Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (MCAM) discovered the perfect Variable Speed Drive to modernise its existing plastic extrusion production equipment was the Danfoss iC7-Automation, available now from LED Controls! Here's how it went down:
Modernising and Increasing Capacity
MCAM's Tielt, Belgium facility operates 55 extrusion lines, with some equipment dating back to the 1960s. At the same time as modernising its existing machinery, the company wanted to install six additional extrusion lines, increasing production capacity to 11,000 tonnes per annum.
The Challenge: High Torque at Low Speed
Plastic extrusion is a low-speed, high-torque application, a combo that can be challenging for variable frequency drives. The motor involved was one of the smallest at the facility, which made accurate control extra difficult.
The Solution: Danfoss iC7-Automation
The Danfoss iC7-Automation variable frequency drive proved capable of keeping accurate motor control while producing high torque at very low speed, even under extreme operating demands. Most importantly for MCAM, the drives were up and running at full torque in less than four hours, meaning the extrusion line was back up to speed in no time.
Why iC7-Automation Suits Demanding Motor Applications
The Danfoss iC7-Automation's motor-control technology is designed to provide precise shaft performance at low speeds in both open-loop and closed-loop applications, making it particularly relevant for demanding machinery where accurate speed and torque control are critical. Safe Torque Off up to SIL3 / Performance Level e is available as standard.
The platform also combines a compact, modular design with flexible configuration options, meaning it slots into your existing installations all the easier.
Cybersecurity has also been incorporated into the platform's architecture, with hardware-based protection including an integrated cryptographic chip and encrypted data transfer. Choosing an iC7 means you're not just picking the drive that can get your motors turning, you're also ensuring your systems are future proof. Which is why MCAM are planning to continue using iC7 automation drives in their up-coming extrusion line expansions.
Danfoss iC7-Automation from LED Controls
The MCAM project gives us a practical example of where Danfoss' advanced variable speed drive technology can solve a motor-control problem that conventional approaches struggle to address.
As an official Danfoss Drives Authorised Partner, LED Controls supplies and supports Danfoss variable speed drives for a vast range of industrial automation applications across the globe. You can browse Danfoss iC7-Automation drives available from LED Controls, check out our complete Danfoss VLT range, or contact our team for help selecting and specifying the perfect drive for your particular needs.
