Bosch Rexroth has unveiled the first all-new generation of drives to emerge since the company was created by merging Mannesmann Rexroth with Bosch Automation in 2001. The new IndraDrive family will eventually replace the existing IndraMat, Bosch and Refu ranges.

At the recent SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany, Rexroth demonstrated the first members of the family, including the modular IndraDrive M servo drives (above) which bring together, and enhance, functions previously offered by the DIAX and Servodyn families.

The drives, which span ratings from 1.5-120kW, incorporate safety technology which allows them to perform all safety functions on-board, without needing extra hardware. As well stopping motors safely, these functions include running at reduced speeds, closing protective doors, absolute safety-limited positioning, and ensuring that motors are rotating in a safe direction.

There are two redundant safety channels and the reaction time of the contact-free safety circuits is claimed to be just 2ms — said to be essential when dealing with dynamic servo motors such as linear machines.

The modular design of the drives separates the power section from the signal and control modules, which can provide PLC and motion functions. Options include a "pre-emptive maintenance" facility which can, for example, monitor the tension in a belt being driven by the motor and detect when there is too much backlash.