Expanded with new standard

Igus is increasing the flexibility of its D1 motor controller, which designers use for electric linear drives, handling systems, and robot axes. Thanks to Siemens-certified Profinet, it is now possible to seamlessly and quickly integrate the D1 into higher-level controllers from Siemens, Beckhoff, Wago, and other manufacturers – without time-consuming and complicated adaptations. This expanded connectivity is intended to significantly increase the performance and efficiency of automation processes.

The D1 motor controller is igus' powerful and versatile solution for demanding drive applications, which is now compatible with the industrial communication standard Profinet/PROFIdrive. With a market share of around 23 percent, Profinet is currently experiencing the strongest growth. Major manufacturers such as Siemens, Beckhoff, and Wago use this Industrial Ethernet standard for industrial automation because it enables real-time, reliable communication between controllers, machines, and field devices such as sensors and actuators.

"Thanks to Profinet integration, communication between the D1 and these controllers is now completely straightforward," says René Erdmann, Head of the drylin E Drive Technology division at igus. "The expanded connectivity eliminates the need for specialized software and in-depth technical knowledge for integration into automation systems. This shortens project times and reduces integration costs and maintenance effort." The D1 with Profinet fieldbus is available now. Users can also update older models to the latest version with a free update.

Fast cycle times, intuitive operation, and high system compatibility

Designers use the D1 motor controller to control stepper motors, DC motors, and EC/BLDC motors in electric linear drives, handling systems, and robot axes. "The D1 impresses with short cycle times, which ensures fast response times of eight to 16 milliseconds depending on the application and is a major advantage, especially in dynamic applications," says Erdmann.

Designers also appreciate the intuitive operation via a web interface, where positions, speeds, accelerations, and motion profiles can be set – without additional software. Support for interfaces such as CANopen and Modbus TCP (gateway) for integrating the controller into existing automation environments is also appreciated. The D1 is suitable for a wide range of applications and, thanks to the AC1 – speed control – and AC3 – positioning – application classes, can be used in various industrial sectors, from automotive production to packaging lines to simple robotics. "With the Profinet/Profidrive integration, which has also been certified by Siemens, we want to offer designers an even more flexible and future-proof solution that further increases the performance and efficiency of their automation processes," says Rene Erdmann.

The dryve Experience provides more information on igus motor controllers and previously implemented applications, detailed tutorial videos of all functionalities, and a selection guide for the right motor controller. In addition, Igus offers free sample programs that significantly reduce the integration time of the motor controls, saving time and money.