Bonfiglioli’s Axia drive family: efficiency and flexibility at system level
AxiaVert – The smart variable frequency drive for modern automation systems
Machine builders are increasingly assessing machine performance as a whole rather than focusing on individual components. Higher productivity, faster format changes, flexibility, process monitoring, predictive maintenance and energy efficiency are continuously raising the requirements for drive technology. Performance should therefore be considered at system level: the gearbox, motor, encoder, drive, control system, and the entire mechanical transmission all contribute to the final performance.
Against this backdrop, Bonfiglioli is expanding the Axia drive family with the new AxiaAgile series. Together with the established AxiaVert series, it completes the portfolio for a wide range of automation and motion control applications. While AxiaVert targets complex, high-performance applications with its modular architecture, extensive functional safety options and advanced motion control capabilities, AxiaAgile is compact and cost-effective, making it ideal for general-purpose applications up to 11 kW. Its four variants — Basic, Standard, Enhanced and Advanced — address different requirements, from sensorless applications to simple closed-loop solutions, and support various fieldbus systems. Both series share the same industrial design, commissioning and diagnostic tools, and user-friendly software (AxiaManager and AxiaManager Mobile), ensuring intuitive operation and seamless integration. Common accessories and software simplify configuration, parameterisation and maintenance while preserving customers’ application-specific know-how.
Bonfiglioli’s AxiaVert series (AXV) combines flexibility and high performance for complex applications, with power ratings up to 15 kW. Thanks to its flexible architecture, hardware modules and accessories help meet different requirements. Integrated standard software functions can also be customised and extended through the built-in, user-programmable PLC. AxiaVert is compatible with asynchronous, permanent magnet synchronous and synchronous reluctance motors, and supports motion control functions. The redesigned, user-friendly AxiaManager interface supports start-up, commissioning and parameter tuning for the drive, drive-train components and application, both online and offline. Wired and wireless connections are available, and AxiaManager Mobile supports Android and iOS devices.
Versatility and Modularity for Maximum Adaptability
AxiaVert’s fully modular design enables integration with Bonfiglioli drive technologies and widely used automation architectures.
- Communication and monitoring: Flexible protocols meet automation and Industry 4.0 standards. A single multiprotocol card supports PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and POWERLINK.
- Integrated functional safety: Available in Basic, Standard and Motion variants, AxiaVert adapts to different application scenarios and helps optimise safety architectures while reducing space requirements and the need for external safety components. Bonfiglioli provides the main safety functions required by the market, including STO, SS1, SBC, SLS, SLP and SOS. Continuous monitoring in line with industry standards helps increase operational availability. FSoE (Fail Safe over EtherCAT) carries safety communication between the drive and PLC over the fieldbus, reducing wiring and labour costs.
- Motion control: High-performance closed-loop torque, speed and position control supports demanding efficiency and productivity requirements. The DS402 protocol enables integration into third-party synchronised motion control systems. Built-in point-to-point positioning is also available for architectures using non-deterministic fieldbuses. Spindle motor control, support for multiple encoders in the position control loop and multi-motor parameterisation complete the offering, enabling AxiaVert to meet demanding customer requirements in many applications.
