In practice, when asked to come up with a concept that satisfies specific wishes and requirements, only a very few suppliers of so-called customized solutions actually succeed in getting away from the catalog or the product portfolio. Whereas simply adapting drives to fit an application almost always involves compromises, individual performance requirements can be optimally met by developing perfect-fit mechatronic drive solutions – like those offered by WITTENSTEIN cyber motor GmbH.

Motor design, integration concept, fitness for the environment – all perfectly tailored to fit the application

Define the requirements, assess the feasibility, develop a concept, build prototypes, verify their performance and prepare for serial production – these steps, carried out together with the user, result in customized drives that are a perfect fit. 

The motor design phase, for instance, includes adapting the design not only of the stators and their laminations but also of the DC bus voltage, the winding and the rotor (reduced moments of inertia, arrangement and packing density of the magnets) to the particular application. 

The mechanical and electrical integration, too, is characterized by high levels of flexibility and versatility. The basic design can range from a frameless motor to a complete drive module integrating a gearbox, coupling, screw, holding brakes and various other components. The input and output connections can be influenced by selecting the most suitable flange size and shaft version. And as far as the encoder is concerned, the solution space extends from a resolver to a fully digital motor feedback system in single-cable technology. The electrical connection can be made using open cable ends or connectors, or alternatively in the terminal box.

Finally, the concept for the motor and drive solution must take account of the specific environment in which it is to be used. Owing to the wide choice of materials available from WITTENSTEIN cyber motor, it is possible to build motors with the right IP protection for use in high or low-temperature applications, for example, as well as in vacuum or cleanrooms, hazardous or radiation affected areas and machinery and equipment for processing, filling and bottling food and beverage products – if necessary, with a special hygienic design.

Perfect-fit design – perfect in use

The ability to design individual, perfect-fit motors combining this kind of technological depth and application breadth is what sets WITTENSTEIN cyber motor apart from most other suppliers of mechatronic drive technology. This claim is underlined by concrete examples like heavy-duty torque multipliers, transfer units in glass production, thread forming tools in punching machines and workstations in high speed bending machines. 

The feedback from users is overwhelmingly positive. Among other things, WITTENSTEIN’s perfect-fit, power dense motors give them a technology lead and a competitive advantage, pave the way for a successful technology shift from servo to pneumatic or improve the performance data of their machines. For the majority of customers, the option of a perfect-fit motor design, with manufacturing and assembly performed by the project partner in Igersheim, promises significant economic benefits – after all, they would otherwise often be obliged to invest a substantial sum in production and assembly capacity of their own and bear the interface and performance risks, from which they are effectively shielded by WITTENSTEIN’s “everything from a single source” concept.


Photos:

Photo 1
The technology shift from pneumatics to servo can be successfully implemented using precisely fitting motors.

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One of the WITTENSTEIN Group's main areas of expertise is the design and construction of electric motors.

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WITTENSTEIN cyber motor entwickelt Antriebe, die komplett auf die logistischen, technischen und kommerziellen Anforderungen des Kunden zugeschnitten sind.