Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, has announced the availability of its Altivar Machine range of variable speed drives, with the Altivar 320 leading the line-up of new drives dedicated to the needs of machine manufacturers in the southern African region.
The Altivar Machine range builds on Schneider’s leadership and expertise in machine drives and is designed specifically for machine manufacturers, with benefits including:

Improved machine performance
The Altivar Machine range matches a variety of machine throughput requirements with the following features:

• Open-loop motor control with torque sensitive operation, even at low speed and dynamic accuracy for start/stop applications;
•  Closed-loop motor control for applications requiring velocity sensitive operation or precise positioning; and
• Advanced connectivity with automation architecture via all common fieldbuses, even in real-time, with fast task cycle times.  

Extended machine availability
The Altivar Machine range variable speed drives carry on their predecessors’ tradition of robustness and reliability. They are designed to provide:

• Continuous machine operation in harsh environments with high levels of ambient temperature, dust, electrical interruptions, or mechanical disturbances; and
• Maximised machine operating time, as production changes, maintenance, safety diagnostics, network configuration, and system integration can all to be accomplished quickly.

Reduced total machine cost
The Altivar Machine range reduces the overall cost of machines with:

• Reduced installation costs, with both book and compact form factors reducing machine footprint, whether mounted in a machine frame or electrical cabinet;
• Fewer additional devices needed to manage machine safety and repeated sequential movements, as both are managed internally within the drive; and
• Reduced engineering and design time thanks to ready-to-use, PLCopen-compliant libraries and tested, validated, documented architectures (TVDAs) available through Schneider Electric’s MachineStruxure solutions.

Complementary drives for OEMs that raise effectiveness and lower costs
The Altivar 320 meets the needs of simple or complex machines from 0.18 kW to 15 kW.

For more information please contact Luthando Makiwane, Industry Business marketing manager Schneider Electric Southern Africa at luthando.makiwane@schneider-electric.com

About Schneider Electric Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of ~€27 billion in FY2015, our 160,000+ employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Our connected technologies reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On.

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