ZOLLERN torque motor proves its worth in China

Categorie: Drive technology, Industries, Machine building
Auteur : Raik Flämig

Since ZOLLERN launched its torque motors at the beginning of the previous year, they have established a considerable market position. Currently 500 motors per year leave the German manufacturing plant in Aulendorf (Baden-Württemberg). The latest project is a motor 2 meters in size for a Chinese mechanical engineering firm.

When the first prototype of the newly developed torque motor was tested at the ZOLLERN plant two years ago, there were doubts about whether it would succeed in making market inroads against established manufacturers. Today a completely different question is asked, namely to what degree the manufacturing capacity can be expanded to meet the enormous demand. In the meantime, the sales numbers have increased to 500 motors per year and the interest shown indicates further growth ahead. Developer and Technical Business Area Manager Patrick Trolliet notes: "Since the beginning, I have been convinced that the technical concept and output parameters would make it a success". That it is, in fact, a success has recently been confirmed by a special order placed by a Chinese grinding machine manufacturer. The order is for a torque motor 2 metres in size, which uses a peak torque of 40,000 Nm and a continuous output of 30,000 Nm to drive the 8 metre rotary table of a precision grinding machine at speeds of up to 15 RPM. For comparison, sport cars have a torque of 400 to 600 Nm.

ZOLLERN's product line contains a range of motors with standard diameters of 160 to 2,200 mm and standard torques of 26 to 58,000 Nm. Application-specific motor designs are independent of the standard product line, unlimited in scope, and realised with the same modular components. When asked what accounts for the market success of his motor specifically, Trolliet answers, "It has a lower installation height than comparable motors on the market. Our motors are all unsegmented and they are characterised by their exceptional precision and an electrical consumption that is up to 25% lower."

The installation height of all ZOLLERN motors is 15 to 20 millimetres lower than it is for similar products. According to the feedback of experienced mechanical engineers, that has a significant effect on the overall machine with a factor of 3 to 4. An additional feature of the motors is that, unlike most large motors at least, none of the ZOLLERN motors are segmented, but rather built at as a single piece. This allows interfaces to be avoided, which has a positive influence on the efficiency and performance of the motor. Furthermore, an advantage of single-piece construction, which should not be underestimated, is the simplified motor design with only one plug and the resulting, simple plug-and-play installation into the machine. The motor can be designed with an air or water cooling system.

The ZOLLERN direct drive works with constant rated torques and peak torques up to the rated speeds. The torque ripple of less than 0.6% makes the motor especially suitable for precision applications.

In addition to the motor itself, the total service package from ZOLLERN encompasses the motor's application-specific adjustment and optimisation, the periphery including converter, and, if required, start-up with the customer.

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