Our premier machine automation solution brings together a highly integrated and intuitive software programming environment, best-in-class motion components and exceptional co-engineering services to help you build a highly differentiated machine.
Kollmorgen Automation Suite (KAS) includes all the software and hardware you need to bring truly differentiated, high-performance machines to market faster. KAS has been proven to measurably accelerate development, increase throughput, minimize scrap and maximize overall equipment effectiveness.
Kollmorgen offers innovative software solutions for programming every part of the machine, from the servo drive level, to the automated coordination of machine axes, to the human/machine interface.
Kollmorgen offers a complete selection of controller hardware for any machine architecture. Controller options include standalone units, PC Card controllers and drive-resident controllers.
Kollmorgen Automation Suite™ includes a large selection of remote I/O terminals and couplers, all configured for auto-recognition and auto-configuration within our Integrated Development Environment.
The operator interface is one of the
most important parts of your machine. Usability is key. You need an HMI with
the input and display options best suited to the operating environment and the
machine’s specific functionality. We offer touchscreen, function key and keypad
options in a variety of sizes to meet virtually any requirements.
Kollmorgen completes the motion safety chain from sensor to drive with innovative KSM Safety solutions. Intelligent Safety functions monitor areas with hazardous motion allowing the machine to effectively intervene with minimal process interruption.
Kollmorgen Automation Suite™ uses EtherCAT®, our motion bus of choice for high-performance applications. We provide the highest-quality Ethernet cables to ensure reliable operation with the lowest possible network latency. Of course, we also provide all the motor and drive cables you need.
Kollmorgen introduces the next generation of motion for more ambitious machines built on more capable performance and more confident engineering. The Kollmorgen 2G Motion System harnesses the full performance potential of our leading AKM2G servo motors and perfectly matched AKD2G drives designed to deliver unrivaled power density and control. The result is significantly enhanced torque, responsiveness and SafeMotion capabilities in a compact footprint that enables easy installation and total flexibility.
Drive-to-motor connection methods vary widely depending on rated current and voltage, minimum code distances, different shielding concepts and other factors. We supply pre-assembled ready-to-use cables that meet relevant CE and UL requirements for any power and feedback requirement.
During braking with the aid of the motor, electrical energy is fed back into the drive. If excess energy is not dissipated, an over-voltage fault can occur. A regeneration or “regen” resistor allows your drive to function normally during deceleration.
Led by our next-generation AKD® Series, we offer the industry’s broadest range of advanced drives for control of rotary servomotors and linear positioning systems, with the connectivity options, power ranges and features to handle any application.
Kollmorgen introduces the next generation of motion for more ambitious machines built on more capable performance and more confident engineering. The Kollmorgen 2G Motion System harnesses the full performance potential of our leading AKM2G servo motors and perfectly matched AKD2G drives designed to deliver unrivaled power density and control. The result is significantly enhanced torque, responsiveness and SafeMotion capabilities in a compact footprint that enables easy installation and total flexibility.
Stepper drives for both AC and DC power applications are ideal for high-performance indexing applications, offering microstepping capabilities up to 50,000 steps per revolution with no need for feedback systems.
The P5000 is a compact micro-stepping stepper drive optimized for high system performance with Kollmorgen’s industry leading POWERMAX II stepper motors. It is an impressive yet simple addition to the Kollmorgen stepper drive family.
The P6000 is an AC input micro-stepping drive optimized for pairing with POWERPAC and POWERMAX stepper motors. With the simplicity of dip switches and the optimized performance from the complete system, this stepper solution brings increased machine performance without the associated complexity.
Kollmorgen's P70530 stepper drives provide you servo-like system performance with the cost and simplicity of a stepper solution. The P70530 combined with Kollmorgen's stepper motors provide unique level of system smoothness, functionality and performance.
These modular, high-performance microstepping drives support a broad range of requirements. These drives offer excellent value for low voltage DC input-powered applications.
These modular, high-performance microstepping drives are available for existing applications only. For new applications, we recommend the P5000 or P7000 stepper drives.
Drive-to-motor connection methods vary widely depending on rated current and voltage, minimum code distances, different shielding concepts and other factors. We supply pre-assembled ready-to-use cables that meet relevant CE and UL requirements for any power and feedback requirement.
During braking with the aid of the motor, electrical energy is fed back into the drive. If excess energy is not dissipated, an over-voltage fault can occur. A regeneration or “regen” resistor allows your drive to function normally during deceleration.
Kollmorgen’s brushless servo motors offer the highest torque/inertia ratio over a broad range of speeds—including high speed capabilities up to 8,000 rpm for standard designs and up to 70,000 rpm for special designs.
Kollmorgen introduces the next generation of motion for more ambitious machines built on more capable performance and more confident engineering. The Kollmorgen 2G Motion System harnesses the full performance potential of our leading AKM2G servo motors and perfectly matched AKD2G drives designed to deliver unrivaled power density and control. The result is significantly enhanced torque, responsiveness and SafeMotion capabilities in a compact footprint that enables easy installation and total flexibility.
AKM2G represents the latest evolution of the industry-leading AKM motor family. With significant torque increases in the same motor size OEMs can achieve substantial performance improvement without changing the motor mounting or using more machine space.
Our best-in-class, high-performance servomotors offer a wide range of mounting, connectivity, feedback and other options. More than 500,000 standard models are available along with co-engineered modifications to suit almost any application requirement. Gearmotor, washdown and food-grade versions are available.
The AKMH Series is built to withstand the most rigorous of washdown regimens. The combination of the AKMH’s IP69K construction and corrosion resistant materials make for a servo motor that will last the life of your machine.
The Kollmorgen Goldline® Series provides optimum performance for applications that involve rapid acceleration/deceleration, compliant loads or large inertia mismatches. These motors are available for 230 and 400/480 VAC line voltage. We also offer explosionproof, washdown and submersible models.
These enhanced, high performance motors are MilSpec 810E rated and IP67 sealed. They are supplied standard with a stainless steel shaft and chemical agent-resistant paint for reliable duty in harsh environmental conditions.
Kollmorgen pioneered the development of direct drive technology. Today, our Direct Drive Rotary (DDR) and Direct Drive Linear (DDL) motors bring you industry-leading performance, zero maintenance, clean mechanical assembly, improved accuracy, higher throughput, better reliability, and smooth, quiet operation.
These next-generation frameless motors deliver high torque density for your most compact, lightest electromagnetic package, standard sizing for harmonic gearing, and scalable design to keep you on top of your global production needs.
Our exclusive Cartridge DDR® servomotors combine the performance advantages of a frameless motor with the ease of installation of a full-frame motor. The advanced electromagnetic design provides up to 50 percent more torque density than comparably sized conventional servo motors.
The KBM series offers high performance, long life, simple installation in a motor kit that can be embedded directly in your mechanical design. A huge selection of standard motors and cost-effective modifications ensure a perfect fit.
Our TBM series provides direct drive frameless motors designed to be directly embedded in the mechanical structure of your systems, minimizing weight, size and inertia without sacrificing performance.
The frameless configuration of these relatively high-torque, low-speed, pancake-style motors eliminates shaft, bearings, endbells and couplings for reduced volume, weight and complexity when integrated directly with the load.
A Direct Drive Linear (DDL) motor is basically a rotary motor that is laid out flat and directly coupled to the driven load, eliminating the need for ball/lead screws, rack and pinions, belts/pulleys and gearboxes.
The PMX family of hybrid stepper motors offers unmatched versatility through a wide range of standard and customizable options, unmatched value through exceptional performance at an affordable cost, and unmatched reliability through Kollmorgen’s superior motion expertise and build quality.
The POWERMAX II® M and P Series are NEMA 23 stepper motors feature an octagonal housing and are available in half-, single-, and two-stack configurations. These units offer a wide variety of standard options and affordable co-engineered modifications, without sacrificing scalability and lead time.
The POWERPAC series includes rugged NEMA 34 and 42 hybrid stepper motors designed to achieve extremely high torque. These units are available with standard options and co-engineered modifications to provide an exact application fit.
Featuring a conventional round frame, these high-efficiency, low-loss stepper motors provide lower rotor inertia and higher acceleration compared to other motors in their class. They are available in NEMA 23, 34, and 42 frame sizes.
Our T2, T, KM and MH172 Series stepper motors provide the highest torque in a wide range of frame sizes. These motors offer a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to pneumatic, hydraulic and servomotor systems.
CT series Nema 17 and 23 motors incorporate innovative cooling technology, high-torque magnetic designs, rugged bearings and high-voltage insulation systems. These motors support large mechanical loads and can be used with any stepper drive.
MX Series are Explosion-proof rated stepper motors, designed to meet Class I, Division 1, Group D hazardous location requirements. They are available in NEMA 34 and 42 frame sizes providing minimum holding torques from 1.27 to 9.82 N-m (180 to 1,390 oz-in).
Kollmorgen offers two brands of AC Synchonous motors in their Pacific Scientic ST/SN Series and Superior Electric products. High performance in four frame sizes, NEMA 23, 34, 42, 66 are available. Resistor - capacitor kits are also available.
ST and SN Series synchronous motors provide high performance in three frame sizes, NEMA 23, 34 and 42 (60, 90 and 110 mm). Resistor-capacitor kits are also available.
These high-torque synchronous motors are available in NEMA 23, 34 and 42 frame sizes (60, 90 and 110 mm), providing up to 1,500 oz-in (1,059 N-cm) of torque.
Providing torque up to 1,500 oz-in (1,059 N-cm), these synchronous motors are available in UL Listed versions suitable for use in Class I, Division 1, Group D hazardous locations. Frame sizes are NEMA 42 and 66 (110 mm and 170 mm).
Direct drive brush DC torque motors are ideal for minimizing size, weight, power and response time while maximizing rate and position accuracies. They provide a servo actuator that can be attached directly to the driven load.
Our permanent magnet brush DC motors offer rugged, quality construction and dependable operation. Many options are available, including explosionproof models, washdown models, co-engineered modifications and more. With a well-deserved reputation for value, these motors are backed by a two-year warranty.
Quality standards and legal regulations impose strict hygienic requirements on equipment used in the food and beverage, meat and dairy, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.
The AKMH Series is built to withstand the most rigorous of washdown regimens. The combination of the AKMH’s IP69K construction and corrosion resistant materials make for a servo motor that will last the life of your machine.
AKM Washdown and Washdown Food Series servomotors incorporate a protective 2-K coating, IP67-rated seals, stainless steel hardware, special greases and other materials designed for applications such as food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing where hygiene and frequent cleaning are critical requirements.
Explosion-proof versions of motors are designed to minimize the risk of explosion, and to contain any internalexplosion that may occur without allowing it to propagate to the outside environment.
These permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motors are SCR-rated and adhere to NEMA standards. They are available in a variety of DC voltages, from 1/4 to 3/4 HP.
Providing torque up to 1,500 oz-in (1,059 N-cm), these synchronous motors are available in UL Listed versions suitable for use in Class I, Division 1, Group D hazardous locations. Frame sizes are NEMA 42 and 66 (110 mm and 170 mm).
Based on the 230 VAC B and M Series, the EB Series provides a high-performance explosionproof servomotor that is UL Listed for use in Class I, Division 1, Group C and D hazardous locations.
MX Series are Explosion-proof rated stepper motors, designed to meet Class I, Division 1, Group D hazardous location requirements. They are available in NEMA 34 and 42 frame sizes providing minimum holding torques from 1.27 to 9.82 N-m (180 to 1,390 oz-in).
Drive-to-motor connection methods vary widely depending on rated current and voltage, minimum code distances, different shielding concepts and other factors. We supply pre-assembled ready-to-use cables that meet relevant CE and UL requirements for any power and feedback requirement.
During braking with the aid of the motor, electrical energy is fed back into the drive. If excess energy is not dissipated, an over-voltage fault can occur. A regeneration or “regen” resistor allows your drive to function normally during deceleration.
Electric cylinders from Kollmorgen offer strong thrust, high speed and exceptional positioning accuracy. Designed to provide a clean, efficient replacement for hydraulic actuators and pneumatic cylinders, these high-precision, closed-loop systems have rapidly become the preferred alternative for many linear applications.
The N2 Series offers an economical, light-duty design with a small package size. Durable and easy to use, these electric cylinders provide simple extend-and-retract motion, with the ability to position either to predetermined stop locations or to an analog voltage input.
The EC1 Series offers a limited selection of application solutions designed to reduce cost and minimize cylinder frame size by 30 to 40 percent. The small package design is perfect for converting from pneumatic cylinders in many applications.
EC2 Series electric cylinders are an economical solution for light to moderate thrust loads. With a choice of ball or lead screw designs, these cylinders yield quiet operation, low backlash and high accuracy with a selection of motor-to-screw reduction types.
The EC3 Series provides a robust linear motion package for moderate to heavy thrust loads. They are available with a ball or lead screw and a variety of motor-to-screw reduction ratios, providing exceptionally quiet operation, low backlash and high accuracy.
The EC4 Series is a heavy-duty motion package designed to move heavy thrust loads with superior precision and minimal backlash. This series features precision-rolled ball screws with a selection of motor-to-screw reduction ratios.
For the heaviest thrust loads, our EC5 Series offers an extremely robust design with precision-rolled ball screws available with a selection of motor-to-screw reduction ratios. Like all our electric cylinders, they provide exceptional accuracy, low backlash and quiet operation.
Instead of the moving rod of an electric cylinder, these rodless actuators feature a moving carriage supported by linear bearings within an extruded aluminum chassis. This design enables the rodless actuator to guide and support the load being positioned.
The R2A Series offers a carriage bearing design that produces lower bearing friction, smoother operation and zero running clearance. A flexible seal prevents environmental contamination and ensures long life, making the R2A Series an effective solution for industrial-grade requirements.
R3 Series rodless actuators provide a robust design with an internal linear motion guide rail and built-in flexible seal to ensure reliable operation in industrial environments. Equipped for high loads or high acceleration with maximum duty cycle, the R3 Series is available with either belt drive for the most rapid moves or screw drive for the highest thrust capacity and repeatability.
The R4 Series is our most powerful rodless actuator, designed to quickly accelerate, accurately position and reliably support the heaviest loads. An internal linear motion guide rail with a built-in flexible seal withstands maximum duty cycle in harsh industrial environments.
Precision tables are best suited for applications where accuracy and repeatability are more important than axial thrust. They can also be used in applications that require substantial moment load support, and they’re ideal building blocks for multi-axis positioning systems.
DS Series precision tables provide outstanding performance, with the configuration flexibility to suit almost any single-or multi-axis application. Our proven magnetic stainless steel seal strip effectively seals the internal components from contaminants for durable performance in demanding industrial settings.
A Direct Drive Linear (DDL) motor is basically a rotary motor that is laid out flat and directly coupled to the driven load, eliminating the need for ball/lead screws, rack and pinions, belts/pulleys and gearboxes.
All our gearheads incorporate True Planetary gearing for high torque capacity, smooth operation and minimal maintenance. So you can count on optimum performance, whether you need a general-purpose gearhead, an ultra-precise model, a washdown or food-grade version, or a complete gearmotor.
The DuraTRUE™ Series offers high-precision gearheads with a variety of shaft configurations, allowing you to design your system in the smallest of envelopes by eliminating the need for couplings. You can even run two axes with one motor using the DuraTRUE “T” design.
For continuous duty cycle applications, our EverTRUE™ Series gearheads are lubricated for life and rated for at least 30,000 hours of 24/7 operation. These high-precision gearheads are compatible with our RediMount mounting system for easy installation on almost any motor.
NemaTRUE™ gearheads are available in four standard NEMA sizes, three metric sizes, and both in-line and right-angle versions—all featuring our RediMount mounting system. These precision gearheads provide a versatile and economical solution for many applications..
Right-angle bevel gear meshes are typically limited to ratios from 1:1 to 3:1. Our PowerTRUE™ 90 gear technology uses an advanced tooth design to increase the ratio range to 5:1. It’s available on NemaTRUE, DuraTRUE, UltraTRUE and ValueTRUE 90° gearheads.
The RediMount™ motor mounting system allows mounting of our TRUE Planetary gearheads to practically any motor available on the market. The innovative design, featuring an adapter sleeve and input housing, ensures that gearhead mounting Is always quick, easy and error-free.
The UltraTRUE™ Series combines our highest-precision helical crowned gearing with TRUE Planetary orientation to create the smoothest and quietest gearheads on the market today. A wide range of metric frame sizes and gear ratios are available in straight and 90° versions.
Our ValueTRUE™ Series delivers high precision at a competitive price. With only 4 arc-minutes of backlash, and available in a wide range of frame sizes and ratios, they’re perfect as original equipment or as a drop-in replacement for most common helical gearheads.
The XTRUE™ Series offers a cost-effective solution with robust features. With five frame sizes, straight and 90° versions, and our RediMount™ mounting system, these precision gearheads provide easy installation and reliable performance.
Our NDC8 platform is a complete, general-purpose control solution for automatic forklifts and other AGVs. This application-independent, scalable solution is easy to integrate with existing vehicle designs as well as host systems and material handling solutions.
Kollmorgen is the leading global manufacturer of motor solutions for the robotics industry. We have decades of experience and an established track record in enabling robotic innovation for the most challenging applications – surgical, collaborative, industrial, and defense. Our robotic motors are mobilizing nearly 1 million robot joints and robotic arms today. With the widest range of standard and custom robotic motors, drives, controls, gearing and actuation, Kollmorgen will partner with you to find the optimal solution that differentiates your design.
A frameless motor is the active torque and speed producing part of a conventional motor, but without the shaft, bearings, housing or endbells. The frameless motor consists of only two parts: the rotor and stator. The rotor is usually the inner part, consisting of a rotating steel donut assembly with permanent magnets, that mounts directly onto your machine shaft. The stator is the outer part, with steel laminations and copper windings around the teeth to create the electromagnetic forces that mounts compactly within the body of your machine housing.
Why should I use frameless motors?
Frameless motors are generally designed into advanced machines that would benefit from one or more of the following:
Increased machine performance
No mechanical compliance (no backlash, no lost motion)
Higher system bandwidth
Improved machine efficiency
A more compact form factor
Smaller machine footprint
Highest torque per volume
Reduced maintenance
Fewer mechanical parts
No components subject to wear or maintenance
How do I size a frameless motor for my machine application?
Frameless motors are sized the same way that you might size a conventional, housed servo motor. The machine application is evaluated for the motion requirements for both torque and speed. A machine designed with a frameless motor will generally have higher efficiency due to the lack of gearing, belts and pulleys, or coupling elements in the mechanical drive train. This efficiency often simplifies frameless motor sizing. Knowing the actual machine or part duty cycle timing generally gets you the RMS torque and speed as well as the peak conditions needed to select a motor. There are online motion sizing tools available to help you properly calculate your motor sizing requirements.
There is also a frameless motor performance curve tool that allows machine designers to understand actual motor and drive performance, even at different bus voltages, available drive current, and ambient temperature limitations. This tool helps you optimize the choice of frameless motor winding based on actual machine requirements rather than choosing from a limited set of windings based on standard input bus voltage.
Which applications are best suited for frameless motors?
Frameless motors are broadly used across virtually all machine markets: robotics, medical, machine tool, packaging, printing, converting and general automation. Basically, anywhere the benefits of improved machine performance, compact form and reduced maintenance are valued.
How easy is it to install a frameless motor?
Most people assume that the installation of a frameless motor is a complex and daunting task. A quick review of this “how-to” installation video will help to dispel those concerns. Typically, frameless motor components can be installed in a basic machine housing design using slip-fit tolerancing and readily available industrial adhesives. The use of frameless motor part sets often leads to improved manufacturability and reduced machine setup times through the elimination of couplings, gearing and belt adjustments. Also, system tuning and commissioning time is reduced due to increased repeatability of the system mechanics.
Kollmorgen provides frameless motor solutions in 17 standard frame sizes (60 mm to 850 mm diameter, with torque up to 13,000 Nm), each with multiple stack lengths and winding options. These standard designs can provide your machine with an ideal-fit frameless motor solution optimized for your application.
Tom S. Wood, a 30+ year veteran in high performance motion control has integrated motion control solutions as a machine designer, servo customer, manufacturer’s representative, High-Tech distributor, and as a Kollmorgen Motion Control Product Specialist. When not playing with custom servo motors, Tom enjoys biblical coins, wood turning, and playing sports with his two grandsons. Tom may be contacted at [email protected].
There really isn't anything to fear when utilizing high performance frameless servo motors in your machine design. Many engineers get concerned about "air gaps" and "concentricity" when discussing frameless servo motors - but there is little to be afraid of! In applications where an embedded motor design makes sense, the application shaft that the frameless motor will be mounted on will already be machined to tolerances well within the range required for robust servo driven performance.
Frameless, or “servo motor kits”, open up numerous possibilities in designing motion elements for your machine related to performance. A frameless motor consists of rotor and stator components which are built into a machine assembly to transmit torque to a load. Many applications which take advantage of a frameless motor are direct driven, which eliminates bandwidth robbing compliance. Effectively, this means you have eliminated torsional losses and any wind-up or spring losses.
The KBM series offers high performance, long life, simple installation in a motor kit that can be embedded directly in your mechanical design. A huge selection of standard motors and cost-effective modifications ensure a perfect fit.
Our TBM series provides direct drive frameless motors designed to be directly embedded in the mechanical structure of your systems, minimizing weight, size and inertia without sacrificing performance.