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Tag Archives: Siemens General Motion Control

Siemens Drive Selector App Enjoys Growing Polarity

SINAMICS_selector_app_title_imageSimply practical. Simply good.
Drive selector app enjoys growing polarity

For some time, it has been apparent that mobile apps have been spreading more and more across the industrial environment and have become a popular medium among users. One special feature in this field is the variable frequency drive app for the easy selection of all necessary components from the respective corporate portfolio. The online selection is always up-to-date, available in many different language versions and saves the user time — laboriously poring over catalogs is now a thing of the past.

Due to the special requirements in some cases, selecting the right drive is not always straightforward and can often waste valuable time. After all, the fields of application and the requirements regarding operating behavior and costs are wide-ranging. Whether the drives are used to operate pumps, fans or compressors, or to drive conveyors, mixers or kneaders, it is important to find the appropriate drive for the required range of performance and voltage quickly and easily for each of these applications. And wherever possible, this must be done without the need for expert knowledge of drive technology.

The Sinamics Selector app helps you to select a suitable drive in just a few simple steps and also suggests alternative options.

The Sinamics Selector app helps you to select a suitable drive in just a few simple steps and also suggests alternative options.

Assembling components by smartphone

In order to simplify this sometimes complex process, Siemens, for example, has been offering its Sinamics Selector app free-of-charge. This is a solution that displays the entire collection of products from the portfolio of low-voltage frequency drives — Sinamics V20, G120C, G120 and G120P — on the most popular iOS and Android smartphones and can be used both online and offline. This offline capability is of particular importance in regions which do not have full cellphone coverage. Since Version 4.0, not only have brochures, product videos and application examples (Fig. 1) been available to users and electrical distributors, but also more language versions.

Everything up-to-date

Katharina Roehrlein, marketing manager for Sinamics drive systems at the Siemens Digital Factory division, explains additional innovations: “With the latest update, Version 5.0, we have adopted the second generation of the Sinamics G120 modular Frame Size D-E, as well as the Sinamics V20 Power Extension up to 30 kW, into the app. In addition, we have integrated more technical values such as resistance, peak performance and continuous power ratings into the logic of the app. And for good reason, because we want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to find the right drive in order to save valuable time.”

As a matter of principle, when assembling the appropriate components, the Sinamics Selector app offers not only a product-specific, but also an application-specific approach. In other words: either the user knows from the outset which frequency drive is required, or the app guides the user step-by-step to the right drive by asking for key parameters (Fig. 2). The information held by the Sinamics Selector app is kept up-to-date at all times by the central storage of data and continuous updates. Bob Hendrickson, applications engineer at Wesco, one of the largest distributors in the United States, regards this as an enormous advantage over conventional catalogs, especially when the app can save him a great deal of time in preparing a bid. “The Sinamics Selector app is very helpful as it lets me create a complete bill of materials for a customer offer very quickly. This option saves me a huge amount of time since I no longer have to create bills of materials by hand. The app also makes it easier for me to respond to queries arising from projects when I’m on the road and don’t have any catalogs or other documents to hand.”

Bid preparation made easy

After choosing the required type of frequency inverter, the rated output, device options and accessories can then be selected and adapted individually — if necessary, also with the support of the respective Siemens contact, whose details are also stored in the app. Once the components have been selected, the user has the option of either saving or emailing them. To make it easier for end-users to get in touch later, the headers and footers of the email can be adapted individually, for example, with personal contact information. The overview includes actual part numbers for all of the selected components. This can be used as information for the customer, but also as the basis for ordering specific components or preparing an offer at the local dealer/distributor. Kevin Young, application engineer at electrical distributor C&E Sales Inc., in the U.S., also confirms this: “I really like the Sinamics Selector app. I copy the result into my bill of materials, which enables me to immediately present a bid to my customer.” His colleague Jay Swank adds, “I use the application almost every day now.”

Over 15,000 downloads and counting…

Since the introduction of the first version, the Sinamics Selector app has been installed 17,000 times on mobile devices worldwide — and the number is still rising. Apart from Europe, China and the U.S., this trend is being led by key markets such as India, Brazil and Mexico. “It is particularly important in these countries to have a solution in the local language which also functions faultlessly offline. The email containing the results can be stored and then transmitted when sufficient network capacity is available again,” adds Ralf Weber from the Siemens Digital Factory division responsible for the app.

Think global, act local

Due to the great success of the app in all language versions offered thus far, Siemens is planning the integration of additional languages, as well as the continuous support and expansion of the product range covered. The main focus here is on Europe, particularly the eastern regions.

 

For more information about the Sinamics Selector app, visit:
www.usa.siemens.com/sinamics-selector-pr

Access – online and offline
Cost – Free-of-charge
Platforms – iOS, Android
Languages – English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Korean and Turkish

Quicklink to the Sinamics Selector app: http://ow.ly/WFRe5

 

For more information on this story, please contact:

SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
DIGITAL FACTORY
MOTION CONTROL — GENERAL MOTION CONTROL
390 Kent Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-640-1595
Fax: 847-437-0784
Web: www.usa.siemens.com/motioncontrol
Email: mc.us@siemens.com
Attention: John Meyer, Manager, Marketing Communications

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Siemens offers Sinamics G120C drives in new smaller frame size AA (FSAA)

 

sinamics_g120c_fsaa

New Sinamics G120C FSAA — the “Tiny Drive” in frame size AA from Siemens Industry, Inc.

Siemens announced today immediate availability of its popular Sinamics G120C drive in AA size, which replaces the previous G120C frame size A in power ratings up to 2.2 kW
(3 hp), including communication variants for USS, PROFIBUS, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP. Offering high power density in a smaller footprint, the new “tiny drive” offers fully compatible replacement for the equivalent power ratings on the previous version.

On new control cabinet designs, the G120C FSAA has significant size advantages, up to 32% less overall volume, for the OEM or integrator, but requires no re-engineering, when migrating from the G120C FSA on current jobs. Overall dimensions on the smaller unit, designed for use with PROFIBUS and USS variants are only 173mm high x 73mm wide x 155mm deep (6.8” x 2.8” x 6.1”).

Other benefits of the new G120C FSAA include use with increased motor cable lengths,
up to 50m (165 ft) for shielded and 150m (495 ft) for unshielded, plus identical voltage ratings, current ratings, load cycles and compatibility with all standard Siemens options such as operator panels, input and output chokes, as well as external Class B EMC filters.

sinamics_g120c_family

Sinamics G120C FSAA has smaller footprint, up to 32% less volume, but delivers comparable features to previous version of this Siemens drive.

The G120C FSAA offers UL open type, IP20 protection in the 0.55–2.2 kW (0.75–3 hp) range.

Through the introduction of this new tiny drive, Siemens can now offer machine builders another economical, space-saving and easy-to-operate standard AC drive with a wide range of functions, according to Robert Soré, product marketing manager for general purpose drives at Siemens. Typical applications for this product span a broad machine and equipment range, including smaller test stands, mixers, conveyors, fans, pumps, compressors and basic production machinery.

 

For more information about the Sinamics G120C drive platform, please visit: www.usa.siemens.com/sinamics-g120c-pr

 

For specific product information and inquiries, call (800) 879-8079 ext. Marketing Communications or send an e-mail to: mc.us@siemens.com

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Siemens Sinamics Drive Family Features Integrated Web Server

Siemens announces the enhancement of its popular Sinamics® S120 drive system with an integrated web server to facilitate more efficient diagnostic and maintenance functionality for end-users, integrators and system designers alike.

Sinamics integrated web server allows remote or local area maintenance checks at any time on various drive models in the Siemens drive family.

Sinamics integrated web server allows remote or local area maintenance checks at any time on various drive models in the Siemens drive family.

With this drive improvement, a user may access the Sinamics S120 with any PC with a browser capable of internet connectivity through a standard Ethernet interface to execute a variety of functions. If a wireless LAN (WLAN) router is networked, web pages can be viewed using other web-capable devices such as tablets and smart phones.

Among the functions possible with this integrated web server on Sinamics S120 drive systems are the ability to download a plant configuration, commission a drive from anywhere, perform firmware updates, access an immediate status overview on the drive, check and assess all alarm and fault messages. In addition, users can monitor and adapt all process or line parameter settings, archive machine documentation, including all notes taken, create customized server pages, set-up user administration and access level for operator and service personnel, plus perform virtually all drive diagnostics and remote maintenance actions. This combination of service possibilities results in significant reductions in machine or line downtimes due to faster, more efficient diagnostic and maintenance procedures.

Connectivity of the Siemens Sinamics drive system to the Internet for full web browsing, access and maintenance capability.

Connectivity of the Siemens Sinamics drive system to the Internet for full web browsing, access and maintenance capability.

This Sinamics S120 drive system enhancement ideally suits applications where no special software or model version dependencies are desired. Series commissioning on a line is possible and the web server is compatible with all system security measures, such as a firewall. An up-to-date internet browser is sufficient for access. This web server capability is integral on Sinamics S120 drive firmware V4.6 or greater.

For more information about the Sinamics S120 web server, please visit: www.usa.siemens.com/sinamics-webserver-pr

Siemens Industry, Inc.
John Meyer
(847) 640-1595
john.meyer@siemens.com

Siemens Industry, Inc.
Hollie Davis
(770) 751-4882
hollie.davis@siemens.com

For specific product information and inquiries, call (800) 879-8079 ext. Marketing Communications or send an e-mail to: mc.us@siemens.com

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Whitepaper: Control Strategies for Web Handling

PLC, drive and motion-based functionality and architecture

Abstract
There are several architectural strategies that can be considered for web handling drive system controls. Current industrial control platforms permit the web handling controls to be implemented in either a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (typically the same as the machine control), directly in the drive system, or through a motion controller.

PLC-based web control has long been a traditional choice for machine builders for a number of reasons. The PLC provides a single platform for both automation and drive control with a centralized control structure. PLC-based systems offer a suitable level of usability, however, they can be limited in high-end performance capability and in their options for process-level programming.

Drive-based control typically offers distributed control architecture, peer-to-peer networks and an increased level of performance due to faster processing times. Graphical engineering tools are common for drive-based systems and are a preferred programming environment due to their ability to visualize and document the web control processes.

Motion controllers offer the highest level of performance and functional flexibility. Their inherent capability of providing position data can help increase web handling performance on several fronts. Motion controllers also permit the line integration of axis motion functionality such as positioning, electronic gearing and cam functionality in the common web controller. They are not limited by memory constraints and typically utilize the full range of programming languages.
This paper will review the merits of these three control architecture options in detail under the criteria of usability, functionality and performance, and also touch on the related topics of drive safety and remote diagnostics.

Overview / criteria

Usability
Usability defines the control system’s ease of use in the areas of engineering, commissioning, and maintenance. The following points apply to each of the control system options, PLC,
drive-based and motion control.
A common engineering tool utilizing a common database for machine and drive control is
recommended. Individual engineering tools for each controller (PLC, drives, etc.) should be
avoided. The engineering and programming connection to the system should be though a
single point with efficient routing to each drive or controller location in the system.
Additionally multi-user editing is an important feature for complex and large projects.
The programming language used for the web control should be considered for usability. The
programming language should be sufficient for implementing the critical tasks, easy-to-use
and understand. We find that the ideal programming language for the web control or drive
processes to be graphical function chart. Web handling control is a process and a graphical
programming editor offers the most efficient method to develop, visualize, support the
process and produce the system documentation.
The engineering platform should offer efficient and common diagnostic and troubleshooting
tools that include integrated online monitoring capability, time and frequency-based trace tools
and a drive axis commissioning control panel.
Control and drive hardware platforms that store programs on removable media are ideal.
The Compact Flash cards permit the easy swapping of hardware without the requirement
of program or parameter file downloading and retain current machine settings.

Download the brochure/PDF HERE.

For specific product information and inquiries, call (800) 879-8079 ext. Marketing Communications or send an e-mail to: SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com.

Siemens Industry Sector is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products, solutions and services for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services Divisions as well as the Metals Technologies Business Unit. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/industry.

The Siemens Drive Technologies Division is the world’s leading supplier of products, systems, applications, solutions and services for the entire drive train, with electrical and mechanical components. Drive Technologies serves all vertical markets in the production and process industries as well as the infrastructure/energy segment. With its products and solutions, the division enables its customers to achieve productivity, energy efficiency and reliability. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/drivetechnologies.

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Siemens Enhances Sinamics G120 Drive Platform with Industrial Ethernet Connectivity

Sinamics G120 at Pack Expo 2015 | Siemens General Motion Control

See it at Pack Expo 2015! Siemens Booth: S-6137 

Siemens has announced that its versatile Sinamics G120 drive system has been enhanced to include EtherNet/IP connectivity, thus providing maximum flexibility for industrial Ethernet communication while offering innovative concepts for those wanting a single network for the entire plant.

“In many instances, plant managers have the requirement for a single-plant network, particularly with large automotive, packaging, plastics, metals, food and beverage as well as material handling companies,” says Robert Soré, Siemens product manager, Sinamics G drives.  “Our Sinamics G120 drive provides communications without limits to a specific network type.”

Sinamics G120 drives support, as standard, Profibus DP and Profinet to ensure seamless communications between every component involved in a typical automation solution including HMI (operator control and visualization) and I/O.  Additional higher-level functions, including Safety Integrated telegrams and synchronized mechanisms for even the highest level control applications are also included.

Profinet can transmit operating and diagnostics data simultaneously to enterprise-level systems using standard IT mechanisms (TCP/IP) for an integrated factory environment.  The new addition of an EtherNet/IP stack offers another option for Sinamics G120 users.  Having the flexibility to communicate with the most common automation systems via Profinet or EtherNet/IP makes the Sinamics G120 drive system easily adaptable to the current Industrial Ethernet boom.

The Sinamics drive platform from Siemens provides users maximum flexibility  with industrial Ethernet connectivity.

The Sinamics drive platform from Siemens provides users maximum flexibility
with industrial Ethernet connectivity.

With a wide power range (0.50 – 350 hp), highly scalable solutions, including safety integrated functionality and convenient start-up with Siemens Starter software, the Sinamics G120 drive is a powerful solution for a variety of applications, including packaging, plastics molding and extrusion, textile, printing and paper machines,
handling and assembly systems, rolling mills and test stands.

 

For more information about Siemens connectivity to EtherNet / IP platforms, visit www.usa.siemens.com/eip-drives.

For more information about the Sinamics G120 drive platform, visit www.usa.siemens.com/sinamics-g120.

For specific product information and inquiries, call (800) 879-8079 ext. Marketing Communications or send an e-mail to: SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com.

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Siemens Expands Its Sinamics V20 Drive Family For Basic Applications

Siemens announced today the release of its new single-axis Sinamics V20 AC drive, frame size E, with both Low Overload (LO) and High Overload (HO) ratings.  The V20 family features easy setup and operation with excellent cost and energy efficiency.  With a power rating ranging from 1/6–40hp at 480V AC, Sinamics V20 drives are available in five frame sizes and are ideal for material handling, conveyor, pump, fan and compressor applications.Expanded Sinamics V20 Drive Family For Basic Applications | Siemens Drive Technologies

This compact drive can be connected and installed the conventional wall-mounting method or, optionally, mounted with heat sinks pushed through the enclosure wall.  Since no additional modules or add-on options are required for operation, installation time is minimized.

The integrated Basic Operator Panel (BOP) enables trouble-free commissioning and operation on-site.  Besides the universal serial interfaces that allow for easy connection to Simatic programmable logic controllers (PLCs), a Modbus interface is also included for communication with third-party controls.  Pre-built connection and application macros are used for facilitating application-specific settings.  For units with power ratings higher than 10hp, a braking resistor can be connected directly to the integrated braking chopper.

Operating the Sinamics V20 drive is just as easy as commissioning.  Parameters that have been optimized for one application can easily be transferred to other drive units using SD cards via the Basic Operator Panel or the battery-operated Parameter Loader.  The built-in display has the ability to list only those parameters changed from the factory default values rather than having to scroll through all of them.

Tailored inter-connectivity and application macros (i.e. for pumps, fans and compressors) provide the correct settings for the particular application.  The Keep Running Mode automatically adapts the V20 drive to the power supply to achieve higher availability when operated on unstable networks.  In this mode, line fluctuations are compensated for internally and error messages are acknowledged autonomously.  Thanks to enhanced cooling and coated PCBs and electronic components, the Sinamics V20 is extremely rugged, making the unit reliable even in harsh environments.

The demand-driven regulation of the motor speed also provides increased energy savings even for many applications. The Sinamics V20 is equipped with an energy-optimized control mode (ECO-mode) for increased energy efficiency.  ECO-mode automatically adapts the magnetic flux in the motor to the optimum operating point.  The DC link coupling enables efficient energy utilization of drives grouped together.  The Sinamics V20 can also be set to hibernation mode, which prolongs the service life of the motor and also reduces system component wear (i.e. pumps).  Additionally, by displaying real-time energy consumption on the operator panel display, the operator always has the drive’s energy and cost efficiencies in focus at all times.

For more information about the Sinamics V20 drive, please visit:

www.usa.siemens.com/sinamics-v20-pr

For specific product information and inquiries, call (800) 879-8079
ext. Marketing Communications or send an e-mail to: SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com

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Machine Safety Gets You Soaring Towards Productivity & Profitability

AIT uses Siemens highly integrated solutions platform, with SIMATIC Safety PLC, Sinamics drives and Simotion motion control over the PROFINET network, to go above & beyond to improve performance & productivity for Boeing’s Dreamliner fuselage assembly process

Advanced Integration Technology (AIT) is a 20-year-old supplier of turnkey industrial automation systems for the aerospace industry.  The company’s strength centers on the design and build of complex, fully integrated manufacturing, tooling and assembly systems for commercial and military aircraft, produced by the world’s leading suppliers, including Boeing, Bombardier, EADS, British Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Spirit AeroSystems, Vought and others.  Its reputation as an established partner to these companies is well known, despite its relative corporate youth.  AIT operates six locations in the U.S., Canada, Sweden and Spain to serve its growing customer base.

All actions in each section are controlled and monitored by Siemens SIMOTION motion controllers, SINAMICS drives, failsafe CPU, safety devices and distributed I/O, working either independently or in concert, as the production requires.

All actions in each section are controlled and monitored by Siemens SIMOTION motion controllers, SINAMICS drives, failsafe CPU, safety devices and distributed I/O, working either independently or in concert, as the production requires

On a recent project involving production of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, AIT designed and built all final body assembly systems needed to join the major fuselage components, plus a moving production line.  Key elements in this design included the motion control system, servo drive platforms, failsafe CPUs and all distributed I/O, with the entire system communicating over a Profinet network.  In addition, the integration of comprehensive safety technology was incorporated into the standard automation on these systems.

As a prime contractor on the 787, AIT had responsibility for the final assembly and body join functions, charged with delivering a fully automated positioning and joining system.  In the end, two complete assembly systems and one positioning system were provided.  The three main sections of the fuselage are joined, with 14 positioners mounted to transport structures that move either independently or interlocked and indexed to the factory floor for stability.  Real-time positioning measurement data are logged with an integrated indoor GPS.  AIT designed the alignment and positioning systems to allow rolling them under the aircraft dollies after the sections were brought into the Boeing factory, radically reducing auxiliary equipment needs, materials handling requirements and additional positioning steps in the overall process.

Onsite at Boeing, the 14 positioning system components were moved into their respective locations near the cradle dollies and engaged to lift and move the aircraft sections.  Once the system was rigidly joined, a measurement system onboard located the airplane sections.  This information was fed to the AIT system’s software application.  From those data points, the system could then calculate how much each section (nose, tail, left and right wings) needed to move to ensure an exact fit to the adjoining section.  This precise alignment ensured a smooth and more rapid build of each aircraft’s fuselage.

In commenting on the particulars of this system’s requirements for his company, Ed Chalupa, president of AIT, explains, “We looked for a supplier with an off-the-shelf selection of automation and motion control solutions, who could offer us global support.  Our goal here was to align ourselves with a leading automation technology supplier and to utilize all current software, integrated safety and control technology advancements.  Both Boeing and AIT were keenly sensitive to lifecycle security issues in this critical area of the project.”  He further noted that it was vital the chosen supplier be able to provide comprehensive application engineering support, training on both the products and software, plus prototype and demo equipment for AIT’s use with its customer and internally, with ongoing technical support agreements, covering both the products and software updates.

After an extensive review of several global contenders, the selection was made for Siemens control system components.

Click to view -> schematic shows the independent but interconnected nature of the control platforms for each section.  The Siemens SCALANCE wireless technology is used for system switching.

Section 47 (aft fuselage) of 787 in AITs FBJ

Section 47 (aft fuselage) of 787 in AITs FBJ

The basic scheme of the motion control system implemented here comprises a Simotion D motion controller, Siemens HMI on a Windows-based PC, a SIMATIC S7 Safety PLC and fail-safe/standard I/O modules, all running on a Profinet network.  This basic architecture was then multiplied by the number of control nodes for each specific operational system in the overall production line being designed by AIT.  Each unit is capable of working independently of the others in the line.  Or, with the addition of relatively few Profinet cables and mode selctions on each unit, the final body join assembly tool is able to run as a single entity.  When running together in this latter configuration, the safety devices are likewise working coherently, providing proper response levels to all E-stop events on the line.  Each unit motion controller receives commands to perform uniform group movements with the tool as a whole via network communications from the HMI.

Specifically, the Siemens Simotion D motion controller used here controls all axis movements to accurately position and align parts.  Because AIT delivers a turnkey and dedicated system, customers have no need for further internal customization of the controller hardware or HMI panels.

Position 2 full FBJ tool

Position 2 full FBJ tool

AIT designed the overall layout of the control architecture, programmed the Simotion system with the Simatic S7 PLC, distributed I/O and integrated safety, plus provided support on the Boeing internal structure and lifecycle support requirements.

The integrated safety concept on this overall system was based upon three core principles:  increasingly layered safety architectures, greater degrees of integration between the control and safety systems, plus more use of networking, especially Industrial Ethernet and currently available motion technologies.

In operational sequence, these safety principles manifest themselves in the form of physical barriers and mechanical means such as walls, gates, door interlocks and light curtains, all designed to separate personnel from danger.  Meanwhile, the control systems, including programmable safety relays and safety PLCs, monitor operating conditions within established parameters.  Finally, safety shutdown systems such as automatic shutdown via safety PLC or manual shutdown via E-stops, offer the final protections.

FBJ showing wing trivet for wing join

FBJ showing wing trivet for wing join

Siemens engineered a safety protocol that simplified the complexity often encountered in the integration of control and safety systems.  This was achieved by reducing the issues related to different programming languages and procedures, installation and configuration requirements, maintenance procedures and human error factors.  The result for AIT and its customer Boeing was lower total cost of ownership (TCO), owing to the substantial reduction in engineering, hardware, training and spare parts needed.

With integrated safety and control, the project has a single system for standard and safe automation, with one bus and one engineering system for both standard and safety technology, which further reduces cost.  As a collateral benefit, the software solutions allow easier replication of series machines.   Likewise, faster troubleshooting and extensive diagnostics onboard reduce downtimes on the floor, with faster restart after issue resolution.  Functionally, too, this safety integration in the control system allows uniform user interfaces and data libraries, plus a reduction in the variety of control cabinets needed for the various applications.

PROFIsafe®, the first communication safety-profile meeting the IEC 61508 safety requirements, is the backbone of all fail-safe communication.  PROFIsafe® facilitates the transmission of both standard and safety-related data on a single bus cable, using either Ethernet or fieldbus protocol.   With advanced PLC and Industrial Ethernet networking technologies combined, the system safety for AIT and its customer became a production asset that protects the workers from harm and also ensures maximum availability and uptime.   Reductions in initial capital expense and field operating expense were also realized.

Final assembly of first 787

Final assembly of first 787

According to AIT engineering, SIMATIC Safety PLC brought the highest possible integration of safety and ease of designing a complex system into the automation scenario for this project.

In the field, the final assembly and body join automated assembly systems, plus positioning system provided to Boeing, are utilized to join Section 41 (forward fuselage), Sections 47/48 (aft fuselage) and Section 12 (left and right side wings) to the mid-fuselage of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft.  Two major sub-assemblies, namely the forward/aft body positioners and left/right wing positioners, are further split for transport into left- and right-hand minor sub-assemblies.

Motion Control, advanced PLC systems and industrial Ethernet networking technologies have enabled machine safety to become a production asset that not only protects workers from harm but also ensures maximum availability and uptime.

Machine Safety gives a competitive edge that goes to producers with highly integrated operations that are faster, more flexible and more responsive to changing market demands and opportunities, as AIT has shown in Boeing’s Dreamliner fuselage assembly process.

AIT designs and manufactures custom tooling and assembly equipment used to fabricate and assemble major commercial and military aircraft.  As part of its total value proposition, AIT houses over 600,000 square feet for engineering, precision metal fabrication, machining and assembly of its production systems.  The company’s equipment is typically used for assembly as well as machining of all the current aircraft structure materials, including aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, carbon fiber, Invar and many specialty alloys and composite substrates. 

For further information on this story, please contact:

ADVANCED INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGY (AIT)
2805 E. Plano Pkwy.
Suite 100
Plano, TX 75074
Phone:  972-423-8354
Fax:  972-423-8469
Web:  www.aint.com
Email:  ait@aint.com
Attention:  Ed Chalupa, President or Susan Hardaway, Marketing Mgr.

OR

SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
MOTION CONTROL
PRODUCTION MACHINE BUSINESS
390 Kent Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-640-1595
Fax: 847-437-0784
Web:  www.usa.siemens.com/simotion
Email:  SiemensMTBUMarCom.sea@siemens.com
Attention:  John Meyer, Manager, Marketing Communications

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/siemens.dt.us or Twitter: www.twitter.com/siemens_dt_us

Siemens Industry Sector is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products, solutions and services for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services Divisions as well as the Metals Technologies Business Unit. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/industry.

The Siemens Drive Technologies Division is the world’s leading supplier of products, systems, applications, solutions and services for the entire drive train, with electrical and mechanical components. Drive Technologies serves all vertical markets in the production and process industries as well as the infrastructure/energy segment. With its products and solutions, the division enables its customers to achieve productivity, energy efficiency and reliability. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/drivetechnologies.

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Siemens Offers New Sinamics S120M Decentralized Servo Drive

Siemens präsentiert dezentralen Servoantrieb Sinamics S120M / Siemens presents distributed Sinamics S120M servo drive

The new Sinamics S120M distributed servo drive system enables decentralized configuration of the drive and integration of the inverter power unit directly onto the driven axis of the motor. Less cabinet space, less cooling energy and shorter cable runs result for the machine builder or production line end-user.

Expanding on its popular Sinamics S120 multi-axis drive system, Siemens introduces the new Sinamics S120M, a compact, ready-to-connect motor with integrated drive that offers users the option of moving the motor inverter outside the control cabinet and directly onto the motor, thereby reducing both cabinet space and required cooling.

The addition of the Sinamics S120M distributed format into the S120 offering adds a high degree of flexibility for new and existing machines, as well as introducing innovative production line setups that can now be achieved.

Typical applications for the Sinamics S120M include packaging, printing, glass, textile and other processes, where machinery and production lines require multiple servo axes in a space-restricted environment.

The decentralized S120M axes are connected back to the central S120 components in the cabinet via a hybrid cable and the AM600 adapter module.  The pre-assembled hybrid cable contains all encoder and power cables and serves multiple S120M axes through a daisy chain connection.  This single-cable solution drastically reduces the number and length of cables and is easily expanded for additional axes.

s120m_schematic

 

As a fully integrated format of the Sinamics S120 drive system, all existing Safety Integrated functions and communication options are available, and the benefits of power sharing between axes across the DC bus are completely realized.  Additional design features of the S120M include a synchronous servomotor with multi-turn absolute encoder, optional holding brake and an integrated power unit (motor module) available in three shaft heights covering the power range of 0.25–1.5 kW.

For more information about the new Sinamics S120M distributed servo drive system, please visit:  www.usa.siemens.com/S120M-PR.

For specific product information and inquiries, call (800) 879-8079 ext. Marketing Communications or send an e-mail to: SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com.

 

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Siemens Offers The North American Markets Conveyor Technology For Material Handling

Siemens brings a full complement of solutions and services with its value proposition to the North American conveyor sector of the material handling industry

Siemens brings a full complement of solutions and services with its value proposition to the North American conveyor sector of the material handling industry

Siemens is offering conveyor technology for material handling, to all builder, system integrator and end-users of both discrete and process manufacturing markets.  An integrated drive system with Siemens motion control and drives products, along with communication protocols, is available.  It spans the range of drives, motors, gear motors and automation technology, plus machine safety, power supply and circuit protection.

As a longtime supplier to the global conveyor and material handling industry, Siemens brings this offering to the North American market with the full support of its global network of engineering, sales, service and technical support.

Advantages for machine builders

Siemens brings a flexible and field-tested portfolio of products and software services to the builders of material handling equipment in all industries.  Free design tools allow a more efficient process in customer design, configuration and product selection, plus communication and energy calculation.

When a large or multi-unit system is needed, the advantages of Siemens distributed control and common DC bus afford many with an economical solution to material handling.  This translates to a lower installation and commissioning cost.

Through the OEM Partner Program, machine and equipment builders benefit from the global experience of Siemens.  Machine conversion services, design tool-kits, global coordination for companies seeking more international business including full standards compliance, co-marketing opportunities and assistance in emerging markets are among the many services provided by the global team of Siemens.

Advantages for system integrators and end-users

Whether a greenfield project or brownfield expansion of an existing material handling machine or full production line, Siemens integrated drive systems bring a full portfolio of products and automation solutions to the task.  In the field, fast commissioning is provided by a team of qualified personnel, resulting in quicker start-up and less downtime.

The preventive maintenance and remote diagnostics software combine to keep equipment running more productively.   The recent expansion of our popular drives platform to include PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet / IP and AS-interface allow Siemens drives to communicate with other brands of existing products or new components on the customer’s line, resulting in cost savings and greater efficiencies.

Siemens can satisfy an array of typical material handling scenarios, as it supplies a full range of products and services to create the ideal solution for the customer.

Siemens products for material handling applications include:

Gear motors

Recently established in Greenville, S.C. to better serve the North American market, the Simogear gear motor facility assembles energy-efficient gear motor units commonly found in material handling.  Simogear can be combined with Sinamics drives to suit a broad range of applications — from the low-speed uses (0.1–1000 rpm) to the most challenging, high-torque demands.

Siemens is in the forefront of the evolution from worm to helical bevel gear motor utilization in the material handling world, as this technology means less motor power is needed to produce the same output torque and speed. This translates to smaller units with higher efficiency and overall lower cost.

Drives

The complete family of Siemens Sinamics drives means a single source for a broad assortment of product solutions, globally recognized and capable of controlling virtually every application in material handling, from basic roller tracks to multi-axis, high-bay racking units, all with high-dynamic performance.

Central and decentralized drives are highlighted by the Sinamics V20, G120C and G120D.  All are space-saving and offer a variety of communication, programming and control capabilities.  In addition, the decentralized Sinamics G120D can be machine-mounted and is suitable for tough environments.

Controllers, I/O and Software

Simatic S7 PLCs offer both PAC and PLC reliability in their performance with modular and PC-based options.

Distributed I/O from Siemens is useful in all conveyor, sorting and assembly operations, plus is offered in space-saving compact or modular form factors.

Simatic software includes operator control and monitoring systems with a single software environment for every automation task.  Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) means over 100,000 Siemens products share a core intelligence.

 

Additional products available in the Siemens suite include RFID code systems, industrial PC’s, various HMI options for panel mount and portable use, full wireless automation and motion control communications hardware, safety devices and power management switchgear, measuring and monitoring.

For more information, videos and to download the relevant brochure, please visit:  www.usa.siemens.com/conveyor-pr

For specific product information and inquiries, call (800) 879-8079 ext. Marketing Communications or send an e-mail to: SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com.

 

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Harmonics in Power Systems

Causes, effects and control

This whitepaper covers definitions, harmonic generation, effects of harmonics and control of harmonics. It also addresses general awareness of power system harmonics, their causes, effects and methods to control them especially when these harmonics are related to variable frequency (or adjustable speed) drives.

Click to view the whitepaper

For more information, please visit www.usa.siemens.com/motioncontrol

For specific product information and inquiries, call (800) 879-8079 ext. Marketing Communications or send an e-mail to: SiemensMTBUMarCom.industry@siemens.com.

Siemens Industry Sector is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products, solutions and services for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services Divisions as well as the Metals Technologies Business Unit. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/industry.

The Siemens Drive Technologies Division is the world’s leading supplier of products, systems, applications, solutions and services for the entire drive train, with electrical and mechanical components. Drive Technologies serves all vertical markets in the production and process industries as well as the infrastructure/energy segment. With its products and solutions, the division enables its customers to achieve productivity, energy efficiency and reliability. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/drivetechnologies.

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