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Torque Motors / Digital or Analog transformer

01/27/2007 12:33 PM

We are developing a new system for our equipment to use for a wind-up. Presently we use a fixed speed 230/380 volt AC motor with a gearbox reduced to either 8 or 10 rpm. with this system we use a dancer that moves between two switches to start and stop the motor. We have also used the same motor with a different gear box, reduced to 45 rpm, and used a magnetic particle clutch to provide continuous slippage. This allows us to eliminate the dancer assembly and wind directly onto the spool. For some of our customers and applications this is better, however this is becoming too costly for our general applications. What we are looking at is possibly using a torque motor, similar to Oriental Motor's line. However these appear to only be available in 110/115 VAC models. Does any one have a source for this type of motor in 208/230 VAC? Second question, if my memory serves me correctly, with this type of motor the amoun of torque is controlled by the input AC voltage. Is that correct? Which leads to a third question: if the previous supposition is correct, instead of using a Variac (variable voltage transformer) of the mechanical type (wound wire with a rotating wiper), does anyone know of a manufacturer of a digital or analog contrlled electronic voltage controller for either 110/115VAC or 208/230VAC. Thanks for any input you can provide.

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#1

Re: Torque Motors / Digital or Analog transformer

01/27/2007 11:59 PM

These are called variable frequency drives. There are numerous manufacturers of these. Here is one site:

http://www.controltechniques.com/index.asp

The AC VFDs typically have an analog input - usually 0-10V or 4-20mA - that is proportional to the output frequency (related to RPM). They also have digital inputs and outputs to control whether forward or reverse (inputs) or drive fault, drive healthy, etc. (outputs).

Hope this helps

Mike

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Torque Motors / Digital or Analog transformer

01/29/2007 8:41 AM

We have been using VFDs for many years. These vary the frequency, not the voltage. On normal AC motors, chnaging the frequency will change the speed, but for whatever reason, the speed of torque motors is 'constant' what we are controlling is the 'torque'.

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