Independence, OH – Avtron Industrial Automation was selected to provide the AC and DC digital drives for the South Caster Crane for the Steel Dynamics plant expansion in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Zenar Cranes, Oakcreek, WI, has been selected as the crane supplier and will supply the cranes with Avtron’s Crane Controls.

 

Due to the layout and size of the crane, Zenar has designed the crane to use two DC mill motors on the main hoist. Avtron will provide its proven ADDvantage-32 DC drive system that will be set-up to coordinate the drives. In the event of a drive or motor failure, the drives will be programmed to run the hoist on a single drive and motor combination at reduced speeds. This configuration of a tandem motor set-up insures continued production and reduced down time.

 

The crane’s travel motions will utilize Avtron’s ACCel500 AC crane drive. Avtron worked with SDI to develop four standard sizes of AC drives that can be used on all cranes in the mill. This reduces mill spare inventories and cuts maintenance costs.

 

Both the AC and DC drive will be provided with Ethernet communication cards. Ethernet will be used to network the system drives together for access from a diagnostic computer. Ethernet will also provide the backbone for future wireless communications and access of the drive system. Ethernet provides a cost effective means of tying the system together and allows access to both the AC and DC drives at the same time.

 

Avtron Crane Systems is part of the Avtron Industrial Automation division and delivers both AC and DC drives, pre-manufactured and custom engineered panels, automation solutions and diagnostic software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance profitability. With system solutions and services catering to virtually every material handling need, Avtron Industrial Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and automation solutions. Headquartered in Independence Ohio, Avtron Industrial Automation, Inc. provides solutions for the global market.
 

###

 

For more information please contact:
 

216-642-1230
Fax: 216-642-6037 

www.avtron.com