Brazil-headquartered motors and drives manufacturer WEG is to showcase three of its technologies aimed at improving operational efficiency across the food, beverage and industrial automation sectors at the Food Manufacturing Live show in the UK next week.
The PLC500, designed for medium-sized industrial applications, offers object-oriented programming and built-in simulation tools to simplify development and commissioning. Its modular, plug-and-play expansion system allows for scalable integration within factory environments — a feature WEG says helps reduce downtime and installation complexity.
The company will display its WG20 geared motor series, the first gearbox family developed entirely in-house. Available in helical, parallel shaft, and helical bevel configurations, the WG20 range is intended to deliver low power losses and long service life, with particular suitability for conveying, packaging and general automation systems.
WEG will also promote its CFW series VSDs, which enable precise control of electric motors and incorporate an integrated SoftPLC for flexible operation. The drives are designed to optimise performance by providing smooth acceleration and deceleration, reducing mechanical stress and energy consumption.
When paired with WEG’s W23 Sync+ motor, the drives can cut energy losses by up to 40% compared with standard IE3 motors, the company claims. The combination has already been proven in industrial settings, including a project with Drake’s Brewing Company in California, where the system delivered measurable cost and energy savings across nearly 8,000 annual operating hours.
“Energy efficiency, reliability, and flexible integration are critical in food manufacturing — and our technologies deliver on all fronts,” said Marek Lukaszczyk, WEG’s UK & Middle East Marketing Manager.
