Drive eliminates control cabinets and cable runs

A new drive has been launched that offers users a number of advanced features that will satisfy the majority of decentralised drive installations. Designed with the demands of the food industry in mind, Leroy Somer's 'Proxidrive' can perform speed variation using both open- and closed-loop flux vector control. Communication is via 20 programmable analogue and digital I/O and the unit can converse with other automation elements across a number of leading fieldbus protocols, including Profibus and DeviceNet. The drive is fully sealed against water and dust (rated to IP66) and so can perform in hostile manufacturing environments. The drive benefits from smooth surfaces, reduced surface tensions and enclosure angles (slopes greater than 3 degrees and radii above 6mm) which can be easily cleaned and resist build up of dust, in accordance with criteria published by EHEDG and the FDA. The unit also boasts an IK08 rating, which means it has a level of shock resistance enjoyed by many electric motors. Proxidrive offers a number of PLC function blocks, allowing machine automation to be programmed directly from the drive. 'Xpress Key' - a memory key that allows the transfer of set up programmes from one drive to another by simply pressing a button - is also available. For automation applications, Proxidrive offers a number of other useful features, including an integrated disconnect without the need for a line contactor; a brake motors contactor; a 'Class A' EMC filter; and a lockable disconnect. For more elaborate automation systems, a pre-wired IP66 NEMA 4X control unit is available.