Intelligent stepper drive has ATEX and UL certification: AMP release hazardous location-ready microstepping drive
Applied Motion Products (AMP) has released a variant of its STAC6 series microstepping drive for high performance motion control that has international certification for hazardous area use. Available with full support from Mclennan, the drive is aimed at machine automation applications in oil & gas, mining, printing and other industries where ATEX, IEC-Ex or UL certification is required. The drive, designated STAC6-Q-H, specifically covers ATEX and IEC-Ex certification for Class I, Zone 2 locations and UL certification for Class 1, Div 2, Group C & D locations. These hazardous areas are characterised such that flammable gases, vapours or liquids are not likely to occur in normal operation but, if they do occur, will only persist for a short period of time.
The panel mounted STAC6-Q-H includes an integrated intelligent drive with RS-232 and RS-485 communication and offers motion control configuration options that include step & direction, analogue voltage, PC or PLC host control, as well as standalone multitasking programmable control. With its direct-on-line AC power and programmable output current, from 0.5 to 6.0 A/phase, the drive will suit medium-to-large sized hazardous area compatible stepper motors producing a high holding torque and a wide speed range (contact Mclennan for suitable ATEX and UL approved motors).
The hazardous location model has all the features of the well-established STAC6 range. A selectable step resolution from full/half-step to 51,200 step microstepping combines with AMP’s advanced anti-resonance algorithm and torque ripple smoothing to produce smooth and precise motion. Encoder feedback provides position verification and stall detection/prevention to ensure positional accuracy and zero lost motion. With its configurable I/O count of 7 digital inputs and 3 digital outputs, the STAC6-H-Q provides step & direction control, encoder following, overtravel & datum limits, brake control and other sensor possibilities for flexible machine interfacing. Up to three analogue inputs allow software selectable voltage control – for instance with 12-bit resolution for a +/- 10V signal range.
The choice of controller options includes AMP’s powerful Q-Programming which may be used with its ST-Configurator software to provide graphical PC-based point and click programming for simple machine sequencing. Q-Programming also provides the means to write and edit multi-tasked motion and machine control code with maths functions and advanced features such as electronic gearbox, product registration and on-the-fly motion functions.
Mclennan provides comprehensive support for AMP’s broad range of stepper and servo based motion control components, and through distribution partnerships with a select number of leading motion control equipment manufacturers also offers a design and build service for precision motion sub-assemblies and miniature power transmission systems. For more information on Mclennan’s fully supported motion products, email sales@mclennan.co.uk or visit www.mclennan.co.uk.
