Understanding the RAC Drive

20 September, 2023

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Indramat, as a company, is now defunct. However, when the company existed, it produced a wide range of RAC drives in different series. These RAC drives are designed to function as main spindle drive controllers and are controlled by a microprocessor. These drives are associated with a high-speed range with continuous power and high stiffness. These characteristics make them well-suited for deployment in numerically controlled machine tools. As these drives are no longer being manufactured, they are called legacy drives.

The RAC servo drives can support C-axis operation with high precision in an automatic position control loop. They encompass high-resolution feedback for the low speed required during this operation. These drive controllers recognize the position of the motor's rotor with a resolution of up to 1/400,000 of a revolution. They support an ambient operating temperature range of 0 °C to 45 °C and a maximum installation elevation of 1000 meters over sea level to deliver the rated performance.

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RAC Drive Motor Compatibility

The RAC drives are compatible with two types of motors from Indramat and can be used to control these motors digitally. The motor types are:

• 1MB frameless spindle motors
• 2AD asynchronous main spindle motors

The continuous power at the output shaft of these motors depends on the series of the RAC drive they are associated with. The motors associated with the RAC 2 drives have a continuous output power of 30 kW to 52 kW at the shaft while the shaft of the motors compatible with RAC 3 drives feature continuous power ranging between 10 kW and 30 kW. On the other hand, the motors working with the RAC 4 drives feature continuous power of 52 kW to 93 kW at the output shaft.

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FAQs

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What is the function of the AS programming module of the RAC drive?

When a matching AS programming module is fitted, there is no need for any prior adjustment work for the first run of the main spindle drive if the commissioning and connections have been done properly. This module encompasses both drive and application-related parameters as well as software. If a module is replaced for some reason, then there is no need to adjust the controller once again.

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Is it possible to do a self-fix of Indramat RAC drives?

Indramat RAC drives are quite versatile and known for their high reliability. This lessens the chances of them failing to a great extent, which in turn, is why not everyone has the know-how of how to fix them. Moreover, like other Indramat products, these drives are not designed to support self-repair.

Wake Industrial has several years of experience working on various types of Indramat products. If your RAC drive encounters any problems, you can always check on us to get it set right for you as soon as possible. We can also assist you with any Indramat product, accessory or manual you may need and get it delivered through reputed freight carriers. Our entire range of products has a one-year warranty.

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