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Kollmorgen has strengthened its Kollmorgen Essentials Servo Drive (KED) platform with new models engineered for industries where equipment must operate reliably under frequent cleaning cycles, moisture exposure, and strict hygiene requirements. The latest servo drive solutions are developed for machine builders working in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical packaging, and sanitary production environments.

The new IP69K servo drive solutions extend the flexibility of Kollmorgen’s motion control portfolio by combining KED drives with AKMA aluminum washdown motors, AKMH stainless steel hygienic motors, and SFD-M multi-turn absolute feedback technology. This integrated approach allows manufacturers to build compact and reliable motion systems without introducing separate drive platforms for harsh operating conditions.

For industrial automation engineers, reducing system complexity is becoming increasingly important. The updated KED platform addresses this demand by supporting multiple industrial communication standards, including EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET. A single hardware platform can be configured for different automation architectures, helping machine builders simplify inventory management while maintaining compatibility with modern PLC and motion control systems.

The KED servo drives are designed to integrate smoothly into advanced motion applications, including packaging machines, labeling systems, bottling equipment, and precision material handling solutions. Built-in functions such as multi-axis synchronization, high-speed registration, and integrated safety features allow OEMs to improve machine performance while reducing additional control components.

Configuration and commissioning are supported through Kollmorgen’s WorkBench software, which includes Express Setup functionality to accelerate installation and startup procedures. By reducing manual parameter adjustments and simplifying drive configuration, the platform helps engineers shorten development cycles and improve overall machine deployment efficiency.

The addition of SFD-M smart feedback technology further improves motion accuracy and operational reliability. Unlike traditional encoder solutions that depend on battery-backed position retention, the SFD-M system uses energy-harvesting technology to maintain absolute position information during power interruptions. This provides reliable multi-turn positioning while reducing maintenance requirements over the equipment lifecycle.

The feedback solution also stores motor identification data, enabling automatic drive recognition and configuration. This feature can significantly reduce commissioning time because engineers do not need to manually enter extensive motor parameters during machine setup.

When combined with Kollmorgen’s AKMA and AKMH motors, the new servo drive platform is optimized for demanding washdown applications. The AKMA motor uses an anodized aluminum housing design, while the AKMH motor features stainless steel construction for hygienic environments. Both motor families are designed to meet IP69K protection requirements, allowing operation in areas exposed to high-pressure cleaning, chemical agents, and temperature fluctuations.

In industries such as food processing and beverage production, automation equipment must maintain consistent performance despite aggressive cleaning procedures. Traditional motion systems often require additional protective measures or specialized hardware modifications. Kollmorgen’s updated KED platform provides a more integrated solution by combining hygienic mechanical design with advanced servo control capabilities.

The expansion also supports the growing demand for smarter industrial automation systems. As manufacturers adopt more connected production environments, technologies such as industrial Ethernet, predictive maintenance, and high-resolution feedback become essential for improving uptime and production efficiency.

Compared with conventional servo solutions, the new KED platform provides machine builders with a scalable approach that supports different machine sizes while maintaining consistent software tools, communication options, and safety functions. This consistency can simplify engineering processes for OEMs developing multiple machine configurations.

The latest Kollmorgen servo drives demonstrate how motion control technology continues to evolve toward cleaner, smarter, and more flexible automation systems. By combining washdown-ready hardware, advanced feedback technology, and multi-network compatibility, the KED platform provides a practical solution for manufacturers requiring reliable motion performance in challenging industrial environments.

For companies evaluating industrial motion components, Kollmorgen’s servo drive technologies represent an important option alongside other automation solutions such as servo motion control systems and industrial drive platforms used across global manufacturing applications.

Written by: Daniel Mercer
Daniel Mercer is an industrial automation technology writer with more than 12 years of experience covering PLC systems, motion control, factory automation, and industrial networking solutions. His work focuses on translating complex engineering developments into practical insights for automation professionals and global procurement teams.