Kollmorgen introduces Essentials system family of servos for high-precision axis motion

Kollmorgen, a global provider of robot and automation systems and motion control components, introduced the Kollmorgen Essentials motion system, a new line of servo motion offerings that the company said makes high-performance motion control easier and more affordable for virtually any axis of motion.

The company added that these pre-configured systems enable simple sizing and selection, while multiple onboard communication protocols ensure seamless integration into the most common controller environments.

Each Kollmorgen Essentials motion system combines an optimally matched servo drive, a servo motor with integrated absolute multi-turn feedback and a combined power/data cable.

A versatile, feature-optimized servo drive

The Kollmorgen Essentials drive includes multiple protocol options, allowing the user to select between fieldbus types at install time:

• EtherCAT
• EtherNet/IP
• PROFINET

The multi-axis synchronization capabilities allow designers to have precise control of multi-axis systems via a choice of CIP Sync, PROFINET IRT or EtherCAT. This fieldbus flexibility gives all customers access to Kollmorgen’s high-performance motion within their existing environments, without the typically associated higher system cost.

The company said it also simplifies the ordering processes and inventory management for machine builders, supporting different types of communication protocols for a global customer base. Functional safety capabilities are provided through integrated dual-channel STO, SIL2/Cat 3 PLd.

Kollmorgen said these compact, feature-optimized drives are easy to install and commission with the Express Setup feature in the company’s WorkBench software. Drive setup, configuration and tuning have been simplified - even for engineers with little motion experience - with the simplified graphical configuration tool that supports them throughout the entire commissioning process. And the full suite of WorkBench tools is also included for more advanced motion programming and tuning tasks.

“Kollmorgen has always been the motion leader for torque density, responsiveness and control in compact systems that offer the flexibility and features to suit practically any application,” said Chris Cooper, global director, product management at Kollmorgen. “We’re pleased to now offer all these advantages in complete, optimized systems that allow design engineers to more easily and affordably integrate Kollmorgen high-performance motion across all axes of their machines, with easy connectivity to their existing PLC environments. The new Kollmorgen Essentials motion system is truly a game-changer for our business and the essential industries we serve.”

The Kollmorgen Essentials servo drive is available for supply voltages of 120-240 or 240-480 VAC and delivers continuous power up to 4,000 watts at 3, 6 or 12 amps.

A powerful, precise servo motor with advanced, integrated feedback

Kollmorgen Essentials servo motors are rated at 120, 240, 400 or 480 VAC and are designed for the most common power requirements from 200 to 4,000 watts. Each winding delivers a rated speed of 3,000 rpm, with peak performance reaching up to 6,000 rpm. An integrated 24 VDC brake is optionally available.

Industry-standard mounting reduces the need for excess inventory and improves field flexibility. With a simple, innovative shaft key kit, Kollmorgen said that users can adapt the shaft configuration to any coupling type - ready, off-the-shelf, for any application.

Each servo motor features Kollmorgen’s SFD-M multi-turn absolute encoder. The SFD-M provides single-turn resolution of 24 bits and multi-turn resolution of 16 bits. Using power-harvesting technology to eliminate the need for battery maintenance or the risk of battery failure, it retains absolute positioning information even when the system is powered down or during a power failure.

With the integrated SFD-M device providing multi-turn absolute feedback to the highly responsive drive, customers can expect positioning performance comparable to Hiperface or EnDat feedback.

Single-cable technology and optional accessories

Kollmorgen said it has pioneered the development of single-cable technology that combines power and data, an innovation that is offered as a standard feature with the Kollmorgen Essentials motion system.

The company said this technology enables faster installation; just one cable to route and one connection at the drive and motor. It also enhances reliability with strong immunity to electromagnetic noise and fewer connectivity errors. The Kollmorgen Essentials motion system offers combined power/data cables in a variety of lengths in stock, with lengths up to 25 m available.

The system is also optionally available with regen resistors, line filters and spare drive-side connectors. The Kollmorgen Essentials motion system supports DC bus-sharing, which balances energy between the connected drives, contributing to energy savings and a more constant DC link voltage for better control performance.