Yaskawa has launched a new line of rotary, linear and direct drive servos and amplifiers that the company says “bring a new level of operating efficiency to automated equipment”.
Yaskawa, one of the world’s biggest industrial robot manufacturers, says its Sigma-7 has bandwidth and resolution improvements.
Yaskawa says system designers and automation end users will benefit from the speed, precision and efficiency improvements in Sigma-7, adding that it is “the most technologically advanced servo systems ever created” by the company.
Among Sigma-7’s key features:
- Nearly double the bandwidth of Yaskawa’s Sigma-5 servos, for quicker response to system commands
- 24-bit encoding that boosts precision to a level 16 times higher than the industry standard
- A 20 per cent smaller footprint, plus a new amplifier design that saves control panel space
- A new package of algorithms that correct machine imperfections, including ripple compensation, anti-resonance and friction model compensation
- New dual-axis amplifiers that mount in smaller spaces, cut parts counts and regenerate power for long-term energy conservation
- Full compatibility with millions of Sigma-5 servos currently in the field, enabling replacement without the need for reprogramming or re-engineering existing equipment
18 new Sigma-7 products cover a wide range of motion control applications, with rotary servos from 3 W to 55 kW in output. Users can choose from two direct drive servos and four linear products, including a SigmaTrac option designed for easy bolt-on, plug-in implementation.
Sigma-7 Servopack amplifiers offer the option of interface via EtherCAT, Mechatrolink or analog connections. The line also includes a SigmaLogic Servopack that sequences motion using the Add On Instructions (AOIs) used by programmable logic controllers.
“Yaskawa’s Sigma-5 servos are already the clear leader in features and performance,” says Scott Carlberg, Sigma-7 product marketing manager, “and Sigma-7 makes the best in the industry even better.”
This is especially important in competitive industries like packaging and electronic assembly, where every incremental productivity improvements yield huge gains in profitability.
“Bandwidth and resolution improvement like this will open doors with end users who can’t settle for less than the highest possible speed and the greatest possible precision.”