Product Description for Pacific Scientific 6445-001-K-N

Description: The 6445-001-K-N is a high-performance indexer and microstepping drive package from Pacific Scientific. This sophisticated, all-in-one motion control solution combines a powerful stepper drive with a programmable indexer, offering a single, economical unit for complex, single-axis or master/slave applications.

Application Scenarios: In the automated world of pharmaceutical packaging, a specific project required a labeling machine to apply labels with extreme accuracy to a variety of bottle sizes at high speed. The original system, using a basic stepper drive, suffered from slow programming and a lack of integrated I/O, which necessitated a separate PLC and increased wiring. By adopting the Pacific Scientific 6445-001-K-N, the engineers streamlined their design. The drive’s internal, battery-backed RAM and easy-to-use Stepper BASIC™ programming language allowed for the rapid development and storage of multiple motion profiles, enabling quick changeovers between different bottle types. The integrated, user-configurable I/O simplified the connection of sensors and actuators, eliminating the need for an external controller and reducing the overall complexity and cost of the machine. The 6445-001-K-N provided a compact, powerful, and highly flexible solution that dramatically improved the machine’s efficiency and adaptability.

Parameter:

Main Parameters Value/Description Product Model: 6445-001-K-N Manufacturer: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC (now a brand of Kollmorgen) Product Category: Indexer/Microstepping Drive Package Input Voltage: 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (switch selectable), ideal for global use. Output Current: Adjustable from 0.625 A to 5 A RMS, providing flexibility for a range of motor sizes. Microstepping Resolution: Up to 51,200 steps per revolution, ensuring exceptionally smooth and precise motion. Communication: RS-232/485 port, supporting single and multi-axis communication for advanced control. Programmable I/O: 16 user-configurable inputs and 12 user-configurable outputs, simplifying system integration. Memory: 12 kB battery-backed RAM, for storing motion profiles and parameters without data loss during power outages. Special Features: Patented Digital Electronic Damping™ and encoder interface for closed-loop control. Programming Language: Stepper BASIC™, an easy-to-learn language for developing complex motion sequences.

Technical Principles and Innovative Values:

• Innovation Point 1: Integrated Indexer Functionality: Unlike many standard stepper drives, the 6445-001-K-N includes a fully programmable indexer. This allows it to store and execute complex motion sequences and profiles without the need for an external PLC or motion controller. This integration dramatically simplifies machine design, reduces component count, and lowers overall system costs. Its 12 kB of battery-backed RAM provides a robust solution for storing these critical motion profiles.
• Innovation Point 2: Advanced Closed-Loop Capability: The 6445-001-K-N is equipped with a quadrature encoder interface, allowing for true closed-loop control. This feature enables position verification, stall detection, and correction on the fly, providing a level of reliability and accuracy that is not possible with open-loop stepper systems. This is particularly valuable in applications where positional integrity is paramount, and the drive can perform electronic gearing functions.
• Innovation Point 3: Digital Electronic Damping™: This patented technology, also a feature of the 6445-001-K-N, addresses the common issue of mid-range instability in stepper motors. By electronically dampening motor oscillations, the drive ensures full motor torque and smooth operation across all speeds. This innovation not only increases throughput but also extends the life of mechanical components by reducing vibration and stress.

Application Cases and Industry Value:

A complex feed-to-length application for a printing press demanded high-speed, repeatable cuts. The previous system relied on a separate PLC for motion indexing, leading to communication delays and synchronization issues that resulted in inconsistent cut lengths. By upgrading to the PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC 6445-001-K-N, the printing company achieved a fully integrated solution. The drive’s internal indexer, programmed with Stepper BASIC™, directly controlled the stepper motor, eliminating communication latency. The integrated I/O allowed for precise synchronization with the cutting blade. This resulted in a 30% increase in production speed and a significant reduction in material waste due to the highly repeatable and accurate cut lengths, demonstrating the 6445-001-K-N‘s ability to deliver high-precision performance in a unified package.

 

Related Product Combination Solutions:

To create a comprehensive and flexible motion control system with the PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC 6445-001-K-N, consider these related components:

• Pacific Scientific 6410 Drive: While the 6445-001-K-N is an all-in-one unit, the drive module can be used as a standalone DC-powered option, and the 6445-001-K-N can power an additional axis with its 66 VDC output.
• Pacific Scientific Stepper Motors: The 6445-001-K-N is specifically designed for optimal performance with Pacific Scientific’s hybrid stepper motor series, ensuring seamless integration and peak efficiency.
• HMI/MMI (Human Machine Interface): The RS-232/485 serial communication port on the 6445-001-K-N allows it to easily connect with an HMI, enabling operators to monitor status, select motion profiles, and interact with the system.
• RS-485 Converters: For multi-axis applications or for connecting to a central control system over longer distances, an RS-485 converter would be a key component to leverage the drive’s serial communication capabilities.
• Danaher Motion’s Stepper BASIC™: As a software solution, this easy-to-learn programming environment is essential for unlocking the full potential of the 6445-001-K-N‘s indexer functions, enabling users to create and manage complex motion profiles with ease.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support:

The PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC 6445-001-K-N is designed for efficient installation and low-maintenance operation. The integrated nature of the drive and indexer reduces the number of components and wiring, simplifying the initial setup. On-board DIP switches allow for quick and easy adjustment of output current, eliminating the need for a PC during basic commissioning. Its internal cooling fan ensures optimal thermal performance, and the robust design with built-in fault protection safeguards the unit against over-temperature, short circuits, and under-voltage conditions.

Routine maintenance is minimal, focused primarily on ensuring adequate airflow for the internal fan. For troubleshooting, the 6445-001-K-N features multiple LEDs that provide clear fault diagnostics, allowing technicians to quickly pinpoint and resolve issues. While the drive is now a legacy product, our commitment to supporting its lifecycle remains strong. We offer comprehensive technical assistance, repair services, and access to a network for sourcing high-quality refurbished or new-old-stock units. We ensure that your investment continues to provide reliable performance for years to come.

Contact us for a customized solution and to learn how the 6445-001-K-N can enhance your industrial automation system.