New Motor Control Systems, either Simple or Complex, for Linear Axes

In addition to its drylin E linear axes with DC motors, igus has developed a new a cost-effective and easy-to-use motor control system: the D3 dryve controls linear systems completely without software or PC, while the D1 dryve has been improved for for stepper motors, DC and EC/BLDC motors.

by Andrea Baty

In its drylin product range, igus has been offering lubrication-free linear axes with matching stepper and DC motors for several years. As “drylin E”, users can use these motorised axes configured ready-to-install in different installation sizes as single axis or in gantry structure, for example with format and height adjustments or pick-and-place applications.
For an easy control and operation of the axes, igus’ D3 dryve now offers users a control system for simple movement and the D1 dryve a control system for more complex tasks. This allows a variety of tasks to be automated without programming.

Quickly set, directly automated
The new D3 control system is suitable for all standard DC motors. Simply connect to the 24 volt power supply and parameterise the operating mode, end position switch off, acceleration and the motor via the DiP switch. The speed can be adjusted with a rotary controller.
The current limiting is done by means of a screwdriver by another controller.
A LED display indicates the current status of the control system to the user via various colours.
The cost-effective price of the D3 dryve allows even small and medium-sized companies without programming skills, to use motorised linear axes for the automation of their systems.

New intuitive interface for a complex control system
For more complex tasks such as for controlling linear robots, users can rely on the intuitive D1 dryve control system for stepper motors, EC/BLDC and DC motors. The D1 dryve control system can be operated easily via a web browser on a fixed PC or even on a smart phone or tablet. A clear interface helps the customer with the correct parameterisation. The start-up of a motor-driven axis together with the new D1 dryve control system is now a very quick operation; values can be also changed or intermediate steps can be added easily via the web browser.
Besides the fast commissioning and user-friendliness, the special advantage of the D1 dryve is the networking ability of the control system. The control system has been designed to save space and can easily be mounted in switch cabinets on a top-hat (DIN) rail. This can then be connected via a WLAN router, whereupon the system can be controlled via a wireless device. The integrated web server does not require any further software on the operating devices; this means that users do not have to install or bear additional costs.