Oriental Motors Announces the BLS Motor and Controller System

Oriental Motor has developed a new line of motors and motor drivers to outperform the typical scheme of 3-phase motor control inverters. The BLS line of motor controllers promises more reliable service with longer lifetimes than inverter-driven systems, all within a smaller footprint. The target markets for these motors are assembly lines, agitators, conveyors, and other applications with nearly continuous uptime.

The new BLS motor and driver. Image used courtesy of Oriental Motor

BLS Motors and Controllers vs. Inverter Control

One of the key advantages of Oriental Motor’s BLS line is the potential energy savings. Inverters, particularly inexpensive ones, are lossy. The BLS Series products are much more energy efficient, leading to lower energy costs and reducing the facility's carbon footprint to meet ESG goals. Oriental Motor says energy usage is up to 20% lower than the average inverter system over the first three years of use.

Running costs of different motor schemes. Image used courtesy of Oriental Motor

BLS Motors are smaller than traditional AC motors, saving space on the manufacturing floor. The drivers are in a slim, sleek package, which also reduces the overall footprint of the system.

Key Features of the BLS Line

All BLS motors are brushless and designed to run on 24 V DC, reducing maintenance time and hassle. With IP65 and IP40-rated versions available, the BLS line can be used in virtually any manufacturing environment with little concern about motor contamination.

The drivers allow variable speed control without needing a bulky controller and inverter setup. Instead, the BLS line controllers fit in a compact package and provide the type of smooth control needed to run conveyors at a consistent speed, as well as provide steady ramp-up and ramp-down capabilities.

Catalog Options

The product line is available in numerous configurations so that it can be used to retrofit many existing production systems. The BLS driver can be paired with any BLS motor power rating, from 25 W to 120 W (1/30 HP to 1/6 HP). Depending on the specific model, motors have a speed range from 0.6 RPM to 800 RPM, though several models are 0.6 RPM to 667 RPM.

Besides power output and speed, there are three standard gearheads available for these motors. Round shaft (no gears), parallel shaft, and hollow flat shaft models can be ordered, with the hollow flat shaft models having the highest rated torque. Retrofitting an old system is made easier by having all three options available.

There are several optional accessories as well. Factory cable assemblies are valuable and save on installation time. DIN rail mounts for the controller, flexible shaft couplings, various mounting brackets, and other useful items for installation are also available.

Application Potential

Overall, Oriental Motor’s BLS line will see service in conveyor and assembly line applications where uptime at a low maintenance cost is required. The compact size and simplicity of design make it a good fit for either a new process line or for retrofitting an existing line to save space and reduce energy costs.

Featured image used courtesy of Oriental Motor