Drives and Motor Controls

Choosing Drives and Motor Controls components

"Drives and motor controls" covers a wide range of devices; the first selection step is identifying which technology fits the application. A VFD for variable speed on an induction motor, a servo drive for closed-loop position, a soft starter for high-inrush starts on a fixed-speed motor — these are not substitutes for each other.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Technology: VFD (induction motor, variable speed), AC servo drive (synchronous servo motor, closed-loop), DC drive (legacy DC motor, SCR-controlled), soft starter (fixed-speed, ramp-start), across-the-line starter (on/off)
Power: HP/kW and full-load amps (FLA) — sizing by FLA, not HP, is more accurate
Supply: single-phase 120/240 VAC, three-phase 208/240/380/480/600 VAC
Duty: normal duty (variable torque, pump/fan) vs. heavy duty (constant torque, conveyors, mixers)
Enclosure: IP20/NEMA 1, IP54/NEMA 12, IP66/NEMA 4X
Communication: Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/RTU, DeviceNet, Profibus, CC-Link
Built-in features: safe torque off, EMC filter, brake transistor, DC reactor
Control method: V/Hz, sensorless vector, closed-loop vector with encoder feedback

Common gotchas: a soft starter is not a substitute for a VFD — it only manages the start, not the running speed. A VFD on a high-inertia load may need a brake transistor and external resistor to handle regenerative energy. Across-the-line starters with electromechanical contactors have a finite contact life and inrush current — for high-cycle applications, soft starters or VFDs extend equipment life. DC drives are sometimes the only option for legacy DC motor installations where a full AC conversion is cost-prohibitive.

Typical applications: variable-speed pumps and fans on plant utilities, conveyor and machine-tool drives, large-motor soft-start on compressors and crushers, machine-axis servo motion, and contactor-based motor control on simple machines. For legacy installations, in-kind OEM replacement preserves the existing control wiring, network integration, and parameter set.

For obsolete drives and motor controls, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.

What is the difference between a VFD, soft starter, and across-the-line starter?

VFD provides variable speed by changing motor frequency. Soft starter ramps voltage at start but runs at full speed. Across-the-line starter is full voltage on/off with a contactor. Choose by what the application needs the motor to do during operation, not just at start.

Do you stock obsolete drives across all types?

Yes. Discontinued PowerFlex, ABB ACS400/ACS550, FR-A500/A700, Sinamics G110, and legacy DC drives like Reliance DC2 and Baldor 18H are sourced through our supplier network.

Can a VFD replace a DC drive on a DC motor?

Not directly — a VFD outputs three-phase AC, a DC motor needs DC. A full conversion requires replacing both the drive and the motor, which is usually a larger project than maintaining the DC equipment.

Will my saved drive parameters transfer?

If the drive model and firmware match, yes — via memory module or upload/download in the OEM software. Across firmware revisions, parameter file conversion is typically needed.

How are large drives shipped?

Frame 4 and larger ship LTL freight from St. Louis. Smaller frames ship parcel. Standard free shipping applies on parcel-eligible units; oversized freight is quoted at order.

What is the warranty?

12 months functional warranty on all drives and motor controls. Damage from miswiring, over-voltage, ground fault, or motor short is not covered.

Drives and Motor Controls

Beckhoff AX8206-0100-0000 Dual-axis module

Beckhoff AX8206-0110-0000 Dual-axis module

Beckhoff AX8206-0200-0000 Dual-axis module

Beckhoff AX8640 Power supply module

ifm efector CR0403 Mobile Machine Programmable Controller

Pilz 1803117 CAN Bus Cable

Pilz 1803136 CAN Bus Cable

Pilz 680040 Motion Controller

Pilz 680041 Motion Controller

Pilz 680042 Motion Controller

Pilz 680043 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176278 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176280 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176300 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176330 Motion Controller

Pilz 8176332 Braking Resistor

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