Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Electric Corp has launched a drive unit equipped with a silicon carbide (SiC) power module for computerized numerical controllers (CNCs). MDS-DM2-SPHV3-20080 is a multi-hybrid, multi-axis integrated-drive unit for drive control of spindle and servo motors. SiC power modules are superior to conventional silicon modules in terms of their significantly reduced switching loss and high tolerance to temperature, says the firm.
Power conversion modules are used in inverters and converters of household appliances and industrial equipment. To date, Mitsubishi Electric has commercialized SiC power modules for inverters in air conditioners and railcars. The new power module for CNC drive units offers higher speed and torque for driving machine tool spindles and servo motors, which is expected to improve manufacturing productivity in factories.
Key features of MDS-DM2-SPHV3-20080
- Power module uses diodes made with SiC
- High-speed switching operation increases spindle motor speed up to twice that of its previous model (MDS-DM Series) under specific conditions.
- Reduced power loss in drive unit results in 15% higher torque for spindle motors than MDS-DM Series under specific conditions.
- The Safe Torque Off function for shutting off the power supply to motors, which reduces the number of magnetic reactors required, is available as a standard feature.
- An interface for linear scale enables direct detection and feedback of machine positions, requiring no external interface unit.
The new CNC drive unit will be showcased at the 26th Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF 2012), which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan from November 1–6. Sales of the unit will begin on 3 December.
