Discover how a technological collaboration combining Optidrive variable frequency drives (VFDs) and gearmotor technology is elevating coffee production.

Sumitomo Drive Technologies is a globally recognised leader in industrial drivetrain technology, offering a wide range of high-performance motors, gearboxes and industrial automation solutions.

During 2019, it acquired Invertek Drives, a manufacturer of VFDs, specialising in innovative, high-performance and energy-efficient solutions for a wide range of industries. Together, they now offer world-class drive solutions for a wide range of industries and applications as described below.

In the heart of the world’s fourth-largest coffee bean producer, a technological collaboration is brewing perfection between three manufacturers of variable frequency drives, direct drive motors, and coffee roasteries.

As a result, coffee beans are being roasted with such precision and control that every batch achieves the desired flavour consistently, roast after roast.

Pratter, a coffee roastery branded range made by PT Patmanunggal Reka Abadi, use Invertek Drives Optidrive E3 VFDs to provide accurate control of Sumitomo Drive Technologies direct drive motors from SM Cyclo Indonesia, enabling consistent and high-quality coffee roasting across cafes, roasteries, and industrial settings.

The success of any coffee roast hinges on meticulous control of temperature and airflow.

VFDs step in to provide just that. By precisely controlling the speed of the motors powering the rotating bean drum, motor blower and cooling agitator, they ensure each batch achieves the desired roast profile with consistency. This creates exceptional drink quality, ensuring Pratter’s reputation for excellence.

When testing and trialling the products in 2018, Sumitomo Drive Technologies had used another VFD manufacturer’s drive. It was when SM-Cyclo Indonesia worked with them, combining the Optidrive E3 in its place with Hyponic and Astero direct drive motors, that it saw the benefits.

Each roastery includes two Optidrive E3s, a Hyponic gearmotor and an Astero gearmotor.

Pratter’s range boasts an array of models designed to meet diverse needs. At the heart of its operation lies the rotating bean drum, meticulously controlled by the VFD. This cast iron drum gently agitates the coffee beans as heat envelops them, coaxing out their flavours and aromas. The VFD ensures precise temperature control, preventing scorching and achieving the desired roast profile with unwavering consistency.

The motor blower accurately regulates airflow, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing unwanted hotspots. Meanwhile, the cooling agitator quenches the roasted beans, locking in their new flavours and preventing over-roasting. This intricate mix of heat, air, and cooling, controlled by the VFD, transforms green coffee beans into aromatic beans, ready to be brewed and enjoyed.

“The Optidrive E3 has been instrumental in streamlining our production process,” said Indrawan Samuels of PT Patmanunggal Reka Abadi. “The durability of the VFDs allows me to provide assurance the performance stability of the Pratter products in every use.

“The user-friendly setup allows for quick integration and adjustment, ensuring our roasters are up and running efficiently. Importantly, the reliable performance and precise control have significantly elevated our brand image, showcasing our commitment to quality and consistency.”

The success story extends beyond the VFD itself; the Optidrive E3 seamlessly integrates with direct drive motors from Sumitomo Drive Technologies, distributed in Indonesia by SM-Cyclo Indonesia and backed up with product and technical support.

This powerful combination delivers exceptional energy efficiency, unmatched reliability and unparalleled motor control, ideal for the demanding world of coffee roasting.

“The synergy between Invertek’s innovative VFD technology and the high-performance motors creates an unbeatable solution for Pratter,” said Carwyn Jones, Asia Pacific Technical Sales Manager for Invertek. “Together, they provide the precise control and unwavering reliability needed for exceptional coffee experiences.”

Bambang Suharyadi, of SM-Cyclo Indonesia, said: “The combination of drives and motors offers the perfect balance of power, precision and efficiency. We are proud to play a part in Pratter’s success story.”

This collaboration holds even greater significance considering the context of Indonesia’s coffee industry. As the world’s fourth-largest coffee bean producer, Indonesia boasts a rich coffee culture and a rapidly growing speciality coffee market.

Pratter, with its commitment to quality and innovation, perfectly supports this growth. The roasteries cater to coffee connoisseurs across various settings, from cafes to roasteries to industrial-scale coffee production. The technical specifications of the Optidrive E3s used are 0.37kW, 1PH and 0.75kW, 1PH.

Looking to the future: sustainability and social contribution

Today, Sumitomo Drive Technologies unites all activities in the field of drive technology under a recognised brand.

With recent acquisitions, such as the Lafert Group and Invertek Drives, Sumitomo Drive Technologies has evolved from a component manufacturer to a complete provider of motion control solutions. The portfolio consists of precision gears, industrial gears, centrifuges, actuators, motors, variable frequency drives and connected solutions for Industry 4.0.

Sumitomo Drive Technologies sees innovation as the key to a sustainable future. The integration of the latest technologies not only enables more efficient industrial processes, but also makes a positive contribution to society and the environment.

The corporate culture, characterised by a passion for technology and a strong team spirit, offers room for continuous development. The needs of customers always remain in focus – with customised solutions for the challenges of modern industry.

From the vision of a German engineer to global drive technology

Sumitomo Drive Technologies celebrates 100 years of cycloidal gears and thus a century of German engineering that continues to significantly influence the world of drive technology today.

Since the invention of the Cyclo® principle by Lorenz Braren in 1925, this technology has stood for precision, reliability and efficiency – qualities that have not only revolutionised industrial automation but also had a lasting impact on robotics.

There are groundbreaking technologies like the automobile, the steam engine, the printing press, or even the telephone and the internet, which everyone knows and which have had a lasting impact on society. The Cyclo® principle, also known as cycloidal gears, is less visible but has revolutionised the industrial world in the background and is now an indispensable part of modern drive solutions.

The cycloidal gear, the centerpiece of Sumitomo Drive Technologies’ product portfolio, has changed drive technology with its unique design. Unlike conventional gears, the Cyclo® principle distributes the load evenly over several pins and discs. This construction minimises wear, increases load capacity and significantly reduces maintenance effort.

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