Servo Drive is designed for multi-axis applications.

Press Release Summary:



Compax3M, able to power multiple drives from one supply, can be controlled by motion controller or configured as programmable intelligent product. Due to operation of centralized power supply, differing ac mains voltages can be used on entire drive combination without adaptive measures. Product has axis width of 2 in. and can share single braking resistor across all axes. Offered with power levels of 5, 10, and 15 A, solution also has common bus design that minimizes wiring demands.



Original Press Release:



New Parker Compax3M Servo Drive is Designed Especially for Multi-Axis Applications



Rohnert Park, CA, July 30, 2008 - Parker's Electromechanical Automation Division, a leading supplier of motion control technology, is pleased to announce that its Compax3 family of popular industrial servo drives is expanding with the inclusion of a version especially designed for multi-axis applications.

With the Compax3M, the Compax3 family comprises devices for single axis in the low- and medium-power ranges (Compax3S up to 30A), devices for the high-power range (Compax3H up to 155A) and now for multi-axis application, the Compax3M (C3M).

Among the advantages users of the Compax3M will enjoy:

o The ability to power multiple drives with a single power supply
o Cost savings in applications requiring multiple axes
o Considerable savings of cabinet space as axes are added
o Less time spent wiring
o The ability to share a single braking resistor across all axes
o Simplified communications

Users can take their choice from among three Compax3M power levels. The continuous current output of these models is 5, 10 and 15 A respectively. A 30A device will be available in the fall.

Thanks to the operation of the centralized power supply, differing AC mains voltages can be used on the entire drive combination without implementing adaptive measures. This is perfect for companies that ship machines globally and do not want the hassle of selecting a different drive family.

The Compax3's size offers considerable advantages for multi-axis applications. With an axis width of only 2" for the 5, 10 and 15A power stages and 4" for the upcoming 30A power stage, the Compax3M is the slimmest servo drive available on the market. Additionally, because of the common bus design, the overall wiring overhead is greatly reduced. Users can also take advantage of a single braking resistor and mains filter.

Like all other devices in the Compax3 family, the C3M can be used with Parker's ETHERNET Powerlink-enabled multi-axis controller. The multi-axis nature of the C3M is a perfect choice for those high-axis-count applications using this Ethernet motionbus and the ACR9040 for up to 16 axes of tightly integrated motion control. In addition, optional fieldbus interfaces are available: DeviceNet, Profibus and CANopen.

The communication is handled at the central power module with a USB connection. The power module then transmits the commutations signal to each of the following axis units. A multi-axis version of the popular ServoManager software is not standard.

The Compax3M can be configured to be either a simple "dumb" drive controlled by a motion controller or can be configured as a fully intelligent drive product that can be programmed in all international standard languages defined in the IEC61131-3 specification.

Finally, the Compax3M integrates certified safety according to EN ISO 12849 PL = d Cat. 3. This feature is included on all Compax3M products with advanced safety as an option coming soon.

For more information on Parker's new Compax3M, please visit www.parkermotion.com.

About Parker Electromechanical Automation
A division of Parker Hannifin Corporation's Automation Group since 1987, Electromechanical Automation is a pioneer, developer and manufacturer of full-spectrum computer-based motion controllers, servo/step motor drives, servo motors and human-machine interfaces, positioning systems, gear heads and gear motors. These products automate the manufacturing of a significant fraction of the world's goods and services. Electromechanical Automation products are sold via independent authorized Automation Technology Centers - a group of nearly 100 professional, highly trained organizations with more than 135 points-of-presence throughout the world-or buy directly from Electromechanical Automation by logging on to buy.compumotor.com. An informative and up-to-date Web site with downloadable libraries, tutorials, and background information on motion control and automation is located at: www.parkermotion.com.

About Parker Hannifin
With annual sales exceeding $10 billion, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs more than 57,000 people in 43 countries around the world. Parker has increased its annual dividends paid to shareholders for 51 consecutive years, among the top five longest-running dividend-increase records in the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.parker.com, or its investor information site at www.phstock.com.

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