Servomotors: powerful when the going gets tough

Demanding tasks that require high torque are the DL4 servo motor’s primary discipline. Particularly powerful and flexible in its connection to machine designs, the servo motor sets new standards. Luca Banfi explains the features of this motor

DL4 servo motors are designed to fulfil very high torque requirements. Compared with most of the motors on the market, they stand out due to their compactness and for the high nominal torques they can reach. Furthermore, the customisation of these motors makes it possible to adapt them to most machines and obtain truly excellent performances. The possibility of having different shaft designs and different types of feedback allows these motors to be adapted to individual customer needs.

In which applications is the motor used and are there certain challenges for which it fits best?

The DL4 servo motors are particularly suitable for very stressful applications. In many cases, the environmental conditions and the operating cycle of the machine put a strain on the mechanical structure, bearings and windings. DL4 motors are designed to fit applications in different fields, from a wind turbine (pitch and yaw systems) to the machining of metals, wood and plastics. For example, in wood processing, the motors are subjected to constant high stress due to a combination of factors such as temperature and humidity combined with high torque requirements.

Which servo motor variants are available and what can users look forward to soon?

Starting from the mechanical variants available, the following solutions can be considered: mounting form B3 or B35 – smooth shaft, with key or splined. In some cases, it is also possible to have a hollow shaft version. On the electrical side, different types of windings, thermal sensors and position sensors are available. Last but not least, there is the possibility of having motors with natural ventilation or servo ventilation – the latter guaranteeing very high nominal and peak torque levels.

Can you tell us something about the development history of the DL4?

The development of the DL4 motors started around 20 years ago, when the market was looking for machines with ever higher performance. At first, we started with the development of motors with good performances, after which the market made available components with increasingly better characteristics. From here, there was also the evolution of the motor itself allowed an important step forward. Furthermore, the development of position sensors has made it possible to attain even better results in terms of the control of the machines where these motors are used.

Servo systems

In combination with the KEB COMBIVERT F6 drive controllers (servo inverters) as well as assembled encoder/motor cables, power drive systems can be created with perfectly matched optimal speed and torque characteristics, as well as providing high efficiency and easy start up.

Luca Banfi, Sales & Marketing Manager at KEB Automation.