We found 286 posts about Drives & Motors from DO Supply, a global automation parts
reseller focused on hard-to-find and obsolete industrial automation products.
There’s a very important rule of thumb when dealing with equipment, or really anything: If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. In the case of the Kinetix 6000 , they’re built like tanks and just keep working. In fact, no one would be surprised if you find them humming away in plants that haven’t touched a firmware update since flip phones were a thing. Shop for Kinetix 6000 Drives Here But as technology progresses, whether it be for tighter safety regulations, smarter diagnostics, the shift to Ethernet/IP, or touch screens in the case of flip phones, it’s not a bad idea to start asking: should we just expand what we’ve got, or is it time to move on? This is where the Kinetix 6200 and 6500 come into play. While they aren’t flashy replacements, they’re more of a logical step forward. With it, you retain the SERCOS backbone and power rail, but add modularity and safety where it matters. The 6500 represents a definitive step forward, offering full EtherNet/IP motion control and integrated...
As a wise person once said, “Communication is key.” While you may have heard that this is the case for various reasons, it rings true when discussing automation equipment, specifically the fieldbus. Some plants speak EtherNet/IP while others may stick with Profibus. Some even still shout in DeviceNet, as if it were 2004. The PowerFlex 750, being the multilingual powerhouse that it is, will listen, translate, and keep everything running smoothly. With a lineup of swappable communication modules and native Ethernet/IP on board, it fits in whether your plant is state-of-the-art or still catching up. Let’s take a look at just what the 750 series can do. Shop for PowerFlex 750 Series Drive Accessories Here The 755 includes an Ethernet port out of the box, providing native support for topologies such as Device Level Ring (DLR) and CIP protocol. This makes Ethernet/IP the easiest way to get a 755 talking to a Logix controller. It handles everything from speed reference to status monitoring...
The PowerFlex 40P is an upgrade from the tried-and-true PowerFlex 40. It offers closed-loop feedback, 80:1 speed regulation for finer adjustments, and the ability to use feedback devices like incremental encoders. This also opens the door to more possibilities for motion control that weren’t available to the standard 40 series. While this won’t be a comparison guide between the 40 and the 40P, we actually do have one that you can check out over here . Before diving into what this drive could do, it’s best to lay out the foundation for the specs and numbers that this drive puts out. Power-wise, you’re looking at 0.4 to 11kW (0.5 to 15 HP) and in voltage classes of 240, 480, and 600 volts. Beyond the power ratings, the 40P also supports vector control with encoder feedback to give you tighter control over torque and speed than the scalar-only PowerFlex 40. This makes the 40P ideal for applications that demand accuracy, repeatability, and where variable loads are in play. While it isn’t...
Packaging lines are a kinetic industrial art show. Each movement of the system is precise, calculated, and performed without the slightest hint of hesitation. Each stage of the performance, from unfolding packaging boxes to the way that a robot arm would tilt the product just slightly into the box before loading it in, demonstrates the ingenuity and forward thinking that is demanded when putting together a system like this. If a beat is missed, the infeed roller stutters, or the sealer jaw closes half a second too early, you don’t just get a crumpled bag; you get downtime, wasted film, product jams, and a line operator with a headache. Coordinated motion is what keeps everything humming, every component moving in sync with the others, like gears in a watch. And for many systems out there, it’s the Kinetix 6000 quietly running that shows. They are tried and tested, and they still take up coordinated motion tasks, and here’s why. Coordinated motion is about precise, predictable...
No matter what industry you look at, three consistent challenges are always working to be improved: How to make the plant more energy efficient, reduce downtime, and optimize productivity. We are going to home in on reducing downtime with the help of some very cool features of modern drives. This list will mostly focus on Allen-Bradley’s technology and drives to serve as examples of what modern equipment can do to save money and time by helping prevent unplanned downtime. Predictive maintenance is a powerful utility introduced with AB’s proprietary TotalFORCE technology in the 755TS and 6000T series VFDs. When enabled, the drive will continuously monitor itself and the motor it is controlling’s parameters, such as heat levels, component runtime hours, mechanical stress or wear, electrical anomalies, or blown fuses and internal faults. The drive will anticipate if the component is about to fail and even estimate how long it has until it’s nearing its operational end of life. This...
No matter the purchase, reliability is often one of the top deciding factors, and when it comes to automation, it’s tied directly to uptime and maintenance costs. When considering an automated process, reliability prevents costly downtime and unexpected repairs. Even a robust motor can break down if it’s subjected to the wrong startup conditions or poorly configured controls. Likewise, many different features and options are meant to prevent damage to the motor and keep it running as smoothly as possible. Some modern drives will even estimate the end of life for your equipment. Today, we will explore the features and options available with modern AC drives, specifically the PowerFlex series by Allen-Bradley, and explain how they help prevent unnecessary motor damage. Overload protection is a fundamental feature in modern drives that helps guard against prolonged overcurrent that can overheat the motor windings. If this overcurrent condition persists for too long, the drive will trip...
If you’ve spent any time around industrial DC motor systems, chances are you’ve crossed paths with the Bulletin 1395. Big, rugged, and almost deceptively simple, these drives were the workhorses of their day, handling anything from steel rolling lines to hoists and winders with little more than a hum and the occasional fan whine. The 1395 was the standard for years, not because it had bells and whistles, but because it didn’t need them. It worked, and it kept working. But time moves on, and so does technology. Allen-Bradley’s PowerFlex DC drive lineup is the natural successor to the 1395, designed not just to replace it, but to rethink what a DC drive can offer in terms of performance, integration, and long-term reliability. That’s not just about throwing in a few extra features or making the packaging smaller. It’s about re-engineering the entire control experience while still serving the same heavy-duty applications. Of course, it’s one thing to say something is “modernized” or...
As time goes on, the drives that were originally new and modern soon become outdated and obsolete. New safety standards are being rolled out, different communication protocols have proven to be much more effective, and better software and hardware technology are ushering in a new era of smart factories. The question then becomes whether it is worth upgrading to a new, modern system, trying to retrofit modern equipment, or sticking with the old and keeping it running for as long as possible. Such could be the case for the 1336 Plus II. Today, we would like to provide some thought-provoking insight into a tough question that may need to be answered sooner rather than later: Should you keep or replace your 1336 Plus II system? When a factory decides to keep its 1336 Plus II drives, it’s usually not because it doesn’t know what a modern drive can offer but because its current system works in a way that’s tough (or expensive) to replace. However, there is usually a bit more to it than...
The argument between DC and AC drives is still being debated in motor control and industrial automation. Although AC drives are now the norm in many applications because of their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and reduced maintenance requirements, DC drives—especially Rockwell Automation’s PowerFlex DC drives—still perform better in some situations. This article examines those particular use cases, emphasizing PowerFlex DC drives’ special benefits and why they are essential to several industrial settings. Shop for PowerFlex DC Drives and Parts Here It’s critical to understand the basic distinctions between AC and DC drives before delving into the application cases: By altering the frequency and voltage applied to the motor, AC drives regulate the speed of an AC motor. By modifying the armature voltage and, occasionally, the field current, DC drives regulate the speed of a DC motor. DC drives provide greater torque control, easier speed regulation, and better performance at low...
Selecting the optimal drive for your application is an all-important task that impacts your motion control system’s overall cost of ownership, performance, and efficiency. Allen-Bradley’s Kinetix, PowerFlex, and Ultra drives are cutting-edge motion control solutions designed for specific applications. Each drive series offers distinct levels of control, precision, and cost-effectiveness. As such, understanding the differences between the three Allen-Bradley drive families is critical when determining which drive series is the best match for your application needs. Kinetix Servo Drives: These drives provide precise position, torque, and speed control using closed-loop technology. They feature advanced features that offer complex motion control capabilities, high performance, rapid deceleration and acceleration, and high precision. Such features include adaptive auto-tuning, CIP Motion instructions for multi-axis cams and gearing, virtual torque sensing, and notch filtering (to reduce...
Allen-Bradley Drives play a critical role in modern automation by improving efficiency, controlling motor performance, and reducing energy costs. However, like all advanced equipment, they are susceptible to faults if not properly maintained or configured. Common issues range from overvoltage and ground faults to communication errors and thermal derating. Each of these faults can disrupt production, damage equipment, or compromise safety if left unchecked. Fortunately, with the right preventive measures and strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines, most problems can be minimized or avoided entirely. Allen-Bradley drives, widely trusted across industries, provide built-in protections and diagnostic tools, but their effectiveness depends heavily on proper installation, monitoring, and maintenance practices. Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues and how to prevent them from showing up. Shop for Allen-Bradley Drives Here Overvoltage faults typically occur when the DC bus...
Allen-Bradley, a prominent brand under Rockwell Automation, stands as a global leader in industrial automation and control technologies. Among its vast suite of offerings, variable frequency drives (VFDs) are a cornerstone product, enabling precise and efficient motor control across a multitude of industries. These drives are systematically organized into several families designed to support diverse operational requirements. Whether a facility demands basic motor control or a high-performance solution for complex applications, Allen-Bradley provides a robust selection that caters to low, medium, and high voltage needs. This article explores the full spectrum of Allen-Bradley drive systems, categorizing them by power range and application to help engineers, integrators, and plant managers choose the most suitable drive for their specific demands. Allen-Bradley drives are strategically grouped into three principal voltage categories to support a wide range of industrial automation...
Choosing the correct motor control drive in industrial automation is crucial as it affects system performance and operational safety. From simple motor control tasks to sophisticated high-performance systems, the Rockwell Automation PowerFlex family of AC drives is made to meet a wide range of application demands. The increasing characteristics of PowerFlex drives are examined in this article, which also advises customers on when to upgrade from entry-level versions like the 523 to more expensive models like the 755. Industries can guarantee smooth scaling, preserve system safety, and optimize operational efficiency by comprehending the distinct capabilities of each model. This technical knowledge will assist you in pinpointing the precise moment at which upgrading to a more sophisticated PowerFlex drive is necessary for your application. Let’s look into different series one by one. The PowerFlex 523 is the entry-level model of the PowerFlex 520 series, designed for users requiring...
The Rockwell Automation Kinetix 3 servo drive is a small, affordable motion control solution for small-scale automation. Nonetheless, its applications and weaknesses are determined largely by the motor system with which it is integrated. Hence, one must acquaint themselves with its scope of operation before installing it. Shop for Kinetix 3 Drives Here Various modules with varying power outputs and input voltages are available for Kinetix 3. The 2071-A15 (50W, 0.85 A peak) has the lowest power capacity of all the modules. Mid-range models like 2071-AP8 (800 W) and 2071-A10 (1.0 kW) are also available, and select models support single—or three-phase 240V AC inputs. In order to take advantage of the Kinetix 3’s capability, some key accessories are necessary. Configuration and control cables like the 2090-CGMPC05-23AAxx are needed for PC programming and diagnostics, while the 2090-CGMC005-48AAxx allows Modbus-RTU communication with MicroLogix PLCs. Drive-mounted breakout boards improve...
Ensuring machine safety in modern industrial automation is crucial for safeguarding people, machinery, and process integrity, and it is required by law. Integrated safety systems have become much more necessary as industrial machinery grows in strength, complexity, and connectivity. Conventional safety measures, including completely cutting off the electricity, are insufficient and ineffective nowadays. Intelligent safety features like Safe Torque Off (STO) provide a more sophisticated strategy. STO ensures that motor torque may be safely and consistently turned down without cutting the drive’s power. This paper explores how STO is integrated into Rockwell Automation’s PowerFlex 753 AC drive, highlighting its operational, safety, and regulatory advantages in a range of industrial contexts. This article is meant to be a reference; always consult with an engineer for proper safety equipment installation. Buy a Safe Torque Off Option Module Here A useful safety feature called Safe Torque...
