Motion Control & Drives


New powerful servo drives for precision applications

March 2024 Motion Control & Drives

Motion control specialist, Aerotech is launching two new digital PWM drives. The slimline single and multi-axis servo motor drives are designed for use with Aerotech’s Automation1 platform, and offer a lower price compared to Aerotech’s higher performance drives. Both single- and dual-axis versions are available, either as a standalone motion controller, or as part of a PC-based configuration with I/O expansion options. A four-axis version will follow later this year, together with I/O expansion and DC motor supply input for the entire series.

“With the new XA4 drive series, we are creating a small revolution in the market for PWM drives and motion controllers,” says European director, Simon Smith. “Never before has there been such performance for a comparatively low price. We are opening up the market to other industries and showing how others can also benefit from high-precision automation solutions.”

The new drives are available with one-, two- and soon also four-axis versions. They are part of the user-friendly Automation1 motion control platform. Automation1 has many amplifier options that can be configured to suit the application and controller performance needed. The platform has its own software-based motion controller, which offer high levels of flexibility, while making it easy to control the positioning solutions and other connected components. Areas of application include automation systems, precision laser processes and test and inspection processes.

“Our slimline single- and dual-axis servomotor drives provide users with precise, powerful control for several motion axes in the same machine,” says Smith, explaining some of the benefits. “The iXA4 also reduces the space required on the machine and eliminates the need for an industrial PC.”

Communication with Automation1, PC and drive-based control elements takes place via the patented HyperWire motion controller of the Automation1 platform. As a drive, the iXA4 supports several feedback device types, and also has an on-board memory for high-speed data acquisition and process control. The integrated Automation1 controller can be used to control a total of 12 HyperWire motion axes and execute up to nine user tasks.

Smith concludes: “In combination with our motion control platform Automation1, users achieve the highest level of precision and performance, while enjoying advanced setup tools and ease of use. For their products, this in turn means shorter development and build times, and also offers the ability to produce better quality parts at higher throughput.”

For more information contact Aerotech, +44 1256 855 055, [email protected], www.aerotech.com




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

More movement on the market
Motion Control & Drives
If you want to move something, you have to be able to control the movement. When positioning in the nanometre range everything matters and requires high performance motion control. Six years ago, Aerotech therefore set itself the goal of revolutionising the market for precision motion and machine control systems.

Read more...
Highly customisable robotic hand
Motion Control & Drives
NSK and the German Aerospace Centre are developing a robotic hand system that will help automate manual tasks. The concept centres on a customisable robot hand comprising individually configurable finger modules, an industry first.

Read more...
Electrically-operated diaphragm pumping solutions
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG has extended its range of Ingersoll Rand ARO fluid handling products to include the new EVO series electric diaphragm pumps, designed to enhance energy efficiency and improve fluid handling productivity.

Read more...
Surface drill rigs for Navachab in Namibia
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc South Africa recently delivered five of six FlexiROC drilling machines to key customer, Navachab Gold Mine.

Read more...
Grease degradation diagnosis technology
Motion Control & Drives
NSK is developing a world-first: a high-accuracy way of rapidly and accurately diagnosing the remaining life of lubricant grease. The company will provide the solution as a mobile app, enabling users to perform the onsite analysis of lubricant condition in bearings and linear motion systems.

Read more...
New compact VFDs with higher power ratings
Motion Control & Drives
Invertek Drives has revealed the extension of its industry-leading Optidrive Coolvert variable frequency drive with the launch of two new compact frame sizes with higher power ratings.

Read more...
Asset reliability care field dominated by WearCheck
Wearcheck Motion Control & Drives
Condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck has solidified its position as a leading player in the asset reliability care sector.

Read more...
Revolutionising manufacturing: the impact of machine learning in robotics
Motion Control & Drives
The integration of machine learning (ML) into robotics has the potential to revolutionise many industries, in particular the manufacturing sector. Yaskawa South Africa is at the forefront of embracing this transformative technology to optimise innovation and propel the manufacturing industry forward.

Read more...
Chain hoist friction clutch tester
WIKA Instruments Motion Control & Drives
WIKA’s FRKPS chain hoist test set is a reliable and efficient way to test the friction clutch on your chain hoist.

Read more...
Why artificial intelligence matters in robotic technology
Motion Control & Drives
Andrew Crackett, managing director of Yaskawa Southern Africa, gives his insight into the role of AI in robotics technology, with its advantages and challenges, and makes predictions for the future.

Read more...