The PxG integrated series from Bruchsal-based drive specialist SEW-EURODRIVE combines planetary gear units and servomotors in a single unit. Compared with conventional servo planetary gearmotors, the compact drive is up to 40 percent shorter with comparable peak torque. The short overall length reduces the mass inertia and enables correspondingly high dynamics. The compact design also saves a lot of space, allowing the gearmotors to be flexibly integrated into many plant layouts. According to the manufacturer, precision planetary gearmotors in the PxG integrated series are also powerful, efficient, and can increase productivity in short-cycle applications by up to 34 percent.

High overload capacity and power density

According to its developers, the PxG integrated executes movements precisely and dynamically in the smallest of spaces, making it ideal for use in packaging machines, food production, metal processing, and handling. In wire and tube bending machines, for example, the new compact gearmotors improve bending accuracy and help increase throughput. Space is particularly limited in a chain magazine or tool changer. This is where the advantage of the short overall length really comes into play. High overload capacity and power density are important properties here in order to achieve synchronized and precise positioning, for example.

Example application: Delta robot

High-speed handling, precise portioning, sorting, and positioning, as well as confined spaces, are the typical characteristics of a delta robot, in which each of the three robot arms is driven individually. This is where the high dynamics and precision of the PxG integrated series come into their own. Well over 200 picks per minute are no problem for these gearmotors. In applications with two collaborating delta robots, the installation space requirements for the drives are significantly reduced. This is because the robot arms are not typically arranged in a star configuration, but in a T-shape, and the working areas overlap accordingly.

Low mass moment of inertia

“The fact that this gearmotor unit does not require an adapter shaft or clamping ring, i.e. the sun gear of the planetary gear is located directly in the motor shaft, significantly reduces the overall length compared to conventional planetary gearmotors,” explains Dr. Petr Osipov, system engineer at SEW-EURODRIVE. “On the one hand, this makes installation in confined spaces easier. On the other hand, the extremely short overall length of the drive ensures low mass moment of inertia, enabling high dynamics.”

Versatile combinations

“The fact that the entire PxG gear unit modular system is available with virtually no restrictions, enabling a wide range of combinations, also ensures a high degree of flexibility for customers,” emphasizes Petr Osipov. “For example, output designs such as flange block or solid shaft are also available in stainless steel. All lubricants included in the PxG modular system can also be used.”

Use of the latest winding and magnet technologies

The use of the latest winding and magnet technologies in the synchronous servo motor integrated in the PxG is also worth highlighting. In combination with the high-performance materials used, this achieves high efficiency with reduced heat generation, despite the compact design. The components have also been optimized in terms of acoustics, which, in combination with the high-precision helical planetary gearboxes of the PxG series, ensures low-noise operation.

Flexible motor – prepared for modern requirements

On the motor side, PxG integrated also offers numerous options for different application requirements. A wide range of encoder systems are available, enabling precise position feedback and flexible system integration. For additional safety requirements, the gearmotor can be optionally equipped with a holding brake. In addition, the series is future-proof, as further sizes are already in preparation, as is the integration of 48-volt technology, which is particularly suitable for applications with limited energy requirements or specific network conditions. Single-cable technology is also provided for simplified wiring and space-saving installation. This means that PxG integrated offers maximum flexibility for modern machine construction, not only mechanically but also electrically.

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