Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. released its FR-A800-R2R series of variable frequency drives (VFD), ideal for end users and machine designers looking for an optimized control solution for continuous roll-to-roll processing. The drive builds on the performance and functionality of the standard FR-A800 Series VFD, with enhanced firmware engineered for unwinding and rewinding processes such as coating, laminating, slitting, drawing and extruding.
The drive is equipped with dedicated functions, such as tension sensorless torque control and tension sensor feedback speed control. Variable tension is applied to the material to maintain constant flow on the winding and unwinding sides, helping to eliminate imperfections such as wrinkles or deformation. These functions do not require additional sequence or motion control programming to implement, because the FR-A800-R2R inverter has a built-in PLC, and employs easy-to-use parameterization to set and enhance functions. This allows users to control winding and unwinding, even if they do not have advanced knowledge of tension control.
“The integrated PLC in the FR-A800-R2R, eliminates the need for a tension controller for tension feedback torque control. This contributes to the overall cost savings of the system and al-lows for quick and easy system start-ups,” says Chris Rhodes, product marketing engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
Industries that commonly use roll-to-roll processing machines, that would be well-served by the FR-A800-R2R drive, include printing, automotive, and material handling. The coating and laminating of flexible electronics, as well as aluminum and copper foils for batteries and photovoltaic cells in the clean energy industry, are also an appropriate fit based on the product specification.
