ABB ACS355 General Purpose Drives

When you’ve spent enough time around industrial control panels, one thing becomes clear quickly—not all drives are built the same. Some are designed for heavy process industries, others for precision motion control, and then there are drives like the ABB ACS355, which strike a balance between flexibility, performance, and ease of use.
The ABB ACS355 general purpose drive sits in what many engineers would call the “sweet spot” of industrial drives: compact, capable, and versatile enough to handle a wide range of machinery applications without unnecessary complexity.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the ACS355 is, how it works, its key features, real-world applications, and why it continues to be a preferred choice for OEMs, system integrators, and plant engineers.
What Is the ABB ACS355 General Purpose Drive?
The ABB ACS355 is a low-voltage AC variable frequency drive (VFD) designed primarily for general machinery applications. It belongs to ABB’s micro drive family and is engineered to provide reliable motor control in a compact and cost-effective package.
At its core, the ACS355 controls the speed and torque of electric motors by adjusting the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor. This allows for precise control of machinery, improved energy efficiency, and reduced mechanical stress.
One of the defining characteristics of the ACS355 is its broad application scope. It is widely used in material handling, food processing, packaging systems, and machine building environments.
Core Design Philosophy
The ACS355 was built with machine builders in mind. The goal wasn’t just performance—it was simplicity, adaptability, and fast commissioning. Key design principles include:

• Compact footprint for panel installations
• Pre-configured application macros
• Built-in control logic to reduce external PLC dependency
• Flexible communication options

Unlike larger drives that require extensive configuration, the ACS355 is designed to get machines up and running quickly with minimal engineering overhead.
Key Features of ABB ACS355 Drives
The ACS355 packs a surprising amount of capability into a relatively small form factor. It’s one of those drives where the feature set often exceeds expectations for its size class.
Power Range and Electrical Capabilities
The ACS355 supports a wide range of motor sizes, making it suitable for both small and medium-scale machinery.

• Power range: 0.37 kW to 22 kW (0.5 to 30 HP)
• Voltage range: 200 V to 480 V
• Overload capacity: Up to 150% for short durations

This flexibility allows engineers to standardize on a single drive family across multiple machine designs.
Motor Control Technologies
The ACS355 supports multiple motor control methods, which is critical in real-world industrial environments.
Sensorless Vector Control
Provides precise speed and torque control without requiring feedback devices.
V/Hz (Scalar) Control
Simpler control method suitable for basic applications like fans and pumps.
Motor Compatibility

• Induction motors
• Permanent magnet motors

This versatility means the drive can be deployed across a wide variety of motor-driven systems.
Built-In Programming and Logic
One of the most practical features of the ACS355 is its ability to reduce reliance on external controllers.

• Built-in sequence programming
• Application macros for quick setup
• Integrated PID controllers
• Start-up assistant for commissioning

These features allow the drive to handle basic automation tasks internally, which can simplify system architecture and reduce costs.
Compact Design and Installation Benefits
Panel space is always at a premium in industrial systems. The ACS355 addresses this with a compact and standardized design.

• Narrow width for side-by-side mounting
• Uniform dimensions for easier panel design
• Reduced wiring complexity

This makes it especially attractive for OEM machine builders who need to optimize cabinet layouts.
Environmental Protection and Enclosures
The ACS355 is available in multiple enclosure ratings, making it suitable for harsh industrial environments.

• IP20 (standard cabinet installation)
• IP66 / IP67 / IP69K (washdown and outdoor environments)

Higher protection ratings are particularly useful in industries like food and beverage, where equipment must withstand frequent cleaning.
Communication and Connectivity
Modern automation systems rely heavily on communication networks, and the ACS355 is well-equipped in this area.

• Support for major fieldbus protocols
• Optional communication modules
• Integration with PLC and SCADA systems

These capabilities allow the drive to fit seamlessly into larger automation architectures.
How ABB ACS355 Drives Work in Industrial Systems
At a functional level, the ACS355 operates like any VFD—but with a focus on usability and integration.
Basic Operating Principle
The drive converts incoming AC power into DC, then back into AC with adjustable frequency and voltage. This allows precise control of motor speed and torque. The process involves:

1. Rectification of AC input to DC
2. Filtering and smoothing of DC voltage
3. Inversion back to AC with controlled frequency

This control enables smoother starts, reduced mechanical stress, and improved energy efficiency.
Control and Feedback
The ACS355 uses internal algorithms to monitor motor performance and adjust output accordingly.

• Real-time speed control
• Torque regulation
• Fault detection and protection

With built-in PID control, the drive can also manage closed-loop processes such as pressure or flow control without external controllers.
Applications of ABB ACS355 Drives
One of the strongest advantages of the ACS355 is its versatility across industries.
Material Handling Systems
The ACS355 is commonly used in:

• Conveyor systems
• Packaging lines
• Automated warehouses

Its ability to provide smooth acceleration and deceleration improves system reliability and reduces wear on mechanical components.
Food and Beverage Industry
In environments where hygiene is critical, the ACS355’s high IP-rated variants are particularly valuable. Typical applications include:

• Mixers
• Pumps
• Filling machines
• Conveyor belts

The washdown-ready designs make it suitable for sanitary environments.
Manufacturing and Machine Building
OEMs frequently use the ACS355 in:

• CNC auxiliary systems
• Textile machinery
• Woodworking equipment
• Printing machines

Its ease of integration and programming makes it a go-to solution for machine builders.
Pumps, Fans, and HVAC Systems
The ACS355 is also widely used in fluid handling applications:

• Centrifugal pumps
• Ventilation fans
• Compressors

The built-in PID controller allows it to maintain constant pressure or flow automatically.
Advantages of ABB ACS355 General Purpose Drives
From an engineering perspective, the ACS355 offers a well-balanced combination of performance and practicality.
Ease of Installation and Commissioning
The drive is designed to minimize setup time:

• Predefined macros
• Startup assistants
• Simplified parameter structure

This reduces commissioning time significantly, especially in OEM environments.
Cost-Effective Solution
Compared to larger or more complex drives, the ACS355 provides:

• Lower upfront cost
• Reduced engineering time
• Minimal external components

This makes it a strong choice for cost-sensitive applications.
Flexibility Across Applications
The ACS355 can handle:

• Constant torque loads
• Variable torque loads
• High-speed applications

Its adaptability allows it to be used across multiple industries and machine types.
Built-In Safety Features
Safety is a critical consideration in industrial automation.
The ACS355 includes:

• Safe Torque Off (STO) function
• Fault monitoring and protection
• Overload protection

These features help ensure safe operation without requiring additional hardware.
Limitations and Considerations
No drive is perfect, and the ACS355 has its limitations depending on the application.
Power Range Constraints
The ACS355 is limited to smaller motor sizes (up to 22 kW), making it unsuitable for large industrial processes.
Not Ideal for Complex Motion Control
For highly dynamic or synchronized motion applications, more advanced drives may be required.
Integration Complexity in Advanced Systems
While the ACS355 supports communication protocols, highly complex systems may require more advanced drive platforms with deeper integration capabilities
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ABB ACS355 used for?
The ABB ACS355 is used for controlling the speed and torque of electric motors in general machinery applications such as conveyors, pumps, fans, and packaging systems.
What type of drive is ACS355?
The ACS355 is a variable frequency drive (VFD) designed for low-voltage AC motor control.
What is the power range of ABB ACS355?
The drive supports motors ranging from 0.37 kW to 22 kW (0.5 to 30 HP).
Does ACS355 support communication protocols?
Yes, the ACS355 supports various industrial communication protocols through optional fieldbus adapters, enabling integration with PLC and SCADA systems.
Can ACS355 be used in harsh environments?
Yes, IP66 and higher-rated versions are designed for environments with dust, moisture, and frequent washdowns, making them suitable for industries like food and beverage.
Does ACS355 require a PLC?
Not always. The ACS355 includes built-in programming and control features that can handle basic automation tasks without a PLC.