The AZ Series mini Driver for Space-saving in Food Packaging Machines

Issue: Automation and Size Reduction of Food Packaging Equipment

Existing Problems/Requests

• In developing a new model of food packaging machinery, we want to automate manual processes.
• As more processes are automated, the number of axes increases, requiring additional control cabinet space.
• The servo motor used in the current equipment has a large driver size and there is no space to increase the number of axes.

Solution: Space Saving Achieved With αSTEP AZ Series mini Driver

In the development of food packaging machines, it is important to solve labor shortages by increasing the number of processes that can be automated and to save space on equipment. However, if the number of automated processes is increased, the number of axes is expected to increase, and the equipment will become even larger.
The αSTEP AZ Series mini driver enables automation of more processes in food packaging machines while saving space.

Compact Driver Contributes to Downsize Equipment

Compact drivers enable a smaller control cabinet. The αSTEP AZ Series mini driver saves equipment space with compact dimensions: W69 mm × D56 mm × H30 mm (network-compatible model).
With a 63% volume reduction compared to conventional DC input single axis drivers, the new driver can be installed in available spaces such as near motors. This enables distributed installation of drivers or control systems, meeting the need for overall equipment downsizing.

Example of Space Savings With the αSTEP AZ Series mini Drivers

Size and Mass Comparison of Single-axis Driver and mini Driver

Single Axis Driver Network Compatible*	mini Driver Network Compatible*
W 45 mm x D 70 mm x H 100 mm	W 69 mm x D 56 mm x H 30 mm
Mass: 180 g	Mass: 110 g

• *Dimensions and mass are the same regardless of network type.

Supports Various FA Industrial Networks Such As EtherCAT

The αSTEP AZ Series mini Driver is compatible with a variety of industrial networks. Therefore, common control can be shared on the network used within the equipment even if the number of axes increases.

	Interface	Driver Type	Power Supply Input
		EtherCAT compatible	24/48 VDC
		EtherNet/IPTM compatible	24/48 VDC
		PROFINET compatible	24/48 VDC
	Modbus (TCP, UDP)	Ethernet type	24/48 VDC
	Modbus (RTU)	RS-485 communication type	24/48 VDC
	Pulse	Pulse input type with RS-485 communication	24/48 VDC

• *EtherCAT compatible products have passed the official EtherCAT conformance test.
• *The RS-485 communication type can be controlled via CC-Link or MECHATROLINK by using with the network converter (gateway) sold separately.

Combining the Advantages of Both a Reliable Servo Motor and an Easy-to-Use Stepper Motor

The αSTEP AZ Series is a unique positioning motor that combines the advantages of stepper motors and servo motors by combining open-loop and closed-loop control. A battery-free absolute encoder is installed, which requires no gain adjustment and achieves hunting-free, easy, and reliable motion.

Proposed Product: αSTEP AZ Series mini Driver

Combinable Motors

• AZ Series DC input (Frame size: □20 mm, □28 mm, □42 mm, □60 mm)

Combinable Electric Actuators

• AZ Series equipped electric linear slide EZS Series DC input
• AZ Series equipped electric cylinder EAC Series DC input
• AZ Series equipped compact electric cylinder DR Series/DRS2 Series
• AZ Series equipped hollow rotary actuator DGII Series DC input
• Electric gripper EH Series

• *Products for EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Ethernet type/CC-Link IE Field Basic and PROFINET are available.