CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, JULY 30, 2007 - GE Fanuc Automation, a unit of GE Industrial, today announced the availability of its new VersaMotion AC Servo Motors and Amplifiers, a family of cost effective motion controllers that can be combined with the company’s VersaMax Micro for low-end position control applications. The VersaMotion can also be used as a standalone single axis position controller for simple indexing or electronic gear follower applications.
“Customers can use VersaMotion for motion control with the VersaMax for low-end position control, or by itself for standalone control in simple positioning applications,” said Paul Derstine, Motion Products Manager for GE Fanuc. “Either way, VersaMotion provides them with a lot of freedom in developing system architectures.”
The VersaMotion features power ratings from 100W to 3kW and a continuous torque range from 0.3Nm to 19.1Nm (2.7 to 169 in-lb). In addition, it provides motor speed ratings up to 5000 RPM for most models. The range of torque and motor power ensures that users can get exactly what they need for their application, optimizing performance, size and cost.
The flexibility of the command interface and user defined operating modes translates to an incredible variety of system architectures:
As a standalone simple position indexer using up to eight stored positions that are selected and triggered using discrete inputs or the serial communication interface. Desired positions can be configured/changed using a teach function or over the serial communication interface. Simple electronic gearing (pulse follower) using a configurable fixed gear ratio is also supported.
With the VersaMax Micro 20/40/64 built-in CPU motion functions.
With the new VersaMax Micro 2-axis motion expansion module using the 500 KHz pulse command interface for application that require more complex motion sequences, basic positioning with registration control, etc.
With Quick Panel Control and the VersaMax Micro 2-axis motion expansion module using the 500 KHz pulse command interface to provide a well integrated motion, logic and view solution.
With a DSM314 using either an analog velocity or analog torque command (a good replacement option for the obsolete SL series servos).
“The freedom to configure the VersaMotion to many different system architectures gives users options when it comes to their application,” continued Derstine. “That means greater freedom to make the most out of your manufacturing line. Its ability to act as a standalone motion controller reduces the amount of hardware and integration services required allowing you to get your application running more quickly and with fewer chances for errors.”
The VersaMotion amplifiers can be configured for a broad range of single or dual operating modes. In general, there are the following basic modes:
Internal Position Mode: Control motor position by selecting and executing the 8 stored positions. Stored positions can be changed over the serial interface allowing for greater application flexibility).
External Position Mode: Control motor position using electronic gearing or pulse follower mode by selecting between four user-defined gear ratios. This mode is used to interface the amplifier to a host motion controller (e.g. VersaMax Micro) using a pulse command interface.
Internal Speed Mode: Control motor speed by selecting from the 3 stored internal speed values
External Speed Mode: Control motor speed based on an analog input
Internal Torque Mode: Control motor torque by selecting from the 3 stored internal torque values
External Torque Mode: Control motor torque based on an analog input
Several combinations of these modes can also be configured to allow on-the-fly switchover of the operating mode using a digital input.
About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation Corporation, a joint venture between General Electric (NYSE:GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, delivers automation hardware and software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance profitability. With solutions and services for virtually every industrial segment, GE Fanuc Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and products, including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, CNCs, operator interfaces, industrial computers, and lasers. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, GE Fanuc Automation is a part of GE Industrial and combines the diverse global strengths of the GE family with the local presence customers need to design, develop and maintain their automation investments.
