatibility problems sometimes encountered when working with different software tools and cuts down on the length of time needed for familiarisation.
* 8400 BaseLine: In terms of functionality and drive performance, the 8400 BaseLine is the base model in the series and is used when simple applications, like conveying systems or pumps, need to be achieved.
A built-in keypad with four-digit seven-segment display permits fast diagnostics and parameter setting, even during operation.
An integrated diagnostic interface can be used to connect the inverter up to the PC for parameter setting and diagnostics.
As well as functions such as sensorless vector control or it motor monitoring, 8400 BaseLine provides features which other members of the 8400 family also offer.
These include a high permissible ambient temperature of 55C (45C without derating) which does not restrict operating features and uniform operation via the L-force Engineer software.
* 8400 StateLine: All the features of the BaseLine are included in the 8400 StateLine with other functions added.
For example, connection of incremental encoders allows closed loop control to be set up.
The load is taken off higher level controls while process precision and speed are improved.
The 8400 StateLine can be used in applications similar to the BaseLine but with more stringent requirements.
It is also recommended for extruders, line and travelling drives, high-speed roller doors and simple lift tables or machines with dynamic speed control.
The integrated flying restart circuit enables free-running loads to be caught perfectly and prevents wastage should the mains fail during production.
The integrated brake chopper allows brake resistors to be connected up directly and these can be monitored for wide temperature limits by a software function.
This ensures protection against overheating without the cost of additional wiring.
When used in machines in which the inverter's mains supply is frequently switched on and off, the 8400 StateLine comes into its own.
An integrated self-protection function prevents the inverter from being damaged as a result of being switched on and off too frequently.
This reduces the cost of monitoring functions inside the machine and extra machine documentation.
The sensorless vector control, combined with high overload behaviour of up to 200%, makes this version particularly resilient.
The StateLine features as standard a CANopen interface for communication or diagnostics.
There is also another plug-in interface for extension to common fieldbus systems like Profibus, Powerlink, EtherCat or Profinet.
* 8400 HighLine: At the third level of this series, in addition to the functional range of the StateLine, the HighLine 8400 inverter drives are equipped with full-value integrated positioning control and integrated hardware for controlling electromagnetic brakes that achieves low rates of brake wear.
These drives are therefore recommended as efficient solutions for applications like rotary feeders, filling systems, roller and sliding doors or for positioning tasks in warehouse systems.
Power levels Lenze is initially launching the 8400 series as BaseLine, StateLine and HighLine.
The BaseLine is available with power ratings of between 0.25 and 2.2 kW single-phase and 0.37 to 3 kW three-phase.
The StateLine and HighLine versions cover the single-phase power ratings of 0.25 to 2.2 kW and five further models are available for three phase between 0.37 and 11 kW.
From StateLine upwards, the inverters are supplied with pre-installed shield sheets for motor and control cables.
This makes installation intuitive and reliable and in the event of service, all that is needed is for one screw to be released.
The wiring is retained in full, even in the event of a drive replacement.
SUMMARY.
By achieving the same 'look and feel', Lenze has cut costs at virtually all steps of the value-added chain.
The entire series of inverters comes from the same mould.
In this respect the Lenze 8400 represents a complete product range for the OEM with a firm focus on scalability in price, function and drive performance.
Standardised handling and working with just one software tool for the engineering are further advantages that impact positively on the value-added chain of machine constructors and operators. Request a free brochure from Lenze ...
• Lenze: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
