MC-41110400 Schneider Electric ELAU MC-4/11/10/400 Servo Drive Module

Description

Product Model: MC-41110400

• Product Brand: Schneider Electric (ELAU)
• Product Series: MC-4/11/10/400 (PACDrive MC-4 family)
• Product Features:
  • 3 phase AC servo drive unit rated for 10 A output, designed for the PACDrive MC-4 motion control system.
  • Input voltage: 380-480 V AC (50/60 Hz), Control voltage: 24 V DC; Output up to 0-480 V AC, 0-600 Hz.
  • Discontinued by manufacturer – emphasizes importance of spare-parts strategy.

Applications & Industry Context

In a wide array of industrial automation environments — including CNC machine tools, multi-axis gantry systems, robotic work cells, and material-handling lines — precise motion control is essential. The MC-41110400 fits squarely into these contexts, as one of the higher-power modules of the PACDrive MC-4 family by ELAU (now part of Schneider Electric). When an axis demands robust drive performance — high current, variable frequency, responsive feedback control — a drive like the MC-41110400 is often used.

For instance, consider a gantry system moving a heavy sled across a large machining envelope. The servo drive must handle rapid acceleration/deceleration, sustain torque under load, and support high frequency output for rapid positioning. With the MC-41110400 (rated at 10 A / 380-480 V / up to 600 Hz) you get the capacity for a demanding axis.

Another real-world scenario: a packaging line uses multiple axes—pick-and-place, indexing, wrapping. One of those axes was initially fitted with a lower-rated drive. Over time, speed and payload increased, so the OEM upgraded to a unit like the MC-41110400. That drive’s robustness allowed the line to continue without major redesign. For maintenance teams, the ability to source a drive like this means the difference between a short downtime and expensive redesign.

Given that this drive is now discontinued (see below), teams responsible for brown-field machines increasingly view the MC-41110400 as a strategic spare. Many machines built on the PACDrive platform (MC-4 series) continue to run decades later, and maintaining compatible spares is critical to avoid catastrophic downtime.

Product Role & System Fit

The MC-41110400 isn’t just a generic VFD — it’s a dedicated servo drive module within the PACDrive MC-4 ecosystem. Its role is to control one axis (often servo motor + encoder) in a coordinated motion system. In the control architecture you’ll typically find: a PACDrive controller, a motion bus/backplane, servo drives like the MC-41110400, motors and feedback devices.

From a systems integrator’s perspective: you slot in the MC-4/11/10/400 drive into the appropriate rack or cabinet, connect 380-480 V supply to the drive’s input, connect the motor and encoder to the drive’s output, wire the 24 V DC control bus, and configure the drive parameters (current limit, frequency output, encoder input, etc.). Because the drive supports up to 0-600 Hz output and variable voltage, it fits well for high-performance axes.

Maintenance teams should note that since the MC-41110400 is discontinued, compatibility is key: the drive must match the logic of the machine (firmware version, bus interface, feedback loop parameters). Replacing with a non-compatible drive may require rewiring or re-commissioning. Hence, when sourcing a spare MC-41110400, verifying part number, variant (MC-4/11/10/400 vs MC-4/11/10/400/00), revision, and drive parameters is essential.

Technical Features & Benefits

Here are some of the standout technical features of the MC-41110400 — and the practical benefits you’ll gain in the field:

• High Input/Output Rating
  The MC-4/11/10/400 drive is rated for 380-480 V AC input and produces 0-480 V AC output at up to 10 A and up to 600 Hz. This headroom means it can serve high-demand axes and operations—less risk of overload or drive thermal issues.
• High Frequency Output (Up to ~600 Hz)
  The output frequency capability of up to 600 Hz gives flexibility in applications needing high speed or special motors. For example, a servo motor initially rated for 3000 rpm may run at double speed if the drive supports it. This makes the system more versatile.
• 24 V DC Control Supply and Compatibility
  The drive takes a 24 V DC control supply (1 A) and supports the PACDrive control architecture. This ensures the drive integrates seamlessly into the machine’s control rack without additional interface modules.
• Legacy Platform But Strong Support in Aftermarket
  Though discontinued by the manufacturer, the drive is well documented in surplus markets and repair houses. Example: listings indicate “DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER” for MC-4/11/10/400.  For buyers, this means you can still find spares or refurbished units—but you should act proactively.
• Robust Build for Industrial Environments
  The drive is built by ELAU in Germany, designed for industrial use, likely supports rigorous environmental conditions and high duty cycles. A buyer listing indicates ambient temperature 5 °C to 45 °C (for one variant) and weight around 8-9 lbs.  For your maintenance schedule, that signals you should monitor cabinet cooling and airflow.
• Simplified Spare Strategy
  Having a known spare (MC-41110400) means you reduce machine downtime drastically. Instead of redesigning the control system or substituting a non-compatible drive, you slot in the exact same unit. That reduces commissioning time and avoids logic changes.

In summary: choosing the MC-41110400 gives you high performance, compatibility with PACDrive systems, and the ability to execute maintenance/spare strategy efficiently — provided you verify compatibility and sourcing.

Technical Specifications Table

Note: Because detailed manufacturer datasheet may not be freely published, always verify revision, firmware version and connector configuration before installation.

Installation & Maintenance Insights

Drawing from field experience with modules like the MC-41110400, here are practical tips for installation, maintenance and spare strategy:

• Cabinet Power & Cooling: Ensure your control cabinet is equipped for 380-480 V supply, and the drive’s cooling is adequate. High-performance drives generate heat—make sure ventilation or fans are in good order. The listed ambient rating (5–45 °C) for one variant indicates caution with high ambient temps.
• Match Motor & Feedback System: Before replacing or installing the drive, check that your servo motor, encoder feedback, cabling and mechanical mount match what the drive expects. A mismatch in encoder resolution or wiring can cause fault trips.
• Slot & Bus Compatibility: Because the drive is part of the PACDrive MC-4 architecture, ensure slot numbering, bus interface (backplane or local wiring), and control logic match. Installing a drive with incorrect firmware or slot mapping may require logic change.
• Spare Inventory Strategy: Since the MC-41110400 is discontinued, treat any unit you acquire as a strategic spare. Label it clearly with part number, date received, test status. Consider keeping a test bench to verify spares annually.
• Commissioning Checks: After installation, check at least: drive recognition in controller, drive fault status, motor free-run test, closed-loop operation under load. Monitor for unusual heating, noise, vibration.
• Regular Maintenance: Schedule periodic inspection: terminal tightening (power and control), inspect cooling fins/fans, check for corrosion/oxidation, monitor drive fault log for warnings (overtemp, overcurrent).
• Migration Planning: If your machine is expected to run for many more years, treat this as a stopgap rather than forever. Document the drive configuration, wiring harness, and logic so that when you migrate to a newer drive architecture you have the knowledge ready.