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Kollmorgen AKD — Basic Connection, Backup and Project Download

Quick start: Use Kollmorgen WorkBench and a standard RJ45 Ethernet cable to the AKD X11 service port. Back up the existing drive before loading anything. This guide covers conventional AKD drives; verify connector labels for other Kollmorgen families.

1. Connect to the drive

  1. Install a compatible version of Kollmorgen WorkBench on the service PC.
  2. Keep the axis disabled and the machine secured against unexpected movement. Use the machine's approved electrical procedure; only qualified personnel should work inside the cabinet.
  3. Connect the PC Ethernet adapter (or USB-to-Ethernet adapter) to X11, the RJ45 service connection. The EtherCAT machine-network connectors are a separate connection; do not select a socket only because it fits the cable.
  4. Power the drive's control electronics as specified in the AKD installation manual. Open WorkBench and look for the drive in Quick Start. Match its model, serial number and IP address, then select Connect.
  5. If no drive appears: check the X11 cable/link, the selected PC network adapter and whether the PC and drive addresses are on compatible subnets. Read the existing drive address before changing any network settings. Do not reset a working drive just to make it discoverable.

2. Back up the drive first

Drive → PC = read/backup. PC → drive = load/overwrite.

  1. Connect to the correct physical drive. If WorkBench asks which parameter set to use, read from the drive for the initial backup; do not overwrite it with an old project.
  2. Open Parameter Load/Save → Save To File. Save a dated, axis-specific backup, for example S31733_Rotary_AKD_before-change_2026-11-11.
  3. Also save the WorkBench project if you need the complete device layout and project settings. A parameter backup and a project file serve different purposes.

3. Open an existing project

  1. In WorkBench, select Open Project and browse to the supplied .WBP file. Use a compatible WorkBench version.
  2. The project opens with its saved devices and parameters; opening the file alone does not connect or program the physical drive.
  3. Use Save Project As to make a working copy. Connect only the intended device. Review any parameter synchronization prompt carefully: choose the drive as the source when inspecting its actual settings, and the approved saved configuration only when intentionally restoring it.

4. Load new settings into an AKD

  1. Confirm the backup exists. Verify the target drive model/firmware, motor, feedback, supply, axis identity and approved configuration. Keep the drive disabled.
  2. For a standalone parameter file, use Parameter Load/Save → Load From File and select the approved file. A .WBP project is opened with Open Project; do not treat it as a standalone parameter file.
  3. Review load warnings and errors. Check motor and feedback selection, current/speed limits, scaling/direction, brake configuration and fieldbus settings before enabling.
  4. Use Save to Device to retain the verified parameters in the drive's nonvolatile memory. Saving a PC file alone does not retain new settings through drive power loss. The Load From File dialog can also offer Save to non-volatile when loaded.
  5. Save the updated project and a dated parameter backup. Reconnect or power-cycle only under the machine's approved procedure, then verify retained settings and perform a controlled functional check.

Loading parameters is separate from downloading drive firmware or a controller program. Do not change firmware as part of an ordinary parameter restore.

5. What we learned on the Wittenstein / Polymershapes project

  • Motor: Wittenstein TPM 050-091R-320P-0H0-015IF000. This is project context, not a universal AKD motor setup.
  • Supply: Carl reported the drive was powered from 230 VAC on October 16, 2026. The team discussed a 320 VDC motor bus rating. Do not treat 320 VDC as a 320 VAC input rating or assume a motor-voltage parameter changes the physical DC bus.
  • Cables: Engineering decided to reuse the existing motor and cables on October 8 rather than continue selecting new cables. Verify the actual cable pinout against the exact motor and AKD manuals.
  • Feedback remains unresolved in the email evidence: initial discussion and Carl's observed software feedback indicated a resolver; a later supplier message proposed EnDat 2.1. Confirm the actual installed feedback before choosing a type or supply voltage. Do not copy the conflicting FB1.SELECT recommendation.
  • Brake information also conflicted: earlier notes suggested no brake and a later supplier message suggested a brake. Verify the unit's nameplate, wiring and manufacturer data; do not apply a generic brake setting or timing.
  • Overcurrent was not documented as solved: Carl still reported overcurrent while sitting on October 16. Working feedback indication alone does not prove correct commutation or tuning. Record the exact fault and review motor data, wiring, feedback/commutation and mechanical load with qualified support before repeated enable attempts.

Reference PDFs and help

The original technical email PDFs are attached to this page. tpm[1].pdf and tpm1.pdf contain identical bytes; both original filenames are retained. Catalogs cover multiple products and are not approved parameter sets.

Source: Carl's “Kollmorgan Universal Drive” email thread, September–October 2026, and Kollmorgen documentation. Prepared November 11, 2026. Menu wording varies by WorkBench version.

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