With the advent of Industry 4.0 set to change the face of industry and production, SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. has a range of solutions for its concept of the Lean Sm@rt Factory. This is based on the paradigm shift introduced by new technologies such as big data, embedded computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing in the production environment.

The MOVIGEAR® mechatronic drive system from SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. is designed for flexible use across various communication infrastructures. It is ideal for decentralised field applications. Features include a compact design and optimal integration of components with permanent-field synchronous motor, gear unit, and integrated electronics.

MOVIGEAR® is especially tailored for efficient use in the general materials-handling sector. It is available in two sizes and three electrical performance classes for a total of four communication variants. Energy savings of up to 50% are possible due to the seamless interplay between the IE4-rated motor, efficient gear unit, and integrated electronics.

“Perfectly-matched components, combined with the energy optimisation of the overall system, facilitate high system efficiency. These features make the MOVIGEAR® mechatronic drive solution a cost-effective, power-optimised, total solution,” SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. MD Raymond Obermeyer comments.

Flexible, compact and intelligent MOVIDRIVE® B drive inverters save space in the control cabinet. In addition, they are equipped with integrated IPOSplus® positioning and sequence control as standard features. These inverters are ideal for asynchronous AC or synchronous servo drives.

Additional features are a broad power range from 0.55 kW to 250 kW, and a high overload capacity. Based on a modular concept, the MOVIDRIVE® B inverter is ideal to improve the flexibility and efficiency of a range of applications.

SEW‑EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd. also offers the freely programmable MOVI‑PLC® motion and logic controller for solving complex tasks in a flexible manner. These scalable controllers are an ideal solution platform due to their universal operation and functionality. Comprehensive interfaces are available for the external periphery, and for visualisation purposes so as to fully automate complete machines.

For fast and simple start-up, users can take advantage of preconfigured program modules for many applications. The standard programming languages FBD, LD, IL, and structured text ensure greater flexibility. MOVI-PLC® provides the drive functionality necessary to match any specific application. It can be used wherever ‘smart’ drive solutions are required.

“The basic concept behind Industry 4.0 is to leverage information technology in order to integrate business and engineering processes for more flexible, efficient, and time-independent production in a range of applications and industries.

At the same time, high quality and lower costs are a given. SEW-EURODRIVE (Pty) Ltd.’s approach combines the basic tenets of Industry 4.0 with its benchmark-setting solutions and concepts,” Obermeyer concludes.