The latest range of Parker Hannifin torque motors from Micromech/ Energywize has been designed to help end users of heavy duty industrial machinery replace traditional motor and gearbox mechanisms with a highly efficient direct drive system.

Used in conjunction with a variable speed drive, the new torque motors are intended primarily for use with plastics and rubber extrusion machines, and with injection moulding, mixing, crushing and winding equipment. In each case, these motors can help to reduce energy and maintenance costs thereby improving productivity and profitability while providing greater reliability as well as overall improvement in levels of performance.

Many extrusion systems and similar high power machines use AC or DC motors linked to gearboxes to provide the required torque and speed to drive screws, shafts and associated components. This configuration however can be noisy, unreliable, draw relatively high levels of power and prehaps just as importantly is difficult to install, operate and maintain.

By comparison the TMW Series torque motors are based on a proven design of permanent magnet, brushless servo motor, which produces high levels of torque at low operating speeds. Used in combination with a Parker AC890 variable speed drive enables bolts to be connected directly to a motor so that speed and torwue are controlled by the drive. This means that unlike traditional gearbox systems it allows operating parameters to be varied infinitely within the performance envelope of the motor. In operation this is an even far more efficient process as there are virtually no power losses in the transmission mechanism. This also helps to reduce energy usage and stresses on moving parts within the system. In addition the TMW motors are virtually noiseless and having a far smaller footprint can easily be retrofitted in a matter of hours requiring only minimal maintenance.

Unlike competing torque motors the TMW range of products feature an integrated thrust bearing that can be sized according to the application, plus an innovative screw extraction mechanism to simplify installation and maintenance. These motors can be supplied in either standard or customised mechanical interfaces for shafts or barrels, and if required with the shaft hollow to improve cooling.

The TMW range can be used with machinery requiring from 1,200 up to 22,000Nm of torque and running at speeds of between 50 and 500rpm. Typical efficiency improvements from a TMW motor and AC890 drive combination compared with a traditional gearbox based system can be up to 10% hen used on a standard 110kW extruder running 7,200 hours per year. This is calculated to produce energy savings of around £6300 p.a. based on an energy cost of £0.08/kWh but clearly with energy costs currently escalating the above saving is a low estimate.

If you wish to know more about these products then contact Stirling Morley on 01376 333333 or email stirling@micromech.co.uk

‘Energy Matters’