CHICAGO (July 5, 11:05 a.m. EDT) — ABB Automation Inc. is riding the tidal wave of all-electric plastics processing machinery.
ABB makes motors and drives, both the direct- and alternating-current varieties, with 40-700 horsepower for extruders, injection, compression and blow molding machines, and calendering lines.
At NPE 2000, ABB showed a new generation of DC motors, called the DMI series. The motors offer smooth operation at any speeds, thanks to a high torque capability with a higher top-speed range.
ABB also showed its compact electric drive, the DCS 400. It measures just 10¾ inches wide and covers a horsepower range of 5-600.
ABB is marketing the DCS as a simple drive for machinery makers and retrofit customers.
The ACS 400 adjustable-speed AC drive controller also is new from ABB´s Drives & Power Products Group of New Berlin, Wis. The fast-switching unit can run auxiliary equipment such as metering pumps and pelletizers, and general-purpose pumps and fans.
For the film-equipment market, ABB also showcased AC drives for center winders, and an inline tension controller.