The Swiss conveyor drives specialist Interroll has announced a new generation of modular drum-motors aimed principally at conveyor belt applications. The motors, offering a choice of synchronous or asynchronous technologies, will be available first in 80mm-diameter formats and will then be rolled out across the rest of the company’s portfolio.
The new platform makes it easy to combine motor components and will result in short, reliable delivery times, according to Interroll. Options such as encoders, brakes and return stops, are available for all variants, making it easier for system integrators and equipment manufacturers to plan and implement efficient materials-handling systems. The motors are IP69K-protected, making them easy and quick to clean, especially compared to gear-motors.

Compared to Interroll’s previous generation, the new motors are said to have stronger shafts and ball-bearings, thus ensuring long service lives, while robust planetary gears make it possible to transfer high levels of torque to conveyor belts efficiently and quietly. An expanded number of gear stages covers a wider speed range, making it easier for systems integrators and equipment manufacturers to design conveyor systems that achieve their throughput requirements precisely.

The new modular design is said to cut production and delivery times. Unlike previous generations, the motors’ power supplies have a simple plug-in connection, reducing downtime for maintenance and repair work, and cutting costs for users. The drum-motors are also said to offer high efficiencies compared to alternative drive systems, cutting operating costs further.

Dr Ralf Garlichs, Interroll’s executive vice-president for products and technology, says that modular approach, first used in the company’s conveyors, means that Interroll is “in a much better position to meet the needs of customers and users”. It will also improve quality, delivery time and service, he suggests.



Interroll says its new generation of modular drum-motors will cut running costs and allow users to match the motors more closely to the application

“With the new drum-motor platform, it once more appears that innovation is not an end in itself for Interroll,” Garlichs continues. “As a global technology leader in internal logistics, the aim of our company's innovations is always to offer the customer significant added value."

The new generation of drum-motors will make their debut at the LogiMat materials-handling exhibition in Germany this month. The motors will be available immediately in Europe, and later this year in the Americas and Asia.