While EtherCAT technology optimizes control for your automated machines, Functional Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) embeds safety functions within the communication relays of EtherCAT to increase flexibility and improve response times. KEB offers Functional Safety products, so let us inform you everything about FSoE and why it is important to machine builders.     What is Functional Safety over EtherCAT? FSoE is a communication protocol that combines control and safety functions to ensure your data gets where it needs to go while protecting your systems. It simplifies safety application ..read more

KEB’s generation 6 drives can store a list of parameter settings in its internal memory. This functionality is called a recipe. Recipes reduce a machine builder’s dependency on a PLC by storing multiple modes or parameter settings within the VFD. It could be one or two parameters or an elaborate list of every parameter in the drive. A recipe could be as simple as speeding up the drive’s response time (jerkiness) or changing the default value for all commands. Recipes can also contain multiple settings changes at once. For instance, you can create a recipe with both an X-Y axis speed change and ..read more

2023 Events Schedule Stay up-to-date on our event schedule to experience KEB industrial automation products in person at these upcoming trade shows or virtually via webinars.     Elevator Conference of New York ECNY Supplier Showcase Date: April 26, 2023 Location: Villa Barone – Bronx, NY Expo Hours: 12pm – 6pm Website: ecnyweb.com     Advanced Clean Transportation Expo (ACT Expo) Date: May 2-4, 2023 Location: Anaheim Convention Center – Anaheim, CA KEB Booth: 5410 Expo Hours: May 2 (11:30am-5pm) | May 3 (10am–5pm) | May 4 (10am–2pm) Website: actexpo.com | Fl ..read more

Usually, when choosing how to drive an AC motor, the user must choose between open-loop V/Hz control or closed-loop control with an encoder. With these options, the decision-maker must choose between the functional simplicity of V/Hz operation or the dynamic response of operation with an encoder. However, KEB offers a third option that combines the best features of both. That third option is called “Sensorless Closed Loop” (SCL/ASCL). Sensorless control offers dynamic, closed-loop performance without the need for any additional hardware(encoder/resolver/cables) on the motor.   Motor Mode ..read more

Panel PCs are versatile computers built for commercial applications. In recent years, they’ve become a go-to for industrial computing tasks, controlling production lines and gathering system performance data in real-time. Panel PCs are an all-in-one solution: a fanless, dustless computer with a responsive touchscreen for HMI (human-machine interface).   Panel IPCs like this KEB C6 S14 product comes in different configurations such as an integrated touch screen.   Why are industrial panel PCs so popular in commercial applications? In short: simplicity and flexibility. Panel PCs play w ..read more

A Control Design reader recently submitted a question to the Endeavor Business Media publication asking for advice, “What’s the best programming language and infrastructure for control?” Six industrial automation providers responded to the reader’s question. These companies include KEB America, Schneider Electric, Beckhoff USA, Omron Automation, Phoenix Contact USA, and SEW Eurodrive. The consensus from the responders is that ladder plays an important role, but the adoption of IEC 61131-3 is future-proof. This coding style reduces development time, provides greater flexibility, and scales much ..read more

Spindle motor control uses a combination of spindle motors and drives to power industrial machinery. This control technology is favored for many applications, from CNC automation and woodworking to robotics, because it offers tremendous flexibility and value for its cost. KEB has over 500,000 installed spindle drives worldwide, empowering customers with more versatile, purpose-built drive platforms. For example, our S6 servo drive delivers unmatched performance to improve the quality and consistency of CNC machine processes. Let’s explore the basics of CNC spindle solutions—and how a drive pla ..read more

 An important, but often overlooked, aspect of choosing an inverter for an AC motor application is the corresponding software that will be used to program it. If the software is too basic or too difficult to use, the programming/commissioning process may feel impossible. This can lead to lost weeks (or even months) in development just trying to figure out how to operate the device.   KEB COMBIVIS Studio 6 Software   Combivis 6 is KEB’s free and intuitive software tool for programming and commissioning inverters. With Combivis, the user can have a running motor in minutes, even with ..read more

While much attention is paid to the power that the VFD outputs and the built-in functions to protect the motor, the functions built around the power to the drive are just as important. KEB drives have protection functions that protect them from issues with the main line power supply. These allow the machine designer to know the VFD is protected from the occasional loss of phase or power spike.   KEB offers VFDs with robust Input Power Monitoring   Over/Under Voltage Protection The drive’s first and most basic function to protect itself is the under/over voltage errors. When supplying ..read more

Over the past decade, one substantial change in automation has been the legislation to design and sell energy-efficient motors. Motor manufacturers have to comply with new efficiency requirements. First, there was IE2, then IE3, and stricter IE4 motor efficiency requirements are around the corner. These new efficiency requirements have increased the upfront costs of motors. However, users should always consider the total lifetime operating expenses, including the electricity cost. Online tools can help a user approximate energy savings over time. Furthermore, users should know that many local ..read more