For higher productivity and greater machine precision, Moog is offering a new, flexible servodrive: the Modular Multi-Axis Programmable Motion Control Servodrive (MSD).

This modular servodrive powered by a motion controller is an important addition to the Moog portfolio offering flexibility and enabling development of advanced motion control solutions. The central, freely programmable motion controller makes efficient speed and position control possible for up to 30 axes using internal high-speed communication via EtherCAT.

This architecture enables MSD to meet the most challenging precision and performance needs of machine builders. ARC Analyst Sal Spada comments, “Moog has packaged their extensive vertical application expertise in metal forming, plastic injection and blow molding machinery into the MSD.

As the automation market moves toward solutions that are developed for vertical applications, the MSD stands out as a uniquely, flexible industrial platform specifically for the growing appetite for electric motion control solutions in both the plastics and metal forming markets.

Most importantly, MSD has inherited a generation of experience in motion control and is packaged as a solution that meet the core needs of the machine builder.”

The MSD offers a comprehensive software package with motion control functionality to suit the needs of high performance machine applications. It supports IEC61131 programming as well as programming of custom control loops using MathWorks/C/C++, enabling the creation of application-specific templates for deeper integration into the machine. MSD supports different communication protocols via fieldbus (SERCOS, EtherCAT, CANopen, PROFIBUS, etc.), or even customer-specific protocols. Parameters can be input and data programmed via a simple user interface, and firmware can be exchanged via an MMC card.

The new MSD series ensures optimum control of the most varied servomotors – from synchronous and asynchronous to linear and high-torque motors. Furthermore, MSD provides flexible performance for the simultaneous use of up to three position sensors, (e.g. sin/cos feedback devices (single, turn/multiturn) for precise positioning, and also supports customer- specific position feedback devices. The frequency of the pulse-width modulation is programmable.

Thanks to its modular design and broad spectrum of applications, machine design engineers have a high-performance solution for demanding applications such as plastics and metal forming that provides for a previously unachieved level of productivity. With its high performance, the MSD achieves increased machine productivity in injection molding machines with shorter cycle times and in metal forming from higher feed rates. By offering greater precision in motion control the machine builder will experience higher accuracy, leading to higher quality parts while minimizing scrap.

With modular servodrives – from 4 to 170 Arms with air cooling and 250 Arms with liquid cooling – it is suitable for different machine sizes and applications. “With this new product”, explains Andreas Noll, Development Manager for MSD at Moog, "we are responding to the needs of the industry for higher flexibility and performance”.

About Moog
Moog’s Industrial Group designs and manufacturers high performance motion control solutions combining electric, hydraulic, and hybrid technologies with expert consultative support in a range of applications including plastics, metal forming, power generation, test and simulation. We help performance-driven companies design and develop their next-generation machines.

Moog’s Industrial Group, with fiscal year 2007 sales of USD $436 million and 33 locations worldwide, is part of Moog Inc. (NYSE:MOG.A and MOG.B ) which has sales of 1.558 billion. For more information please visit http://www.moog.com/industrial.

Courtesy of  Moog