The Smart Motor Controller SMC-2 from Allen-Bradley is designed to control and protect motors, making it applicable in various industrial applications. Essentially, the device allows one to operate motors rated at 24A, 35A, 54A, 68A, or 97A by facilitating soft start, current limit, or full voltage start. Here are the essential installation and configuration steps to get you started with the device and ensure it fully meets your operational needs. Understanding the installation and setup is incomplete without knowing the key features and specifications of the SMC-2. The controller is designed for different motor HP and kW ratings based on the current rating. For example, a 24A controller can handle a motor load of 460V up to 15 HP, while a 97A controller can support loads of up to 75 HP at the same voltage. This drive can be ordered with an open chassis, in a NEMA Type 4 (IP65) enclosure, or a NEMA Type 12 (IP64) enclosure, depending on the specific environmental conditions. It is...
When selecting a servo drive for your application, it’s crucial to consider factors such as power range, integration capabilities, and flexibility. Allen-Bradley offers a variety of servo drives, with the Kinetix 3 and Kinetix 5300 standing out as two key options. While both are designed to deliver precision and efficiency, they cater to different needs. Below is a detailed comparison to help you determine the right choice for your application. The power range of a servo drive determines its suitability for different applications. The Kinetix 3 operates within a power range of 50 to 1500W, making it ideal for small-scale automation tasks. On the other hand, the Kinetix 5300 offers a much broader power range, spanning from 0.05 to 7.5 kW, making it capable of handling both small and large automation applications. If your project requires higher power and scalability, the Kinetix 5300 is the better option, whereas the Kinetix 3 is a cost-effective choice for low-power applications...
As a leader in industrial automation, Rockwell Automation, under the Allen-Bradley brand, is one of the most recognized names in the field, offering a full line of industrial automation solutions and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) suited for various industrial applications. The Rockwell Automation PowerFlex family of VFDs showcases innovative, flexible, and high-performing products. As such, this article will cover the PowerFlex VFDs, which come in three main product categories: Low Voltage VFDs, Medium Voltage VFDs, and DC Drives. The PowerFlex family of Low Voltage VFDs is designed with flexibility in mind to provide a wide variety of control modes, features, options, packaging, global voltages, and power ranges. This agile portfolio is designed to ensure that operations stay connected while enhancing productivity. The Low Voltage VFDs are divided into three sub-categories: Standard VFDs, Compact VFDs, and On-Machine Drives. Shop for PowerFlex 753 Drives Here The PowerFlex 755TS...
AC Drives are everywhere you look, from HVAC units to the cranes repairing your local highway. There are thousands of different AC drives powering numerous different control systems, though instead of talking about the usual use cases for these pieces of tech, lets take a step back and go through some uncommon and interesting ways AC drives are implemented through out the industry. Picture a ski lift hauling up a group of eager snow boarders to the top of a mountain. Those motors pulling them up along the track are burning quite a bit of energy to do so. Yet when the load is off, gravity will pull those chairs back down, similar to a crane lowering a load. When using a drive that has regenerative features, such as the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755T, that downward work performed by gravity will turn the motor into a generator to recapture that energy and either feed it back into the facilities power system or shares it across a common DC bus to power other equipment that’s accelerating...
In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, precision, efficiency, and scalability are essential for complex automation systems. The Kinetix 7000 servo drive series is designed to meet these demands, offering high-performance multi-axis motion control for a wide range of applications. With flexible voltage and power ratings, advanced synchronization features, and seamless motor compatibility, the Kinetix 7000 delivers exceptional control and efficiency. From high-speed packaging lines to heavy-duty industrial automation, it ensures smooth operation, energy efficiency, and reduced system costs. In this article, we will discuss some features that will tell us how Kinetix 7000 powers complex systems with its multi-axis controls. Shop for Your New Kinetix 7000 Here In order to satisfy the requirements of complex systems, the Kinetix 7000 offers remarkable power flexibility by supporting a broad range of voltage and power ratings. This system is capable of handling a wide range of...
With most of the present-day industries adopting advanced industrial automation technologies, selecting the right Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) or AC drive for a given application is critical. A well-matched AC drive helps improve system performance, reduce power consumption, minimize unplanned downtime, and extend the service life of the equipment. The Rockwell Automation PowerFlex Series offers a wide variety of flexible, reliable, and user-friendly AC drives designed to control AC motors in a range of industrial automation applications. In this article, we’ll compare the PowerFlex 700H vs PowerFlex 700S AC drives, focusing on their key features, motor control capabilities, application suitability, power ratings, communication options, and safety features. Understanding these aspects will help you determine which of the two PowerFlex AC drive series is ideal for your specific motor control needs. The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 700H AC drives are designed for automation applications...
When running any operation, whether it’s a small business or a large automation company with many satellite sites, cybersecurity is a gear in the main machine that isn’t to be left out. Network security comes in all forms, such as VPNs, firewalls, and even your local IT personnel telling you to stop clicking on those phishing emails. However, that is mainly due to the dangers an unsecured network can impose. This is where the Stratix 5900 comes in, a device that does a lot more than route packets from point A to point B. The main idea for the Stratix 5900 is to build an industrial VPN router that is meant to withstand the harsh environments that factories will inevitably subject them to with speed and connectivity. Speed and connectivity are also top priorities to ensure as little downtime as possible and proper integration with industrial control systems. A conventional office-grade router might bring high speeds, but it’s like comparing a single-blade pocketknife to a Swiss Army...
Liquiflo AC Drives are engineered to deliver reliable and efficient variable-speed control in demanding industrial environments. With a focus on safety, precision, and performance, these drives offer a range of features designed to enhance operational stability and extend system longevity. From high short-circuit ratings and precision control through sinusoidal PWM to exceptional energy efficiency and flexible speed management, Liquiflo AC Drives are built to withstand fluctuations in power supply, prevent motor damage, and provide continuous, smooth operation. In this article, we will discuss its features first and how these drives deliver reliable performance in variable speed control, and then we will look at some of the example modules. Shop for Allen-Bradley Drives Here When paired with a 100 KA inverse time circuit breaker, Liquiflo AC Drives, designed for high-performance variable speed control, have a short-circuit rating of up to 100,000 A rms symmetrical at 600V AC. In...
The Kinetix 6200 (Bulletin 2094) servo drive series from Rockwell Automation is a modular, multi-axis, high-performance motion control solution designed for complex automation applications. This drive series features integrated safety technologies, advanced diagnostics, scalability capabilities, and support for EtherNet/IP & SERCOS industrial communication protocols, which facilitates seamless connectivity with other Allen-Bradley motion control products. Essentially, the Kinetix 6200 drive series provides precise and reliable servo control with real-time feedback, allowing for more efficient operations in high-speed, high-precision industrial automation applications, such as robotics, material handling, machine tools, and packaging. However, like any advanced motion control technology, Kinetix 6200 servo drives are prone to developing operational faults that require regular troubleshooting to avoid unscheduled downtime and sustain productivity. This guide offers expert insights on...
In a factory, a part without anything moving in or on it isn’t really paid all too much attention to maintenance wise. But like any piece of precision equipment, the Kinetix 3 component servo drive doesn’t just keep running indefinitely without a little help. If you neglect it, you might find yourself in the territory of unexpected downtime, frantic troubleshooting, and begrudgingly explaining why production has come to a standstill. To keep these drives performing at their best, a bit of maintenance and preventative care goes a long way, and here is just how you can do that: Servo drives, including the Kinetix 3, rely on proper ventilation and cooling to function optimally. Heat is the sworn enemy of electronics, and dust buildup is like throwing a blanket over your drive and hoping for the best. Make it a habit to inspect the drive’s environment regularly. Enclosures should be properly sealed, and if your system operates in a particularly dusty or humid setting, consider adding...
When deciding between the 1336 Plus II and PowerFlex series for industrial drive upgrades, understanding the specific needs of your application is crucial. The 1336 Plus II offers a reliable, cost-effective solution for updating legacy systems, providing robust performance in existing setups with minimal disruption. On the other hand, the PowerFlex series is designed for modern, high-tech industrial environments, featuring advanced control, communication, and safety features that cater to the demands of automation, scalability, and smart manufacturing. This article compares their voltage range, control capabilities, communication protocols, safety features, and environmental characteristics, helping industries determine whether to opt for a legacy drive or invest in future-ready solutions for industrial applications. System requirements, compatibility, and long-term efficiency all play a role in the decision between the PowerFlex and 1336 Plus II series when thinking about upgrading...
The Kinetix 6200 is a cutting-edge motion control system designed to meet the highest demands of precision and reliability across various industries. Its advanced features, such as multi-axis modular architecture, high-resolution feedback support, and integrated motion control, provide unparalleled versatility and performance. Whether in material handling, renewable energy, robotics, or automotive manufacturing, the Kinetix 6200 ensures seamless operation and optimal energy efficiency, making it a vital component for mission-critical systems. The drive’s scalability, wide power range, and robust safety features offer consistent and safe performance in environments with complex requirements. From precision machining to high-speed packaging, the Kinetix 6200 provides tailored solutions for industries that demand exceptional motion control and operational efficiency. Buy Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6200 Drives Here The multi-axis modular architecture of the Kinetix 6200 is perfect for...
Allen-Bradley SMCs are microprocessor-based soft starters designed to optimize motor performance during starts and stops. Specifically built for 3-phase motors, they use six silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs) to control voltage, torque, and current flow during operation. This precise control ensures smoother motor acceleration and deceleration, reducing mechanical stress and extending equipment lifespan. SMC controllers feature integrated overload protection, enhancing motor safety and reliability. Once the motor reaches full speed, models with internal bypass structures automatically bridge the SCRs using integral bypass contacts rated for AC1 current levels. This design minimizes heat generation, reduces energy losses, and allows for compact, space-efficient installations. In harsher environments or with demanding duty cycles, solid-state power structures keep SCRs in the circuit, providing robust performance under shock loads or aggressive operating conditions. In this article...
The SMC Plus motor controllers offer advanced features that ensure reliable, energy-efficient, and safe operation across various industrial applications. Designed to meet the demanding requirements of sectors such as mining, petrochemical, food processing, and machine tools, the SMC Plus provides optimal performance in various environmental conditions. With a focus on flexibility, these controllers support multiple starting modes, including Full Voltage, Current Limit, and Soft Start, allowing users to select the best solution for their specific needs. The SMC Plus also incorporates energy-saving capabilities and robust motor protection features to enhance operational efficiency and prolong equipment life. Additionally, its versatile control options, including Soft Stop, Smart Motor Braking, and Pump Control, ensure precise speed management and reliable braking for automation systems. Whether it’s handling high loads, preventing motor damage, or reducing energy consumption, the SMC...
In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, ensuring the efficiency, safety, and adaptability of operations is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. PowerFlex drives offer innovative solutions for future-proof industrial systems, providing unmatched flexibility, scalability, and performance. With a comprehensive range of power capacities, voltage options, and advanced features, PowerFlex drives are engineered to meet the diverse demands of modern manufacturing environments. This article explores the key features and add-ons of the PowerFlex series, highlighting their ability to seamlessly integrate into existing systems, enhance operational safety, and optimize performance. From energy-efficient designs and robust communication protocols to advanced diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and cutting-edge safety features, PowerFlex drives ensure that your operations remain efficient and prepared for the future. We will discuss how these drives and their specialized add-ons...
