Motion Control & Drives


Major software release for Parker PSD servo drives

I&C February 2026 Motion Control & Drives


Parker Hannifin has released its PSD servo drive family, focused on Intelligent Drive. The release delivers new control modes, advanced synchronisation functions, and performance optimisations designed to improve throughput, accuracy and system efficiency in demanding industrial applications.

The update introduces dedicated Torque Control and Force Control modes tailored for push, press, and winding applications. Open-loop Torque Control dynamically switches between current (torque) control and position control based on measured feedback. Force Control uses a sensor input for high accuracy closed loop force regulation, delivering precise and consistent applied force for sensitive assembly, press-to-fit or forming tasks.

New gearing and synchronisation capabilities further extend the PSD drives’ capability for dynamic applications such as cut-on-fly and continuous handling. The GearInPos function synchronises a secondary axis to a primary axis with precise positional alignment to reach a requested speed exactly at the synchronisation point, which is ideal for cutting or indexing applications. The new MoveSuperImposed function enables a relative, superimposed movement on an axis already in motion, which is predestined for compensatory or corrective overlays during continuous operation. This allows smoother, more flexible multi-axis motion strategies, and fewer mechanical compromises.

The software release also delivers a package of performance and control improvements such as speed and load-torque observers or integrated notch filtering. These translate directly into application benefits like enhanced disturbance rejection and more efficient energy use.

On the engineering side, PSD Servo Manager gains productivity features to accelerate multi-drive commissioning and tuning. The new multi-axis tool streamlines configuration and coordinated motion setup for systems with several drives, and the integrated signal analyser enables on-board frequency response measurements to speed up tuning and validation without additional instruments. Another new feature is the support for Codesys network variables, which enable easy data exchange with other devices in the machine network, and support use cases such as condition monitoring.

The PSD series itself combines compact multi-axis scalability with ease of use. A modular architecture with a central mains module and one, two or three axis modules sharing a DC bus supports efficient power distribution for multi-axis systems, while a single-axis standalone version offers the same functional capabilities for smaller machines. Design features such as fast wiring, a standard one-cable feedback solution, reduced cabling needs and an integrated SD memory card make installation, maintenance and device exchange faster and more economical.

“We designed this release to address the requirements of having more functions and features directly in the servo drive and are proud of the result,” said Markus Gugel, product manager for the electric motion and pneumatic division. “Customers will see tangible gains in performance, timing, and system efficiency without sacrificing ease of use.”

This software release is available now for compatible PSD hardware. Customers and machine builders can contact their Parker representative or local distributor for compatibility guidance and detailed release notes.

For more information contact Lisa de Beer, Parker Hannifin SA, +27 11 961 0700, lisa.debeer@parker.com, www.parker.com/za


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Local assembly and stockholding boost industrial drive solutions
Motion Control & Drives
BMG has strengthened its industrial drive solutions offering with the introduction of locally assembled and stocked Nord MAXXDRIVE XC industrial gear units, a development designed to improve availability, reduce lead times and support high-torque applications in Africa.

Read more...
Light lifting equipment workstation for production lines
Motion Control & Drives
Konecranes KBK steel and aluminium light lifting workstations offer a faster installation and removal of components, thereby speeding up assembly line operations, which assists in reducing production downtime.

Read more...
AI-powered on-premises analytics for industrial drives
Siemens South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Siemens is introducing a new on-premises analytics solution for industrial drive systems. The software enables users to evaluate drive data entirely within their own infrastructure and meet stringent data-sovereignty requirements.

Read more...
Replacing roof-mounted façade cranes in the heart of The Hague
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet was approached by Façade Access Solutions to support with the replacement of roof-mounted building maintenance units on two neighbouring Dutch government buildings in The Hague.

Read more...
Integrated and upgradable vision system
ifm - South Africa Motion Control & Drives
The O3R platform is the comprehensive solution for centralised, synchronised processing of image and sensor information in autonomous mobile robots such as automated guided vehicles.

Read more...
Turning bottlenecks into profits
igus Motion Control & Drives
A simply engineered low-cost component used to reorient cans or containers has the potential to significantly boost production and offer unparalleled return on investment for packaging operations across southern Africa.

Read more...
South African paper producer partners with ABB
ABB South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Neopak, a leading manufacturer of containerboard and paper products, has renewed its partnership with global technology company, ABB to upgrade the existing automation system at its Rosslyn Paper Mill in Pretoria.

Read more...
Press technology enhances performance and product quality at tissue machines
Valmet South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Valmet has been selected to replace five existing tissue machine shoe presses with its state-of-the-art Advantage ViscoNip press technology for Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing in China.

Read more...
Advanced lubrication technology for paper producer
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF South Africa’s lubrication systems, powered by integrated state-of-the-art technology, are driving peak performance across the paper industry.

Read more...
Power, precision and practical efficiency
Motion Control & Drives
Kollmorgen’s Essentials motion system provides high-quality, high-efficiency motion technology in a streamlined format suited to the majority of applications.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved