News & Events

Specialized Variable Frequency Drive Contains Integrated Functions for Roll-to-Roll Applications

FR_A800PlusRT_Shadow

Vernon Hills, Illinois - February 20, 2019

Announcing the release of the FR-A800-R2R Series of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), ideal for end users and machine designers looking for an optimized control solution for continuous roll-to-roll processing. The drive builds on the performance and functionality of the standard FR-A800 Series VFD, with enhanced firmware engineered for unwinding and rewinding processes such as coating, laminating, slitting, drawing and extruding.

The drive is equipped with dedicated functions, such as tension sensorless torque control and tension sensor feedback speed control. Variable tension is applied to the material to maintain constant flow on the winding and unwinding sides, helping to eliminate imperfections such as wrinkles or deformation. These functions do not require additional sequence or motion control programming to implement, because the FR-A800-R2R inverter has a built-in PLC, and employs easy-to-use parameterization to set and enhance functions. This allows users to control winding and unwinding, even if they do not have advanced knowledge of tension control.

“The integrated PLC in the FR-A800-R2R, eliminates the need for a tension controller for tension feedback torque control. This contributes to the overall cost savings of the system and allows for quick and easy system start-ups,” said Chris Rhodes, product marketing engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

Industries that commonly use roll-to-roll processing machines, that would be well-served by the FR-A800-R2R drive, include printing, automotive, and material handling. The coating and laminating of flexible electronics, as well as aluminum and copper foils for batteries and photovoltaic cells in the clean energy industry, are also an appropriate fit based on the product specification.

Information about the FR-A800-R2R is available here.


— About Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is a U.S. affiliate company of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. It offers a broad product portfolio including programmable automation controllers (PAC), programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), variable frequency drives (VFD), servo amplifiers and motors, control software, computerized numerical controllers (CNC), motion controllers, robots and low-voltage power distribution products. Additional information about Mitsubishi Electric Automation is available at us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/.

— About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

With more than 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing, and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation, and building equipment. Mitsubishi Electric enriches society with technology in the spirit of its “Changes for the Better.” The company recorded a revenue of 5,003.6 billion yen (U.S.$ 37.3 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. For more information, please visit www.MitsubishiElectric.com.

*U.S. dollar amounts are translated from yen at the rate of \134=U.S.$1, the approximate rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2023

— About Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation Business Group

Offering a vast range of automation and processing technologies, including controllers, drive products, power distribution and control products, electrical discharge machines, laser processing machines, computerized numerical controllers, and industrial robots, Mitsubishi Electric helps bring higher productivity – and quality – to the factory floor. In addition, our extensive networks around the globe provide direct communication and comprehensive support to customers. The global slogan "Automating the World" shows the company's approach to leverage automation for the betterment of society, through the application of advanced technology, sharing know-how and supporting customers as a trusted partner. For more about the story behind "Automating the World" please visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com/fa/about-us/automating-the-world

— About e-F@ctory

e-F@ctory is Mitsubishi Electric's integrated concept to build reliable and flexible manufacturing systems that enable users to achieve many of their high speed, information driven manufacturing aspirations. Through its partner solution activity, the e-F@ctory Alliance, and its work with open network associations such as The CC-Link Partners Association (CLPA), users can build comprehensive solutions based on a wide ranging "best in class" principle.
In summary, e-F@ctory and the e-F@ctory Alliance enable customers to achieve integrated manufacturing but still retain the ability to choose the most optimal suppliers and solutions.

*e-F@ctory, iQ Platform are trademarks of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
*All other trademarks are acknowledged

— Media Contact

Pam Summers
Marketing Communications Manager
Mitsubishi Electric Automation
Pam.Summers@meau.com
+1 (847) 478-2415