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The Innovative Armor PowerFlex 330 Drive Motor For Warehouse Applications

Among the many bold innovations designed to accelerate the pace of digital transformation and showcased at the recent Rockwell Automation Fair was the Armor PowerFlex 330 distributed drive motor. (Courtesy of Rockwell Automation)

by Abigail Saltmarsh

December 23, 20255 mins

Among the many bold innovations designed to accelerate the pace of digital transformation and showcased at the recent Rockwell Automation Fair was the Armor PowerFlex 330 distributed drive motor.

In a hurry? Here are the key notes to know:

Compact, integrated drive motor: The Armor PowerFlex 330 features a PCB stator and axial flux design, allowing direct machine mounting, reduced panels and wiring, and greater flexibility for modular systems.
Simplified control and smarter operations: With embedded drive, communications, safety, and security, it works seamlessly with Rockwell’s Logix platform to enable faster commissioning, predictive maintenance, and easier troubleshooting.
Conveyor-focused and sustainable: Ideal for conveyor and warehouse applications, the motor cuts energy use by 10% or more and lowers carbon footprint through reduced copper content and a recycled plastic casing.

The Armor PowerFlex 330 has a PCB stator and axial flux design. Compact, lightweight and easy to transport, it offers simple system integration, fast installation and ultra-high energy efficiency.

For Stephanie Winterhalter, Global Portfolio Manager at Rockwell Automation, the drive motor can fit into smaller, more modular and flexible systems. It is also scalable and can reduce wiring errors:

“The really unique thing about the Armor PowerFlex 330 is that it is an out-of-machine device, so you would mount it directly onto the machine,” she explained. “It has the drive embedded within it; it has embedded internet communications, safety and security. It allows you to reduce your hardware needs a little and your panel can be that bit smaller. It brings more flexibility.”

At the event in Chicago, the drive motor was connected to a digital emulation of a baggage handling line. (Courtesy of Rockwell Automation)

Simplified System Design

The Armor PowerFlex 330 integrated drive motor, which has around 3hp, works seamlessly with Rockwell Automation’s Logix control platform. This helps create a unified, user-friendly environment and simplifies system design, integration and troubleshooting.

The motor’s built-in intelligence provides real-time insights to help drive productivity, offer predictive maintenance and improve operational efficiency. Also, it will be fast to commission. Besides, its reduced requirement for cables means faster connection and less downtime due to wiring errors.

OEMs will benefit from faster development and reduced complexity. End-users will gain easier deployment of machines that are safer, more secure and easier to maintain.

Conveyor Applications

At Automation Fair, the drive motor was connected to a digital emulation of a baggage handling line for demonstration purposes. Taking the drive motor from a central cabinet and putting it closer to the conveyor will make it easier for employees to operate and manage.

“It is ideal for those conveyor or moving belt warehouse applications, and it does have a safety system,” said Ms. Winterhalter.

The product also helps support moves towards net-zero emissions. It contains no iron ore and 66% less copper than a traditional motor stator, giving it a much lower carbon footprint. Its efficiency means greatly reduced levels of electricity.