Electromechanical Group

Due to the processes involved, many industries such as oil and gas, chemical and petrol-chemical, energy or pharmaceutical industries may encounter flammable substances (gas, vapour, mist, liquid, dust, small fibres) and could involve an explosive atmosphere. Where dynamic performance or compact dimensions are required, servo motor technology provides the best solution. Parker has developed specific ATEX Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC) motors where compact dimensions and dynamic response with torque, speed or positioning control are required. These 10-pole servomotors are up to five times more compact than comparable asynchronous motors. 

Parker’s EX series is also ideal for applications that include: filling machines in the packaging sector, oil and gas valve actuators, automotive paint shop robots and feed mills in the food sector.

What is an explosive environment?

An explosive atmosphere is a mixture of air and flammable substances such as gas, vapour or dust under atmospheric conditions that can explode, where for an explosion to occur, three circumstances must be fulfilled: the presence of fuel, oxygen and a source of ignition. Ignition sources, such as flames, electric arcs and sparks, ultrasound, chemicals or electromagnetic radiation have the potential to cause an explosion in certain circumstances.

Parker EX servomotors, characterized by excellent motion quality, great acceleration/deceleration capabilities and high torque output over a wide speed range, are specifically designed to follow the European ATEX regulation for explosive atmospheres, based on the following European directives:

1- 1999/92/EC: Under the end-user responsibility, 1- 1999/92/EC regulates worker safety and explosive zone classification. EX servomotors are designed and certified to be safe under normal operating conditions both in a place where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur only occasionally (between 10 to 1000h/y) as well as in a place where it can occur for a very short period (>10/y) (see left-hand side of the chart below).

2- 2014/34/EU: Under the supplier's responsibility, 2- 2014/34/EU regulates the device's design compliance for operation in explosive environments. EX servomotors are designed to guarantee safety with a high level of protection, giving single fault tolerance. (see right-hand side of the chart below).

Standards and certifications

EX servomotors are ATEX compliant for operation in surface industries (Equipment Group II) and in accordance with given levels of flammability for substances present in the atmosphere, such as propane (IIA), ethylene (IIB), Hydrogen & Acetylene (IIC) regarding gas reference and combustible flying (IIA), non-conductive dust (IIB) and conductive dust (IIC) regarding dust reference.  While the temperature classification is T4 (135°C). 

In 2016, Parker extended the EX servo motor compliance to the IECEx standard as well as to the regional Kosha certification for the Korean market. More recently,  EX servo motors have been CCC certified to guarantee compliance with Chinese legislation, where CCC certification is mandatory for explosion proof products (Ex products).  Apart from the specific nameplate, CCC motors have the same construction as IECEx motors. They are intended for use in the same areas (gas or dust) and have the same degree of safety.

As an option, Parker offers a version of the EX series that is certified UL for the North American market in accordance with the UL674 standard. Importantly, Parker’s extensive portfolio of ATEX-rated motors, gearheads and actuators ensures the right combination of application-compatible products can be selected every time. Various winding variants and numerous options are available to offer maximum flexibility.

The precision helical gearing design of the GXA gearbox series associated with the powerful Parker ATEX servomotors range offers smooth and quiet operation for the most demanding high-performance applications. Finally, our well-known ETH electro cylinder range for explosive atmospheres are certified for use in explosive gas atmospheres (device group II, category 2G)

Want to know more about our motor series and international standards? View the slideshare presentation.

 

This article contributed by Gérard Bernardon, motor application engineer, Electromechanical and Drives Division Europe, Parker Hannifin Corporation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For some patients with impaired physical function, rehabilitation equipment can help them to carry out appropriate exercise training, prevent muscle atrophy, improve muscle strength and upper and lower limb motor function. Parker Hannifin can provide safe, stable, and reliable precision motion control for rehabilitation equipment, help people carry out reasonable and effective rehabilitation training, and improve the quality of life.

Recently, Parker's Compax3 Servo Controller has found a new purpose in healthcare and life sciences markets where precise and safe movement is paramount. The drive's flexibility, accuracy, and comprehensive list of safety features have led to its adoption in positioning tables, exercise equipment, and therapy devices. At present, Parker's technology has played an important role in the upper and lower limb intelligent feedback training system launched by a Chinese medical equipment manufacturer.

  Finding a safe way to control movement, force and position

Guangzhou Yikang Medica Equipment Co, Ltd was developing a multi-joint and exercise system. This new medical device is suitable for the training and rehabilitation of upper and lower limb dysfunction caused by nervous system damage. It is more focused on early rehabilitation training, with passive and active training modes to help patients quickly return to a high quality of life.

The customer worked with Alan Tan, territory sales manager to review the variations in flexibility from patient to patient due to injury and age. They really required a smooth movement to avoid further risk to the patient or injury. The team also desired a way to accurately control the force and position during operation. The safety of the patient, therefore, was paramount. 

The new rehabilitation device is equipped with Parker's

• Compax3 servo drive,

• General Purpose Brushless Servo Motors SMB motor

• Precision Inline Planetary Gearheads - PV Series (PV reducer).

The servo drive is equivalent to the human body's "nerve center", which converts the received signal into a "language" that the motor can understand and execute, so as to precisely control the position, orientation, and state of moving parts. 

 

Existing products find new application for delivering safe and effective motion control

The Compax3 Servo drive is far from a new product. Developed by the Electromechanical and Drives Division Europe, Parker's global servo drive platform is widely used in industrial manufacturing to control motorized processes in automated assembly, including robotics and the machining of parts. Parker's customers are well-acquainted with the benefits of the drives used in packaging, the production of sheet goods, and the operation of printing presses, as well as automated testing equipment for both automotive and consumer goods.

For rehabilitation equipment, safety, stability, and reliability are of the utmost importance. Compax3 has excellent electromagnetic characteristics, low electromagnetic radiation; with leakage current protection, and outstanding protection characteristics that can provide a safety guarantee for the equipment. At the same time, it has a built-in programming function that can help users easily achieve complex and diverse personalized control requirements.

In rehabilitation treatment, the intensity and training mode required by different patients and the rehabilitation process are different. Compax3 has fast response speed and powerful functions. Users can not only switch quickly between active and passive training but also make real-time dynamic adjustments during training.

Different flexibility settings can also be set according to needs to achieve gentle movement of muscles and joints. At the same time, in the process of position control and force control switching, there is no overshoot problem. With the smooth-running SMB motor, the equipment runs safely, reliably, and stably, with low noise, and brings users a comfortable and stable recovery experience.

  A proven product. A smart application. A new purpose.

It is not difficult to imagine that in the process of building a higher quality of life for people, such equipment has become an indispensable part. As a pioneer in the field of motion and control, Parker Hannifin has always insisted on "taking purpose as the leading", using core technologies to help industry customers solve the challenges they face, jointly guarding people's health and safety, and achieving a better tomorrow!

 

Article contributed by Alan Lan, territory sales manager, Electromechanical & Industrial Drives, Parker China, APAC, and the Electromechanical Team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Automotive metal stampers' subtle shift from mechanical to hydraulic to servo press may be largely imperceptible, but it is there.

The global servo press market, valued at about $596 million, is expected to grow to more than $710 million by 2026, according to 360 Market Updates.

Stampers are attracted to the servo press's speed and versatility. They boast full working energy at any speed while managing difficult manufacturing processes and various materials. Servo press technology allows for varied speed during the stroke, providing better part ejection, material feed and tool close capabilities than either a traditional or hydraulic press.

But the hydraulic press isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the hydraulic press market is expected to grow by $1.89 billion by 2024, according to Global Hydraulic Press Machine Market 2020-2024. They remain a budget-conscious stamper’s top pick, and possibly the only solution for jobs that require high force demand early in the stroke.

So how real is the stamping shift? And which technology is best suited for metal forming in the automotive industry?

 

Download our white paper and explore how trends in industrial manufacturing equipment are driving innovation in the automotive industry. 

 

 

 

Automotive metal stamping today

Automotive metal stamping is a $40 billion industry today, employing more than 115,000 metal stampers at more than 700 metal stamping companies and automotive stamping plants in the United States. Sheet metal sub-assemblies have become a critical peripheral of the automotive industry, stamping parts and sheet metal components for multiple plants and varied products.

Within a typical plant, stamping presses are turning out several automotive components daily, from body panels and chassis to brake and lighting parts. Those presses likely include both hydraulic and servo presses, depending on the requirements of the job.

And because of the range of metal that can be successfully formed by traditional stamping presses, allowing manufacturers to create high-quality metal parts at affordable prices, those machines will likely live on the plant floor for a long time to come.

The ability to successfully press different alloys, from stainless steel to aluminum, is vital for auto manufacturers. Consumers are demanding fuel-efficient vehicles that look like gas-guzzling muscle machines and sleek, fuel-burning sports cars. Other drivers want electric vehicles that can move like traditional cars and trucks. Those demands require manufacturers to find solutions that:

• Scale down overall vehicle weight.
• Go over and above expected safety standards.
• Reduce the vehicle’s price point.

To meet those demands, and give customers the experience they want, auto manufacturing companies are turning to new technology to make it happen.

 

Servo press versus hydraulic press: Benefits to consider

Most stampers will tell you choosing between a servo press and a hydraulic press isn’t a matter of knowing which is the better machine. It’s the ability to select the right tool for the job.

Servo presses tend to produce greater cycle speeds than their hydraulic cousins, often reaching speeds typically reserved for the traditional mechanical press. But in some stampers’ viewpoint, the hydraulic press’s ability to provide full tonnage and energy through the stroke gives them advantage.

Choosing the right press really comes down to what you’re asking the press to do. To make the right decision, consider these attributes:

• Process control – How important is it that you know everything that’s happening with the machine during operation? Are you working with new material and need to better understand how it’s reacting to the machine? Servo motors provide a wealth of information about the process, which can help quality control.
• Flexibility – If you want to improve production rates and reduce overall manufacturing costs, you’ll want a press that can match tonnage requirements. This is typically found with a mechanical press.
• Speed – When speed is a top concern, many stampers will turn to the servo press. Though servo press slide motions are below 0.5 m/s, but within a stroke, servo motors can achieve high acceleration and restrike within a tenth of a second. Hydraulic presses require idle time each cycle. Still, speed may be less of a concern when it comes to maintaining machine longevity. Both systems can adjust speed during the stroke, prolonging die life.
• Cost – The price to purchase a servo mechanical press is well known. They’re expensive. Despite the higher price point, servo presses often win the cost-effectiveness battle by generating lower operating costs.
• Longevity – Hydraulic presses tend to live longer but have more points of failure to contend with. Servo presses are less expensive on maintenance, though they require specialized and expensive components.

The bottom line? Both servo presses and hydraulic presses balance each other – and the needs of the automotive stamping plant – when employed for the right job.

 

Parker solutions for automotive stamping

Whether they are traditional, hydraulic or servo, keeping presses up and running will always prove a challenge for stampers. To help ensure the longevity of each machine, Parker provides solutions, assistance, and a wide array of components for all press motion and control needs used in the metal stamping portion of the automotive industry.

 

To learn more, download our white paper "Trends in Industrial Manufacturing Equipment Drive Innovation". 

 

This article was contributed by Joe Chopek, director - global business development,
In-Plant Automotive, Parker Hannifin.

 

 

 

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