At ProMat in Chicago, Nord Drivesystems spotlighted its latest inverter technologies designed to help packaging lines of all sizes run more efficiently and reliably.
The company, with U.S. headquarters in Waunakee, Wisconsin, displayed both panel-mounted and decentralized drives, along with its NordCon 3.0 software, which helps control the speed and torque of electric motors.
Compact panel inverter for efficient control
The Nordac Pro is a compact, panel-mounted frequency inverter with an IP20 protection class. It can be deployed on lines that require high-performance drive control, like high-speed packaging or energy-efficient operations.
Available for up to 200 horsepower and single-phase or three-phase, it offers plug-in control and extension modules, along with an integrated Ethernet interface that can be configured with several parameters. It also comes with motor brake management, lifting gear functionality, and a multi-encoder interface for multi-axis operation.
It features Bluetooth connectivity for fast setup, a USB interface, and an SD card slot for storing and transferring settings.
Decentralized capabilities for large operations
Nord also featured a wide variety of decentralized drives, which are beneficial for commissioning, as they minimize cabling expenses and the labor that goes along with installation.
Specifically, Nord highlighted three models with these capabilities.
“We have decentralized capabilities in the Base, the Flex, and the Link,” said Mark Arisman, Nord’s manager of business development, during an interview with Packaging OEM. “These are either wall-mounted, near the motor, or mounted on the motor itself.”
All of Nord’s decentralized drives include an Ethernet interface for seamless integration into various packaging operations, especially those operating at high capacity.
“When you’re talking about large footprint installations, decentralized drives really are the way to go,” said Arisman.
Nordac Base
To start the demonstration, Nord featured the Nordac Base, which is engineered for smaller, lighter packaging machines like conveyors or feeders.
Fitted with IP55 and IP66 protection ratings, it’s durable for harsh environments that require frequent washdowns, such as food or beverage packaging.
It is ATEX zone 22 compliance for dusty environments, like powder filling, and offers a power range of 0.25-2.2 kilowatt (kW).
Nordac Flex
Designed to handle dusty or slightly wet environments, the Nordac Flex offers IP55 and IP66 protection ratings.
It has a power rating of 0.25-22 kW and covers a wide range of machine sizes, from smaller conveyors to larger systems.
It includes built-in safety functions to work on automated lines with brake control and lifting gear functions, along with multiple I/O and encoder support.
Nordac Link
Optimized for packaging lines that require reliable control and efficient motor operation, the Nordac Link works in decentralized setups for operations such as sorting machines, material handling, and conveying systems.
Equipped with a fully pluggable design, it features fast setup with an integrated maintenance switch with manual control.
Real-time data at your fingertips
NordCon software provides machine builders with quick access to electronic drive systems and works with all the company’s frequency drives, motor starters, and bus modules.
Arisman demonstrated the power of the recently updated software by mounting a vibration sensor on a motor and displaying data on an iPad.
“The NordCon app is communicating via Bluetooth with our inverters, and you can see dashboard data that’s generated through the inverter and communicated to the app,” said Arisman. “This is useful for troubleshooting and commissioning purposes, as you can adjust all the parameters on the inverter for full programming access.”
The upgraded NordCon 3.0 offers a streamlined web-based interface with mobile options for iOS and Android.
“This software is downloadable for free,” said Arisman when referencing the availability on the company’s website. “It’s been updated to have a good look and feel that is more modern.”
Discover more
In addition to the inverters and control tools, Nord offers gear units, motors, and an after-sales service to increase drive system longevity.
To learn more about Nord’s solutions, click here. Catch up on the action at ProMat by viewing our photo gallery.
