Last Call For Lenze SMVector, What You Should Know

It's natural to feel uneasy when a vendor announces that a products is being phased out or replaced. You Often have a lot of questions with the most pressing being: Will the new part match the form, fit and function of the original?

Last year we got the news from Lenze that they are transitioning their SMVector series to the i510 and i550 protect series drives.

Last orders for the SMVector will be May 1,2026: that's right around the corner, so here's what you need to know. 

What's Changed?

Lenze has gone above and beyond to support customers customers during this transition. Designed with simplicity in mind, the i510 and i550 drives serve as a drop-in replacement for many SMVector units. 

However, there's a catch: the wiring and programming have changed. Don't set off any alarm bells just yet, Lenze has fantastic resources to guide you through the process, making sure it's a smooth upgrade. 

To start the migration, identify your current SMVector and collect the necessary technical information (detailed below). With this information, move forward to the product selection process.

Why Migrate to i510 and i550 Drives?

The i510 and i550 protec drives are designed to build on the SMVector’s legacy while addressing modern automation challenges. Key benefits include:

• Improved Performance: Enhanced control algorithms and energy efficiency meet the Ecodesign Directive (EN IEC 61800-9-2) for sustainable operation.
• Cost-Effective Design: 85% of components are sourced in North America, maintaining a competitive price.
• Compact and Compatible: Most models feature the same mounting hole pattern as the SMVector, simplifying installation.
• Robust Features: The i550 protec offers IP66/NEMA 4X protection for harsh environments, ideal for dusty or wet applications like textiles.
• UL Certification: Both drives comply with the UL61800-5-1 standard, ensuring safety and reliability.

The i510 is designed for simpler applications (0.25–22 kW), while the i550 supports complex speed/torque needs up to 75 kW, including IO-Link V1.1 for Industry 4.0 integration.

Have an SMVector? We're here to help during this transition.