Teknic Delivers High-Performance Motion Control in a NEMA 17 Package

Teknic has expanded its ClearPath EC servo motor line to include more compact models. The NEMA 17 Integrated EtherCAT servo motor has all the capability of the ClearPath EC line but in a smaller form factor, measuring only 2.87 in (73 mm) long.

The “Integrated” part of the name rolls the motor, driver, encoder, and network communication into a single, simplified device. Users do not need to buy additional hardware or deal with extra wiring and integration challenges.

ClearPath NEMA 17 Integrated Servo Motors

Machine designers often run into issues sourcing and integrating all of the hardware needed to make motion possible. The servo motor itself moves components, but to make motion possible, the motor needs a driver, an encoder for understanding its current position, and a communications hub for control. Teknic’s ClearPath NEMA 17 Integrated servo motor combines all of these components into one simple package.

Teknic’s NEMA 17 Integrated EtherCAT servo motor. Image courtesy of Teknic Inc

The NEMA 17 delivers between 25 W and 109 W peak power and 24 W to 95 W continuous power. The tight control over this power makes it possible to synchronize hundreds of EC-series motors within 20 μs so that coordinated motion is possible. Whether a few servos are needed to coordinate the movements of one machine bay or whether hundreds or thousands are used to synchronize an entire manufacturing facility, the NEMA EC series can handle it.

Software Tools and EtherCAT Support

One of the key features of the EC line is how easily it can be integrated and set up. Each motor can be configured with EC’s free ClearView software. Built into this software is an automatic tuning routine to simplify the fine-tuning of each motor. Teknic’s RAS Motion Smoothing package, its Inertia Matching Technology (IMT), and diagnostic tools are also available for dealing with complicated motions and enhancing operational efficiency.

On the hardware side, the EC line performs its communication over EtherCAT, making it simple to integrate with existing Teknic or third-party hardware. Each motor supports CiA 402 motion control modes, including CSP, CSV, CST, profile position, and several other standard modes. Rated to IP50, each motor is also dustproof, making it suitable for some machining operations and many high-speed assembly tasks.

The ClearPath-EC motors integrate a servo motor, encoder, drive, and EtherCAT network into a single package. Image courtesy of Teknic Inc

Precision Motion Control

A compact, inexpensive, yet rugged servo motor can be used in countless automation applications. Machine builders will appreciate its small physical size and the ease with which it can be integrated with other hardware, thanks to the EtherCAT capabilities.

In particular, this motor will see use in applications that require both high-speed and high-precision movements, such as in machine tools and electronics assembly. The ability to synchronize so many motors in such a small amount of time is appealing to those looking to automate the entire factory, not just a few new robots.

Teknic also notes upcoming NEMA 17 models will allow for more digital I/O, EtherNet/IP, and other common features. The current models start at $399 and have a shipping date of three days after the order is placed.