Presenting Kollmorgen Essentials: A Complete Motion Control System

Kollmorgen has released a new easy-to-commission servo motor system. The Kollmorgen Essentials motion system contains all of the hardware components necessary to quickly deploy a full, servo motion control system, including the servo motor, the controller, and a unique “single-cable” power/data technology that decreases setup, installation, and commissioning time required to bring the system online.

Kollmorgen Essentials motion system includes a servo motor, servo drive, and Kollmorgen’s “single-cable” power-data technology. Image used courtesy of Kollmorgen

Kollmorgen Essentials Motion System

Each Kollmorgen Essentials contains all of the necessary hardware to begin automating a complete motion system. It contains a servo motor, a servo drive, and a single-cable power/data interface that enables simple installation, programming, and troubleshooting.

At the heart of this system is a servo motor, with models that output 200 W to 4,000 W and spin at a maximum speed of 6,000 RPM. The servo motor features Kollmorgen’s SFD-M encoder, which enables precision motion control while generating very little EMI. This encoder features 16-bit, multi-turn resolution, leading to small steps and tight control. This system is also available with a 24-bit, single-turn encoder for even greater precision.

Other servo motor options include the choice of input voltage (120 V, 240 V, 400 V, 480 V AC) and the inclusion of a 24 VDC brake. Kollmorgen has designed the system to use absolute positioning, so there is no need to maintain a troublesome battery backup or reprogram the system in the event of a power outage.

Kollmorgen Essentials servo motors utilize the company’s SFD-M encoder for high-resolution multi-turn feedback. Image used courtesy of Kollmorgen

Single-Cable Technology, Express Setup

Kollmorgen has designed the Essentials motion system to be simple to integrate with other hardware through a single-cable interface. The cable itself features a push-fit connection with a quarter turn that locks the connection in place. This prevents loose connections due to vibrations during operation. The servo drive can be interfaced using EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT so that it operates with existing automation hardware.

In terms of software, the Essentials motion system is designed for use with the Kollmorgen Automation Suite but can be programmed using various third-party software as well. According to Kollmorgen, the new Express Setup feature in the company’s WorkBench software gives users the ability to configure the whole motion control system in under 20 minutes.

The Kollmorgen Essentials motion system can be quickly set up with the Kollmorgen WorkBench software’s Express Setup feature. Video used courtesy of Kollmorgen

A Complete Motion Solution

Motion control applications are everywhere, and servo motors are often at the core of these systems. The Kollmorgen Essentials motion control system is a great way to get started in automating manual drives, as well as a way to provide tighter control to existing automated systems.

With up to 24-bit resolution, motion is precise and repeatable. The ability to set up motion control quickly means retrofitting existing systems does not require significant downtime. One cable interfacing and a variety of frame/bracket sizes make physical installation and troubleshooting easy to perform.

According to Kollmorgen, the Essentials motion control system is listed at a competitive price point compared to other servo motor control systems and can be delivered quickly. Short lead times, competitive pricing, and no need to source multiple components make the Essentials motion control system a great way to upgrade existing production lines quickly.