Servo drives for precise and reliable motion control

Servo drives are responsible for converting motion commands into controlled motor movement. They regulate the current supplied to the servo motor, process feedback information and continuously adjust speed, position or torque according to the required motion profile. In a modern machine, the servo drive is not only a power amplifier, but also an intelligent control component that directly affects accuracy, dynamics, safety and commissioning time.

Inobalt supplies and helps select Kollmorgen servo drives for industrial machines, OEM equipment, multi-axis systems and modernization projects. A complete servo solution can include the drive, servo motor, feedback system, power and feedback cables, braking resistor, safety functions and integration with a PLC or motion controller.

What does a servo drive do?

A servo drive receives commands from a controller and controls the servo motor according to those commands. It compares the required motion with feedback from the motor and corrects the output in real time. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain stable motion even when the load changes, friction varies or the machine requires fast acceleration and deceleration.

The correct drive selection depends on more than current or voltage. It is important to evaluate the motor type, feedback device, peak and continuous current, supply voltage, communication protocol, safety requirements, I/O needs, braking energy and the overall machine architecture.

Main Kollmorgen servo drive families

Kollmorgen Essentials Servo Drives

Kollmorgen Essentials Servo Drives are designed for machine builders who need a practical, modern and cost-effective servo platform for common industrial motion axes. Together with Kollmorgen Essentials servo motors, they provide a standardized motion system with simplified setup and support for major industrial Ethernet communication options.

AKD2G Servo Drives

AKD2G is Kollmorgen’s next-generation servo drive platform. It is designed for compact machine designs, high performance and flexible integration. Depending on the configuration, AKD2G can provide single-axis or dual-axis control, built-in safety options, expandable I/O and simplified diagnostics through the drive interface. It is especially well suited for use with AKM2G and AKM servo motors using single-cable technology.

AKD Servo Drives

AKD is a proven Kollmorgen servo drive family with a large installed base and broad application coverage. It is suitable for applications requiring high-performance motion control, flexible communication options and reliable integration with Kollmorgen servo motors. AKD remains a strong choice for many industrial machines and modernization projects where a mature, well-known servo platform is preferred.

AKD-N decentralized servo drives

AKD-N decentralized servo drives are designed to reduce control cabinet size and simplify machine cabling. By moving the drive closer to the motor and using a decentralized architecture, machine builders can reduce wiring complexity, improve modularity and simplify the layout of larger machines or production lines.

Programmable servo drive solutions

Some applications benefit from servo drives with embedded control functionality. Programmable drive platforms can reduce the need for separate controllers in smaller systems, integrate motion and machine logic, or act as part of a larger multi-axis control architecture. This can reduce panel space, wiring and engineering effort in suitable applications.

How to select the right servo drive

Servo drive selection should start with the complete motion axis. Important factors include the selected servo motor, required continuous and peak torque, motor current, supply voltage, feedback type, braking energy, mechanical load, motion profile, communication protocol and safety requirements. A drive that is too small may limit performance or overheat, while an oversized drive can increase cost and complicate tuning.

It is also important to consider the machine architecture. A single-axis machine may require a simple drive solution, while a synchronized multi-axis system may need EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP or another industrial network. For compact machines, dual-axis drives or single-cable motor technology can reduce cabinet size and wiring. For modular machines, decentralized drives may be more practical.

Typical applications

Kollmorgen servo drives are used in machines where motion must be controlled accurately, dynamically and reliably. They are especially valuable when load conditions change, motion axes must be synchronized or the machine requires high repeatability.

• Packaging and filling machines;
• Robotics and handling systems;
• CNC, cutting and machining equipment;
• Automated assembly lines;
• Printing, labeling and converting machines;
• Conveyors, indexing and feeding systems;
• Medical, laboratory and test equipment;
• Special-purpose OEM machines.

Inobalt support for drive selection and integration

Inobalt helps customers select the right Kollmorgen servo drive family according to the required motor, power level, feedback type, control architecture and integration needs. We can help evaluate whether the application is better suited for Essentials, AKD2G, AKD, AKD-N or a programmable drive/controller solution.

Our goal is to help create a technically matched servo axis: motor, drive, feedback, cables, safety functions and communication with the machine control system. This reduces integration risk and helps the motion system work reliably in real industrial conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a servo drive and a servo motor?

The servo motor generates the mechanical motion, while the servo drive controls the motor current, speed, position or torque. A complete servo axis requires both the motor and the drive, together with feedback and cables.

Can one servo drive control two motors?

Some servo drive platforms, such as AKD2G in suitable configurations, support dual-axis control. This can help reduce panel space, wiring and cost in multi-axis machines.

When should I use a decentralized servo drive?

A decentralized servo drive can be useful when the machine has multiple distributed axes and long cable runs. Moving the drive closer to the motor can reduce cabinet size and simplify machine cabling.

What information is needed to select a servo drive?

The key information includes servo motor type, supply voltage, continuous and peak current, feedback type, braking energy, communication protocol, safety functions, I/O needs and the required motion profile.