I started my search by checking out Wikipedia. I then looked up and read a number of things to come up with my very own simplified explanation. Disclaimer: I am in no way an engineer! This topic gets pretty deep, pretty fast. I'll do my best to keep it basic.

Vector control drives basically control 3-phase AC electric motor output by using two variables; voltage magnitude and frequency. We'll go just a little bit deeper to explain that vector control is available as field oriented control (FOC) or sensorless.

Most variable frequency drives used are Volts/Hertz, which means they provide open-loop operation. These drives are unable to retrieve feedback from the process, but can generally do the job for most applications. If these drives are not accurate enough then you want to take a look at vector control.

In general, if your application requires higher levels of accuracy, vector may be the way to go. These high performance AC drives can adjust themselves to sustain the programmed speed, rate, torque, and/or position.

Marshall Wolf Automation is a variably frequency drive powerhouse! We have a large inventory ready to ship, competitive pricing and we are authorized for all the top brands. Did I mention complimentary tech support?

View all of our AC drives now!

We have been spending some time recategorizing our inventory. This sounds simple, however, it is anything but!

It's amazing the number of products that we all use multiple names for. AC drives are called variable frequency drives, inverters, motor speed controllers and many other names.

Stack lights are light towers are tower lights are warning lights.

How does one categorize wire, wire duct, terminal blocks, DIN rail and the many accessories these items use? I've seen 'wiring solutions' as a nice category and I've also seen every product separated out individually.

I consider a heater... a heater. An electric heater. Apparently it's common for some to call an overload relay a heater... who knew?

Servo motors - under motors or in a motion control category? Gearmotors, are they motors or should they have their own category?

How vague can we make switches? Should it include pushbuttons, e-stops and pressure switches? Would you think to look under 'switch' for a pushbutton?

Relays is another crazy one. Should mercury relays be lumped in with solid state relays? What about SmartRelays? I ended up putting those with PLC's (which brings me to the insane category of controllers...).

This concludes my mini-rant regarding product categories... thanks for reading! Your feedback is always appreciated - beckie@wolfautomation.com.

Their most technically advanced inverter drive continues AC Tech Lenze's tradition of innovative compact inverter design.

The performance and flexibility make the SMVector an attractive solution for a broad range of AC Motor applications including:

Food Processing machinery
Packaging machinery
Material handling systems
Conveying Systems
HVAC systems

The SMVector Series can be used with 3-phase AC induction motors rated from 1/3 HP up to 30HP (0.25 - 22 kW) on voltages from 120V single-phase to 600 V three-phase.  Programmable digital and analog I/O allow the drive to be configured for many application specific tasks such as multiple preset speeds, electronic braking and motor jogging to name a few.  Like all AC Tech sub-micro drives, the SMVector uses EPM memory technology for fast and efficient programming.

Available in both NEMA 1 and NEMA 4 and 4X verions!  Contact Marshall Wolf Automation today for all of your variable frequency drive needs!

Meeting stringent requirements in terms of response, precision and excellent power-to-size ratio, the motor sizes have been carefully graded and offer rated torques from 0.8 to 64 Nm (0.25 to 10.0 kW) and peak torques of up to 191 Nm. As a result, finding the optimum motor for any drive task is easy.

What are detent torques?

Detent torques (reluctance torques, cogging) superimpose themselves on the electromagnetic torque, taking the form of a disturbance variable. This makes it harder for sudden changes in torque to be absorbed, results in increased system deviations when changing setpoints and makes it more difficult to compensate for speed variations. A detent torque of just 3% of the rated motor torque, for example, will reduce the potential control loop gain by 14%. Detent torques are caused by a lack of compatibility between the rotor-mounted permanent magnets and the workings of the stator lamination. In the case of MCS servo motors, which feature single element pole technology, magnetic attraction is optimised thanks to the special pole design. These motors exhibit extremely low detent torques, thereby providing maximum control loop gain for a stable control response, even within the context of high-response applications.

• – The shafts, which are made from high-strength steel

• – The vibration-resistant and fully-encapsulated windings

• – The robust connectors, which can rotate about 270°

• – The corrosion-resistant (NdFeB) permanent magnets

Generously proportioned bearings with high-temperature-resistant permanent lubrication ensure operational reliability even with a worst case scenario shaft load. The smooth surfaces and high degree of protection (IP54, IP65) make for quick and easy cleaning when required.

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation, your AC Tech Lenze distributor today!

A leading global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, AC Tech Lenze offers the 8400 Inverter Series. The 8400 series features L-Force automation technology for tailored motion control solutions that deliver stable and high dynamic performance in a range of material handling and logistics applications.

The 8400 product family runs the gamut from basic inverter to ‘servo’ inverter. From simple continuous motion applications, like driving a conveyor, to controlling complex synchronized pick-and-place applications, there is an 8400 inverter right-sized for the job.  Matched with high efficiency Lenze motors, gearboxes and brakes, the 8400 series steers the whole drive package.

Most mechanical processes have variable power requirements that depend on external parameters, such as the production volume. A frequency inverter matches the speed and torque with the process requirements. In addition to L-Force control and software, the 8400 series inverters incorporate intelligent features, including memory modules, online diagnostics and optional integrated safety systems.

Marshall Wolf Automation is the place to shop for all of your AC Tech needs. 

Variable frequency inverters are used for electronic speed control of AC induction motors. The needs of the market are wide and varied, and AC Tech Lenze offers a broad range of standard products for everything from simple speed control to complex; each with a wide range of functionality, small physical size and exceptional performance.

Their drives are reliable, flexible to apply, easy to commission, and meet the highest standards of quality. AC Tech Lenze provides solutions to fulfill nearly any inverter requirement in the power range between 0.25 and 400 kW.

Standard Enclosure

Marshall Wolf Automation, your industrial automation distributor for all things that keep your business running has all of the AC Tech/Lenze products you need. 

The general purpose variable frequency drives in the SCM/SM series (IP 20 and up to 15hp) are ready to use right out of the box - simple to program and easy to install. Available in single or 3 phase input

If you need a general purpose drive with modbus, the SCF/SF series is perfect! The same as our SCM Series - with these added features:Analog outputs of speed and load and modbus communication and optional high output frequency!

How about a NEMA 4X indoor duty vector drive?  The SM Vector drives can handle that.  And for an outside version of that same drive, click here. NEMA 4X rated for indoor or outdoor use and available in standard or filtered input. Now up to 30hp!

We've got you covered in an HVAC-oriented drive as well.  The variable torque MCH series is available in up to 250hp!  We can provide the drive with standard options such as input disconnect and fusing, line reactor, 3-contactor bypass and more enclosed and mounted to the drive in a ready to install package. 

Call us today at 800-325-9653 (WOLF)