Oriental Motor offers like-for-like Panasonic replacements

When Panasonic withdrew from the induction motor market, Oriental Motor was able to bridge the gap in the market, offering high quality, cost-efficient brushless DC motors. Now, the supply shortage of induction motors may be just the boost the industry needs to upgrade to BLDC motors for a cost-effective solution with minimal disruption.

At one time, induction motors were ubiquitous. They were used across multiple markets for conveyors, mixers, packaging systems in food and drink, pharmaceutical and medical industries, as well as laboratory machines for packaging. When Panasonic withdrew from the market, it meant engineers lost access to one source of this tried and tested motor technology.

Like-for-like replacement induction motors are available from Oriental Motor, but equally importantly, the company also offers developers the chance for an upgrade to brushless DC (BLDC) motors with minimal disruption and financial outlay.

There are many advantages to BLDC motors, including compact form factor, high efficiency and speed stability under fluctuating loads. These characteristics and many other features mean that they are increasingly used for new and emerging applications, such as autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) as well as conveyors, mixers, pumps, winding and tensioning machines, capping and packaging systems.

Importantly, swapping an induction motor for a BLDC does not require a complex redesign because the mounting systems are the same for both.

Other advantages include torque control for winding applications, and it is also possible to triple the available starting torque for up to 30 seconds. In addition, increased measurement accuracy is coupled with higher acceleration and deceleration rates. It is also worth noting that a BLDC has a wider speed range (80-4,000 RPM) than an induction motor, and an increased IP rating of IP66, to protect against dust ingress and water jet pressure.

There is little to no cost penalty for specifying a BLDC. For example, Oriental Motor’s BLE2 series range of BLDC motors has a comparable price to many of the induction motors available from competitors. The fully featured BLE2 BLDC motor, gearhead and driver series (pictured) has a nominal price premium of around £40 above that of a typical induction motor.

A BLDC is also easier to wire than an induction motor and is easier to mechanically size. It is lighter in weight, which contributes to reduced freight costs.

The BLE2 BLDC motor range

Oriental Motor has a long history of supplying quality BLDC motors and offers design support to help designers transition from an induction motor design to a BLDC-based one. End-to-end support covers mechanical, electrical and software, in addition to advice covering all areas from design to installation.

Oriental Motor’s BLE2 series is a compact, high-efficiency BLDC motor range that is sealed to IP66 and IP67. It features a connector that provides a high IP rated level of ingress protection without the need for a terminal box. The gasket and O-ring in the connector mounting plate are integral to improve water ingress protection, making the entire motor compact, and ideal for use in the food packaging and processing industry.

For ease of use and flexible operation, functions such as speed, rotation direction, acceleration/deceleration rate and load holding can be set via the front panel of the driver.

The company’s BLE2 series high-efficiency motor, driver and cable have been redesigned to achieve a compact BLDC motor which is even easier to use. A digital indication panel allows the speed of operation to be set via a single potentiometer. Another enhancement is that the connection cables are now supplied with the option to choose the pull-out direction. A maximum distance of 20m can be secured using direction connection.

It also has the latest connector type with a built-in gasket and O-ring. A lock lever negates the need for a screw fitting while maintaining the secure connection. Both the motor and connector are sealed to IP66, enabling it to be used in the demanding food processing industry, where they may be subjected to powerful water jets when equipment is cleaned. The motor is water resistant in compliance with IEC 60529 and IEC 60034-5.

Availability

Oriental Motor offers a lead time of just three-to-four weeks. Many popular lines are in stock and ready for shipping from Germany, for delivery with one week.

Oriental Motor has recently announced a distribution agreement with OEM Automatic. As partners, OEM Automatic will supply Oriental Motor’s induction and BLDC motors which are a direct fit in order to supply the majority of Panasonic customers and applications.

“We will continue to support Panasonic for existing customers whilst our stock level allows,” says OEM Automatic. “However, for all new enquiries and customer projects, now is the time to move to Oriental.”