Intelligent drive is tailored for material handling conveyors

The m350 Smart Gear from Lenze is described as a genuine integrated mechatronic solution consisting of a gearbox, motor, electronic drive and software. The gearbox is integrated into the motor giving smooth lines and highly compact dimensions. The situation is similar for the drive electronics and software, with which up to five motor speeds can be easily and precisely set with a user-friendly smartphone app and NFC contactless connection. Thus speeds from 42 to 216 rev/min can be freely selected at the gearbox output, all with the same rated torque plus a 400% starting boost – this makes the machine design easier as a single drive can handle a wide range of loads and speeds. The Lenze Smart Motor electronics are simply controlled with three digital inputs.

The m350 Smart Gear is available in three sizes with output torques of 25, 50 and 75Nm suiting conveyor loads up to 350kg. With just two levels, the standard model and a one with a holding brake, six versions cover a wide solution spectrum in horizontal material handling. The standardisation allows fast delivery from pre-built stock, even with add-on options of torque arms, male output shafts and flanges. Mounting dimensions match the standards in the market allowing easy replacement of existing geared motors.

The new m350 mechatronic drive package is more energy-efficient than all other drives used today in horizontal material handling, reducing running costs. In addition, integrated soft start/stop ramps and brake control ensure that conveyed goods are transported smoothly and gently without jerks. In general terms, the m350 is a universal standard solution for worldwide implementation as no country-specific adaption is needed for mains voltages. Power cabling is faster and less costly as unshielded mains can be daisy-chained from one unit to the next, without individual connection to starters and fuses in the panel.

Lenze has also announced that it has made selection of conveyor drives simpler with Smart Products pre-configured for pallet conveyors. Fourteen geared motor drives have been preconfigured to suit practically all chain and roller conveyors that carry pallets. These Smart Products offer a turnkey solution saving engineering time, achieving fast deliveries and easy installation. Using a simple online selection process, designers need only choose between a chain or roller conveyor, an inline or right-angle gearbox, and the payload from 500 to 5200kg. It is as quick and easy as that, and in each case a proven geared motor with integrated contactor and soft start/stop is the result.