Kollmorgen servo motors are now available with their fourth-generation SFD-M smart feedback device. This encoder is included at no extra cost over earlier SFD models. It provides four times greater positioning accuracy and uses energy-harvesting technology to track absolute multi-turn positions, even when powered off.
Kollmorgen, a global leader in motion control and automation systems, today introduced the new SFD-M (Smart Feedback Device, Multi-Turn). It allows machine builders to achieve high-resolution multi-turn feedback with absolute positioning information available at system startup.
The SFD-M works with AKD™ and AKD2G drives. It integrates into Kollmorgen servo motors at no extra cost. It delivers multi-turn performance, four times greater accuracy, and fifty times lower EMF noise.
Comparable third-party encoders come with a premium price. With the SFD-M, customers can achieve substantial savings in machine designs that perform at the highest levels of precision, efficiency and effectiveness.
Absolute multi-turn positioning for precise, productive motion
The SFD-M tracks the rotor shaft during each 360º rotation. It does not require a home position. It also records the total number of rotations in either direction.
This multi-turn positioning is ideal for precise tracking over long rotations. Applications include machine tools, packaging, material handling, satellite tracking, and more.
Additionally, the SFD-M maintains absolute positioning information in real time even when the system is powered down, eliminating the need for time-consuming homing sequences upon startup.
Energy-harvesting technology for battery-free operation
Other multi-turn encoders often need a battery to retain position during power loss or system shutdown. These external batteries require replacement and can be subject to failure. Other alternatives use mechanical gear trains, which are noisy, backlash-prone and add size to the motor.
The new Kollmorgen SFD-M eliminates these issues, instead using energy-harvesting technology to reliably maintain positioning information with no need for batteries or gear trains. Battery-free operation eliminates maintenance issues while also supporting efforts to reduce the consumption of natural resources and minimize waste.
Exceptional performance at an exceptional value
The SFD-M is highly accurate, offering these key specifications:
- Resolution
– 24 bits per revolution
– 16,777,216 counts per revolution
– 0.0772 arc-sec per count - Multi-turn absolute range
– 16 bits = 65,536 motor revolutions - Accuracy
– < +/– 1 arc-min typical at 25ºC
– < +/– 3 arc-min worst case
“Our new SFD-M encoder provides multi-turn absolute functionality with exceptional position accuracy and resolution at zero additional cost over Kollmorgen motors with single-turn encoders,” said Chris Cooper, Kollmorgen’s Senior Director of Global Product Management.
This saves hundreds per motor and potentially thousands in complex, multi-axis machines. It also improves precision and productivity. Single motor-to-drive cable technology with auto drive setup further lowers total costs. We are very proud to offer all of these benefits to our customers as an integral part of Kollmorgen’s industry-leading servo systems.”
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