Compact Class Sets New Standards: Economy AX1000 Servo Drives and AF1000 VFDs
August 21, 2025
Economy drive system expands the motion portfolio
AX1000 servo drive: extremely compact and efficient
The AX1000 economy servo drives are a particularly cost-efficient series in the 1.65 to 6.9 A nominal current range, and meet the highest technological standards. Two versions are available:
- one for the low power range with a single-phase supply of 1 x 230 V AC
- one for the higher power range with a three-phase supply of 3 x 400 V AC
Despite their compact dimensions, they still manage to incorporate an integrated power supply for 24 V DC, DC link capacitors, a braking circuit, and – in most variants – a braking resistor. The power supply generates the control voltage from the DC link voltage. Both versions are available as single-axis and dual-axis modules. Supported motor types include the AM8000 synchronous servomotors with One Cable Technology (OCT), in addition to asynchronous and reluctance motors.
Highly efficient AF1000 variable frequency drive for the entry-level range
Alongside the AX1000 servo drive, Beckhoff now also offers a variable frequency drive, the AF1000, presenting cost-effective solutions for basic drive applications such as conveyor systems, pumps, or fans. The AF1000 is available in two versions:
- one for the single-phase supply of 1 x 230 V AC with a power range from 0.37 kW to 1.5 kW
- one for the three-phase supply of 3 x 400 V AC with a power range from 0.75 kW to 3 kW
Despite their compact dimensions, they still manage to incorporate a power supply for 24 V DC, DC link capacitors, and a braking circuit. The power supply generates the control voltage from the DC link voltage. Both variable frequency drive versions are available as single-axis modules and highly cost-effective dual-axis modules. Supported motor types are asynchronous as well as synchronous servomotors and reluctance motors without feedback that are operated with a voltage/frequency characteristic or vector control.
Both the ultra-compact AX1000 servo drive and the highly efficient AF1000 variable frequency drive are fully integrated into the TwinCAT system via EtherCAT, providing the usual convenience for commissioning, operation, and diagnostics. This means that users do not need to gain in-depth knowledge of a new tool.
All tools available for the larger AX5000 and AX8000 drives, such as TwinCAT 3 Drive Manager 2, Autotuning, Bode Plot, and cogging compensation, can also be used with the AX1000 servo drive.
AX1000 | Economy servo drives
The AX1000 economy servo drive for implementing demanding and cost-sensitive drive tasks.
AF1000 | Economy variable frequency drive
The variable frequency drives in the AF1000 series are particularly suitable for performing basic drive tasks cost-effectively.
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Hans Beckhoff Receives the Rudolf Diesel Medal for Most Successful Innovation Achievement
Hans Beckhoff, Managing Director and founder of Beckhoff Automation, a technology company headquartered in Verl, was honored with the widely acclaimed Rudolf Diesel Medal 2025. Hans Beckhoff received this prestigious award in the Most Successful Innovation Achievement category at the award ceremony held at the MAN Museum in Augsburg on July 10. This medal honors him as a visionary pioneer in automation technology.
