Kollmorgen AKD-N distributed servo drive system

The Kollmorgen AKD-N is a distributed servo drive solution that is claimed to significantly reduce cabinet space and cabling hassle, simplifying machine design, set-up and operation. The drive system leverages robust industry IP67-rated drives positioned next to the motor and supplied by a central power module located in the switchgear cabinet. An 11 mm diameter hybrid cable delivers power and fieldbus communication to the AKDN servo drives. As a result, the drives operate directly in series, supplying up to 4 kW per axis. Safe Torque Off functionality is also included. Typical applications include packaging machines and production systems in the food and beverage industry.

With the system, the company provides the flexibility to use any Kollmorgen motor technology, while still implementing a system that decentralises the drives into the machine chassis. Because the system is able to connect to all types of the company’s motor technologies, the solution enables the machine designer to select for environment and load requirements, like the IP69K-rated stainless steel AKMH or the Kollmorgen direct drive platform of motors. This modular approach also optimises the thermal properties of the drives and the cabinet, and by being mounted directly on the machine, distributed AKD-N servo drives significantly reduce cabinet volume and cabling effort.

Drives are quickly and easily installed by making three screw-lock connections, as compared with traditional panel-mount systems that involve cable chasing, panel wiring, tagging and crimping.