Bonfiglioli Highlights Industrial Automation at SPS Parma

Bonfiglioli recently displayed technologies at SPS Parma 2024 for intralogistics, woodworking, packaging, and robotics. Here are a few highlights from the show: 

For intralogistics processes (belt conveyors and rolling conveyors) two different packages were displayed: the first one is specifically designed for post & parcel and airport baggage handling systems and consists of a compact, right-angle bevel gear unit of the A Series, the energy efficient IE4-certified BSR synchronous reluctance motor and a DGM decentralized inverter. The innovation is represented by the Z-Sensor directly connected to the inverter collecting data on-site and transmitting data via a Profinet-based fieldbus. 

The second solution, developed for rolling conveyors, combines the EVOX CP helical in-line gearbox, with a modular, reliable and energy efficient MXN e-motor and an inverter of the AxiaVert series. Its modular structure and great process versatility make this drive adaptable to meet diversified requirements and compatible with a wide range of motors (asynchronous, synchronous and synchronous reluctance). 

For primary and secondary packaging, Bonfiglioli offered a wide range of compact, modular, dynamic solutions dedicated to drive and control systems for both Horizontal Fill Form Seal (HFFS) and Vertical Fill Form Seal (VFFS) machines that provide proper conveyor transfer of material to an unwinder for sealing with a single roll of film. For flow pack packaging processes Bonfiglioli showcased a solution incorporating a BMD synchronous servomotor, a right-angle gear unit of the A Series and the AxiaVert inverter. Moreover, visitors had the opportunity to experience first-hand the two solutions developed by Bonfiglioli for the management of two axes and both featuring a DGM decentralized inverter based on EtherCAT and a BSR synchronous reluctance motor. The first solution is characterized by a sensorless PTP (Point-to-point Positioning Mode) which allows detecting the position by moving an object from one point to another without using internal and external encoders. The second solution, which has been successfully field-tested, relies on torque mode and is suitable for pre-stretch operations in wrapping machines. 

A further solution, engineered for palletizers, consisted of a BMD servomotor which ensures the highest dynamic performances and resistance to high overloads without risk of demagnetization, and a precision planetary inline gearbox of the TQ Series, which is appreciated for its high torque density, high overload capacity, exceptional precision and low vibration. 

A special focus was dedicated to AxiaVert, the premium series of frequency inverters offering integrated functional safety, precision and control for any industry and process. Highly dynamic and extremely performing, AxiaVert ensures complete flexibility and supports a wide range of Ethernet fieldbuses. At SPS AxiaVert was featured in two hybrid systems. In the first one it was combined with a BMD servomotor, in the second one with a BMS servo gearmotor, both characterized by the innovative single-cable technology, and both managed in PTP or Master/Slave operating mode. 

Bonfiglioli showcased an entire machine consisting of the highly dynamic AxiaVert inverter, a BMD single-cable servomotor – specifically developed for rounding units – and a LC Precision Planetary Gearbox of the Effective Line. Its output design ensures great compatibility for easy retrofits and a high level of freedom in projects development and great compatibility for easy retrofits. The Precision Planetary Gearboxes – PPG – Effective line are specifically designed for systems with medium requirements for precision, dynamics and torque density. By driving the spindle with AxiaVert, Bonfiglioli is able to offer safety functionality: the inverter can now detect potentially unsafe situations, reducing the number of sensors and related wiring. This advantage adds to its high value motion and control features, as well as great accuracy.

In the field of mobile robotics applications, Bonfiglioli displayed BlueRoll: the high-performance, wheel-mounted gearmotor platform for AGVs and AMRs, featuring an ultra-compact and energy-efficient design for a long operating cycle. The modular drive system is available in three configurations, Basic, Advanced and Compact, with a customizable single gearbox load ranging from 360 to 1020 kg and a maximum speed of 2m/s. A compact servo gearmotor of the BMS Series, together with a combined solution composed of a TQ high precision planetary inline gearbox of the Performance Line and a BMD permanent magnet AC low voltage synchronous motor, were also showcased at the booth.