AC Motor Controllers and Drives
Electronic AC Drive suits newspaper printing industry.
Press Release Summary:
Based on PowerFlex 700S AC Drives, Electronic Line Shaft System offers newspaper printers method of maintaining speed and registration control of printing presses. Users can eliminate rotating components such as gears, shafts, clutches, and couplings when transmitting power from line shaft motors to press itself. SynchLink drive-to-drive fiber optic data link transmits synchronized drive and application information for multiple drive synchronization.
Original Press Release:
Rockwell Automation Introduces New Electronic Line Shaft Drive for the Newspaper Printing Industry
New PowerFlex-based technology offers press production and printing accuracy
MILWAUKEE, March 30, 2006 - A new electronic line shaft solution using standard Allen Bradley PowerFlex 700S AC drives from Rockwell Automation helps reduce press downtime and helps the printing industry maximize automation investments. The system enables replacement of outdated mechanical line shafts and gear boxes in newspaper printing, web handling and other tension control applications by leveraging the precise positioning capabilities of the PowerFlex 700S AC drive.
The electronic line shaft system offers the newspaper printers a fast, reliable method of maintaining speed and registration control of printing presses. Users can enjoy the benefits of shaftless drive control, including increased flexibility, improved power transmission and reduced downtime.
"Printers who are looking to upgrade or revamp their current control system will benefit from the flexibility and state-of-the-art performance of the PowerFlex 700S drive in an electronic line shaft configuration," said Gerry Niebler, print marketing manager, Rockwell Automation. "In addition to eliminating the costs of mechanical replacements and spare parts, the system provides precise positioning and synchronization for increased productivity."
With the electronic line shaft capability, users can reduce the mechanical complexity of their system by eliminating expensive rotating components like gears, shafts, clutches and couplings when transmitting power from line shaft motors to the press itself. This, combined with its open architecture and standard off-the-shelf products, helps provide improved usability and support over traditional line shaft drive control. The solution provides a simple retrofit option for adding units on an existing press and helps eliminate the need for expensive components.
Drive-to-drive synchronization may be achieved with SynchLink, a high performance, high speed, drive-to-drive fiber optic data link that transmits synchronized drive and application information for multiple drive synchronization. Designed to improve accuracy in printing applications, SynchLink facilitates the transmission of a speed and position reference to help ensure all drives are tightly synchronized, thereby allowing registration and compensation moves to be performed electronically (versus mechanically, on a printing press).
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), is a leading global provider of automation, power, control, and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A., the company employs about 21,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
For more information on the electronic line shaft solution please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800-223-5354, ext. 1905.
NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like this information in electronic format (either disk or e-mail), please contact either of the individuals at the top of this release.
All reader inquiries should be directed to the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800-223-5354, ext. 1905.
Allen-Bradley, PowerFlex and SynchLink are trademarks of Rockwell Automation Inc.
