Category Archives: Blog

 Here at All Drives and Controls we work hard to select only the best manufacturers to completely meet the needs of our customers.  That’s why we are happy to recommend KB Electronics products due to their high quality, customisable AC and DC motor drives that are produced according to customer specifications.

Designing and building motor drives since 1937, American based KB Electronics know a thing or two about developing specialised inverters; this experience has now led them to develop a new Hybrid AC Drive range and DC / DC motor speed control that incorporate new features to cater for a wider range of application requirements.

The New KBAC Series AC Inverter Range

Boasting the same practical features as other KBAC series, the new KBAC 217 models are designed to operate from a 230 Vac line and up to 5HP; and the new KBAC-416 range will operate from a 260 Vac line up to 5HP from an AC line input.

Additional features of the new digital hybrid AC drives with analogue interface include a selectable jumper to switch frequency from 8kHz to 12kHz and GFCI (RCD); this provides the user with helpful options to suit a range of applications that require operation at constant torque or variable torque.

The KBAC S-models (suffix) contain an installed On / Off AC line switch that is equipped with a mechanical interlock to prevent the drive cover from being opened. The switch also boasts a safety lockout feature that can be used along with a padlock for complete safety against the drive being switched on while equipment is serviced.

To finalise this impressive hybrid AC drive is KB Electronics rugged die-cast hinged cover, the NEMA 4x / IP65. The watertight design is ideal for applications within sensitive environments as it can withstand harsh cleaning, wash downs and outdoor use.

The NEMA 4X enclosure provides further safety and prevention from electrical shock by preventing accidental contact with components inside and liquid tight electrical fittings for complete peace of mind.

Other options for the KBAC range include:

• Forward-Stop-Reverse Switch
• Signal Isolator with Auto/Manual Switch
• Run-Stop-Jog Switch
• Class “A” RFI/EMI CE Approved Line Filter

The Recently Released KBBW Open Frame

Always looking for new ways of working, KB Electronics has developed a battery powered DC / DC low voltage motor speed control model – otherwise known as the KBBW Series.

This low voltage speed control motor provides excellent dynamic response to load variations, making it ideal for applications such as solar pumps, portable pumps, carts, hoists, electric boats, chemical feeders and light duty conveyors.

The incorporated pulse-width-modulated (PWM) DC / DC motor speed controls produce an almost pure DC current, contributing to a longer brush life and considerably low noise production, with the pulse-by-pulse current providing short circuit protection and control damage prevention. Along with the Plug-In Horsepower Resister® (sold separately) the need for recalibration of the IR compensation and current limit settings is eliminated.

Additional well thought-out features of the KBBW 12 and 24 Volt DC Motors include:

• Quick-connect terminals for connections
• Adjustable trimpots for application tailoring
• Undervoltage protection that shuts down the drive when the voltage falls below specifications to prevent damage to the motor.
• An inhibit circuit that can be used to stop and start the drive electronically
• A5-kΩ potentiometer, 0-to 5-Vdc analogue signal or a PWM microprocessor output signal to control motor speed.

Obtaining Your NEW KB Electronics AC / DC Motor Drives

KB Electronics dedication to manufacturing drives that meet a variety of customer needs is clearly evident within the new releases of the KBAC and KBBW series.

To benefit from the reduced energy consumption that these variable speed drives provide and to witness the enhanced safety and extended device life of the KB Electronics product line, contact All Drives and Controls for expert advice and your required order specification.

To an employee working in a stuffy environment, especially an industrial facility, fresh air is one of life’s pleasures.

Take away the fresh air and it isn’t long before the company is on the phone to their Plant Managers and HVAC contacts, demanding a quick solution to repairing their inefficient air handling system.

With stagnant, humid air increasing airborne contaminants and causing uncomfortable working conditions with low productivity, HVAC Engineers are often not surprised to receive next day repair requests and advice on providing a temporary ventilation solution.

Reliable HVAC Products from Dayton Grainger

When considering the best solution for temporary (or permanent) spot cooling systems for employees working in areas with high risk air pollutants, efficient circulation is top priority.

For reliable industrial cooling fans from portable to large-scale, temporary or permanent, many engineers choose Dayton Grainger due to their wide range of high efficiency, variable speed air circulators that can even be used to cool brick kilns and industrial electrical apparatus.

Dayton Grainger cooling fans and air circulators are designed to meet the needs of a variety of industries and produce air circulators that work to;

• dissipate heat from equipment
• remove large amounts of condensation
• withstand wash downs from high-pressure cleaning
• deliver high visibility
• dual voltage motors for multiple applications
• spark resistant

Durable and Tested HVAC Replacement Parts 

However when it comes to repairing the building’s air ventilation system, identifying replacement parts that are durable, effective and available for quick delivery can be difficult.

Thankfully, Dayton Grainger air-handling components and replacement parts supplied by All Drives and Controls are well known for their rigorous testing for dependability and can be delivered quickly for urgent ventilation system repairs.

With replacement parts including blowers, exhaust fans, fan blades, fan propellers, controls, roof ventilators, duct / tubeaxial fans and associated accessories, Dayton Grainger has a range of industry standard products that will ensure your air-handling system maximises efficiency and minimises energy costs.

Partner with All Drives and Controls for Air Handling Components 

Dayton Grainger has been providing high quality components since 1937 and as a trusted distributor, All Drives and Controls holds specialist knowledge and access to the full range of Dayton products; offering superior customer service and complete climate control solutions to your HVAC application requirements.

To order your Dayton air ventilation component you can provide the 5 digit alpha numeric Dayton code or contact All Drives and Controls for advice on your required replacement part or device.

The ability to conduct precision research with experimental systems has advanced considerably since the introduction of vacuum technology.

Now with the use of ultra high vacuum (UHV) technology, extremely low pressure environments can be created to remove interference from gas scattering and enable surfaces to be atomically cleaned; allowing for preparation of studies in a completely contamination-free state.

However with such a demanding and sensitive environment it is vital that any mechanical equipment used be suitable enough to withstand extreme conditions, from plummeting pressures to temperatures ranging from -190°C to 200°C.

It’s true that not many mechanical components can claim to operate effectively under such extreme conditions, however the Ultra High Vacuum Stepper Motor is ideally suited for precision motor control inside UHV environments.

A Deeper Look into UHV Stepper Motor Design

UHV stepper motors such as manufactured by Arun Microelectronics Ltd, Nanotec® and supplied by All Drives and Controls are specifically designed for use in UHV environments such as cryogenics, space and nuclear industry.

The design of the UHV stepper motor allows it to endure hours of ‘baking’ in temperatures up to 200°C for the removal of water and trace gases for complete decontamination.

Then with the UHV stepper motor’s optimised construction and vacuum-compatible materials, it is able to operate in temperatures ranging from -196°C to +175°C, performing sensitive handling manipulations with precision without the use of motion feed through.

The minimal components of the UHV stepper motor and the absence of metal to metal sliding surfaces means that formation of any particles is minimised, this benefit, including its low out-gassing design characteristics make it a valuable device for ultra high vacuum environments.

Aside from its robust construction, the UHV stepper motor provides peace of mind with additional capabilities including:

• An embedded thermocouple for temperature monitoring and control
• Open construction with all internal spaces vented
• Radiation-hardened versions
• Custom shaft modified versions
• A dedicated drive
• Simplified connections
• Torque ratings from 75 to 200 mNm
• Suitable for use below 1×10-10mbar

With the ability to provide precision in-vacuum manipulation under intense UHV conditions, it’s no surprise that the UHV stepper motor was chosen for use on the Mars Rover.  

Designed to withstand intense heat and vibrations from launch to the ultra-cold, high-vacuum exposure on its interplanetary cruise to Mars, the use of a UHV stepper motor on the Mars Rover made an ideal solution for the robotic application that operates with such precision it can drop an aspirin tablet into a thimble.*

So it’s easy to see what makes the UHV stepper motor an ideal choice for ultra high vacuum environments.

With a range of sizing options and torque ratings available, All Drives and Controls is on hand to provide specialist advice on the most effective UHV stepper motor for your application; leaving you to focus on the more pressing matter of making scientific and technological advances.

All Drives and Controls: Driving to the Future

01827 52189

*Resources: http://mars.nasa.gov/files/resources/MSLLithoSet2013.pdf

So you’re in need of a motor for precise positioning. What would be your preference?

Stepper motor or servomotor?

Many smart engineers like yourself will agree, that the answer lies resolutely in the application requirements.

For example, the compact stepper motor with its ability to run open-loop may be all that’s required for simple tasks, and certainly it makes a very affordable option.

However with high performance dynamic operations, the issues a stepper motor holds around resonance, excessive heat and step-loss often see it take a back seat to the pricier servomotors that utilise advanced control methods.

But things are starting to change.

The introduction of stepper motor sensorless control is already raising eyebrows in the OEM industry.

As it turns out, Nanotec® have found a way to replace expensive stepper motor encoders for virtual encoders within the controller. This means that our faithful friend the stepper motor, can now be operated just like a servomotor but without the high price tag.

Suddenly the query of stepper vs. servo gets interesting; but what does sensorless technology mean for us?

Less heat, no resonance, longer service

With stepper motors receiving a constant stream of full current, it’s no surprise that the resulting increase in high temperatures and vibrations decrease service life and eventually, effectiveness.

However now that the stepper motor can be controlled via the virtual encoder, they are able to receive the required current to perform actions, just like a servomotor. This ensures the stepper motor remains considerably cooler with almost no resonances.

This improved performance protects the motor and its bearings, increasing service life and naturally supplying the added benefit of energy efficiency. Better for the environment and for your bank balance.

Step-loss? What step-loss?

Another argument to avoid stepper motors is the issue of step-loss; missed actions caused by resonances and instability which of course go undetected with open-loop systems.

Nanotec® rectifies this with the closed-loop system that delivers a controlled current to the motor, so that resonances are removed and missed steps (up to its maximum torque) are a thing of the past.

The benefits of the closed-loop system now mean that the controller can recognise inconsistencies in the motor, adjustments can be made and alerts sounded.

And the mechanical issues?

Usually these can be minimised using precise mathematical models and calculating parameters, which let’s be honest, isn’t a quick and simple solution.

Thankfully the Nanotec® sensorless system operates with few parameters and even these can be set using an auto-setup routine that automatically determines all the required parameters. Now we’re talking.

All this additional motor control not only avoids instabilities and step-loss, but Nanotec® noticed that at high speeds, the sensorless control actually worked better than an encoder, even removing speed fluctuations of the motor at low resolutions.

As you can see, the argument for use of sensorless technology grows ever more compelling; yet it seems that’s not all.

Sensorless technology can benefit almost all stepper motor applications with its ability to be combined with open-loop control.  When necessary and at low speeds, the system is able to switch to open-loop mode; which still continues to work effectively considering resonance isn’t an issue where only a few steps are needed.

So it seems whether your application deals with speed, or positioning, this combined approach could work for you.

In the end, regardless of your motor preference, there is no denying that the main objective is for your system to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. We believe Nanotec® have worked hard to provide this for their customers, with a responsive stepper motor that not only uses impressive sensorless technology, but doesn’t break the bank either.

Perhaps this calls for a change of opinion for future precise positioning motors? What are your thoughts?

For more details on a wide range of motors visit our products page or contact us for helpful advice.

Source: Nanotec® (2015)

Nanotec Application Notes