STF microstepping drives provide optimal use in real-time.

Engineering Industry News

Available with full support from the UK motion control specialists Mclennan, the STF series open loop microstepping drives from Applied Motion Products Inc. (AMP) are designed for optimal use in Industrial Ethernet based automation systems that demand deterministic, real-time motion control. The STF series is available in three power versions covering up to 3.0, 6.0 and 10.0 A/phase with a choice of interface options that include the EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and Modbus industry standards, as well as CANopen over EtherCAT (CoE) and AMP’s proprietary Serial Command Language (SCL) for network communication over Ethernet (UDP or TCP) and RS-485.

The STF series offers a range of operation modes including program storage in non-volatile memory or directly streamed commands from a host controller. AMP’s Q programming, a simple text-based programming language, is complemented with the STF Configurator software which includes set-up and commissioning. The Q language provides a range of motion profiles, multi-tasking, math functions, conditional processing, data register manipulation and more. A compliment of 8 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs provide local control of machine functions, and dual-port communications provide daisy-chain connections for multiple drives, HMIs or other host controlled connected devices. The panel-mount STF series includes short circuit, over & under voltage, and over temperature protection, and drives are DC powered (12…48 VDC for the 3 A and 6 A versions and 24…70 VDC for the 10 A drive).

Like other microstepping drives from AMP, the STF series features well proven drive architecture with advanced current control, anti-resonance and torque ripple smoothing for maximum performance and optimal power over a wide speed range. With their three power versions, the STF series is a perfect match for Mclennan’s own range of MSM stepper motors. This cost-optimised range is available in NEMA sizes 08 through 34 (1.8 degree, two-phase, bipolar) with extended torque performance and smooth operation that perfectly suits dynamic motion positioning and speed control applications. Together with STF drives, MSM series microstepping motors are aimed at the unique demands of OEM users with stock availability for standard products and fast turnaround for application customisation.

STF stepper drives provide open-loop control of step motors. Where position verification may be required in automation systems, Mclennan can offer alternative Industrial Ethernet equipped drives from its panel mounted ST series with encoder options for MSM stepper motors. For applications where full closed-loop control of a microstepping motor is demanded, AMP’s competitively priced stepSERVOtm products offer proven performance with increased torque, higher acceleration and ultimately superior throughput over traditional stepper motor systems.

Mclennan supplies and fully supports AMP’s comprehensive range of stepper- and servo-based motion control products. Further information on the STF series can be found here. Mclennan works with other global motion control component manufacturers, and with its own in-house design and manufacturing capability, offers complete integrated mechatronics assemblies and customised mechanics with motor technologies.

www.mclennan.co.uk