Stainless steel servomotors

The AM8800 series stainless steel motors by Beckhoff are implemented completely in a ‘hygienic design’; they can be used in extremely harsh or corrosive environments and are suitable for use in the food, chemical or pharmaceutical industries. The motors need only one motor cable instead of the usual two. The otherwise necessary feedback cable is dispensed with, since the encoder information is transmitted digitally via two cores of the motor cable. The single-cable feedback technology leads to a clear saving in material and reduces installation and engineering expenditures.

Technologically, the series is based on the AM8000 motor series. However, it has been supplemented by an all-stainless-steel housing in AISI 316L, which was designed according to FDA guidelines, and a stainless steel motor shaft. The series encompasses three sizes, each with three overall lengths. The power range extends from 1 to 8 Nm standstill torque. In designing the motor, corners and edges were avoided and drill holes and screwed connections were largely dispensed with in order to prevent the accumulation of dirt. The flanges were implemented in B5 form and are compatible to the AM8000 series flanges. This also simplifies the conversion of existing plants.

Power losses have been kept low by the optimum connection of the stators to the stainless steel housing. All AM8000 servomotors are equipped with a sensor for temperature monitoring, which passes the data on to the drive via the single cable. The data can be processed in the higher-level controller in such a way that the motor can be controlled in relation to its temperature. This function is required when processing easily perishable food such as fish.

The stainless steel housing is robust and insensitive to scratches and mechanical damage. Equipped with IP 67 protection, optionally also IP 69K, the stainless steel motors are even suitable for cleaning with high-pressure cleaners, which are commonly used in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Connection using stainless steel ‘hygienic design’ cable glands ensures the permanent sealing integrity of the motors. As a special feature, the AM8800 motors can be provided with a sealing air connection in order to prevent the formation of condensation inside the motor. They can also be equipped with a holding brake or a multi-turn encoder, depending on requirements.