Motion Control

Choosing Motion Control components

Motion control is unavoidably a systems problem. A drive without the matching motor and encoder is not useful; a motor without a tuned drive will not move accurately; a controller without the right network configuration cannot command the drive. Replacement decisions need to account for all of these layers.

System-level specs to confirm:

Motion controller family (PLC + motion module, dedicated motion controller, IPC-based)
Network/fieldbus between controller and drives: EtherCAT, SERCOS III, Mechatrolink-III, Profinet IRT, Ethernet/IP CIP Motion, analog ±10 V
Drive family and firmware compatibility with the controller
Motor family compatible with the drive (a Sigma-V drive expects a Sigma-V motor)
Feedback type expected by the drive (resolver, sin/cos, absolute serial)
Safety integration — STO, SS1, SS2, SLS, and whether safety is hardwired or networked (Safety-over-EtherCAT, CIP Safety, PROFIsafe)
Mechanical: gearbox, coupling, brake, regen resistor, cabling lengths

Common gotchas: changing one element forces decisions about the rest. Replacing a Kinetix 6000 (SERCOS II) drive with a Kinetix 5700 (CIP Motion) is not just a drive swap — it forces a controller upgrade, a network rebuild, and reprogramming the motion application. Mixing motors from different generations of the same OEM family often requires verifying the drive's compatibility tables, especially for absolute encoder feedback. Regen resistors and brake transistors sized for one drive frame are not interchangeable with larger frames.

Typical applications: indexing axes on packaging machines, X-Y-Z gantries, web-converting tension and registration control, CNC and robotics, and high-speed pick-and-place. For legacy systems with discontinued motion ecosystems, in-kind replacement of the failed component is usually less disruptive than a partial ecosystem migration.

For obsolete motion control components, send the OEM part numbers for a sourcing quote.

Can you source a full obsolete motion system or just individual parts?

Both. Individual replacement of a controller, drive, motor, or encoder is the most common request. Full-system sourcing for retrofits and spare-bank stocking is also handled — send the bill of materials for a consolidated quote.

Will mixing brands work on my motion system?

Rarely without re-engineering. Each motion ecosystem expects its own drive-motor-feedback combination. Cross-brand mixing is an engineering exercise, not a parts swap, and we will tell you when a request crosses that line.

Do you stock obsolete Kinetix, Sigma, and MR-J drives?

Yes. Discontinued Kinetix 2000/6000/7000, Sigma-II/III/V, and MR-J2S/MR-J3 are routinely sourced through our supplier network.

Is system-level tuning included?

No — tuning is the integrator's responsibility and is specific to the mechanical load. We supply the hardware in working condition; commissioning and tuning are done at the install.

How are full system kits shipped?

From St. Louis, with components packed individually. Larger kits may ship in multiple cartons. Free US shipping over $50, international over $350; LTL freight quoted on oversized items at order.

What is the warranty across components?

12 months functional warranty on each component. System-level performance is the integrator's responsibility and depends on tuning, mechanical setup, and parameterization.

Banner EA5E1800Q Light Curtains

Banner EA5E300Q Light Curtains

Banner EA5E750Q Light Curtains

Banner EA5R300NUXMODQ Light Curtain

Banner EA5R300PIXMODQ Light Curtain

Banner EA5R750PUXMODQ Light Curtains

Banner MAE616Q Light Curtains

Banner PVA100P6EQ Array – Emitter

Banner PVA100P6RQ Array – Emitter

Banner PVA225P6EQ Array – Emitter

Banner PVA225P6RQ Array – Emitter

Banner PVA300P6E Array – Emitter

Banner PVA300P6R Array – Emitter

Beckhoff AX5103 Digital Compact Servo Drives 1-channel

Beckhoff AX8206-0100-0000 Dual-axis module

Beckhoff AX8206-0110-0000 Dual-axis module

Can't Find The Part You Need?