Should you choose a soft starter or VSD for controlling conveyor motors? For most motor drive applications, the choice between VSDs and soft starters is clear cut. But for conveyor applications, either option may be suitable, and selection is a balance between price and performance. Soft starters Soft starters slowly ramp-up the motor to minimise […]
According to Schneider Electric, it is simple to underestimate the importance of electric motor protection in modern industries. Since their development 150 years ago, the design and performance of electric motors have undergone many refinements. But their fundamental function remains unchanged: they convert electrical energy into mechanical movement. Overall, electric motors provide the power to run […]
In developing their new Q2V space saving VSD, Omron Automation paid special attention to the needs of OEMS. Features like integrated filter, side by side mounting, screwless terminals and coated PCBs reduce installation time and extend operating life. The close mounting offered by the Q2V space saving VSD reduces enclosure sizes without suffering from derating […]
Modern plant automation systems provide transparent monitoring of system status, plus tools such as condition monitoring or predictive maintenance. All help to reduce unscheduled downtime and improve productivity. However, the same is not true of many existing installations where the owners have yet to recognise the benefits of digitising legacy equipment from fairly simple and […]
Forecasting and planning are necessary steps for a business to prepare for the future. For machine builders it can be especially difficult as they try to anticipate the needs of their customers. IIoT connectivity increases this complexity as even the customers also may not be sure what they will need at a machine level. We […]