Applied Motion Products’ new AK StepSERVO drives combine with IEC 61131-3 PLC and remote I/O system for completely integrated automation
19/08/2026 McLennan Servo Supplies Ltd
Now available with full support from Mclennan, Applied Motion Products Inc. (AMP) newly launched DIN rail mountable AK series drives offer a choice of open-loop stepper, closed-loop stepper, or full closed-loop servo motion control in a compact feature-rich package in combination with NEMA 11 to NEMA 34 frame motors operating from 24–48 VDC power. The AK series supports EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, CANopen, and Modbus communication interface options. Maximum precision and performance is assured with a battery-less 17-bit multi-turn absolute encoder that eliminates the need for homing routines and external position sensors, simplifying machine design. Launched at the same time as the AK StepSERVO series, AMP’s MCA6 PLC and MET2 I/O system combine to offer complete machine integration for applications ranging from compact bench-top equipment to larger industrial machinery.
The AK drive series operates in combination with AMP’s Q-Programming software for basic to advanced motion and machine control whilst the new Stepper Suite II software covers USB-C setup for online or offline parameter configuration with an integrated oscilloscope providing real-time monitoring, and a smart fault diagnosis feature that includes corrective actions that can minimize commissioning and downtime. Further features of the AK StepSERVO series include a secondary encoder input that can be used with a load located linear encoder to ensure maximum accuracy for gantry- and linear stage-based mechanical systems. A SIL3 certified STO (Safe Torque Off) provides machine safety compliance, and the drive includes built-in brake control functionality.
Fieldbus interface options include EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP. EtherCAT includes CoE (CAN over EtherCAT) and FoE (File over EtherCAT) with distributed clocks for ultra-precise multi-axis motion and sensor synchronisation. EtherNet/IP supports 14+ add-on instructions for application-specific control integration. Both versions include a compliment of 6-in and 3-out configurable I/O.
In addition, the two new companion platforms launched by AMP offer maximum flexibility for machine builders and automation engineers: the MCA6 Motion PLC is a compact controller that combines machine and motion control from an ARM-based processor with support for PLCopen and IEC 61131-3 programming standards with a device capacity of up to 64 EtherCAT motion axes and 128 other EtherCAT devices. The MET2 I/O system, also EtherCAT-based, is a modular distributed platform that supports up to 32 digital, analogue and temperature sensor modules. Together, these three platforms are designed to operate as an integrated stack; the MCA6 for centralised control, the MET2 for distributed I/O, and the AK Series for multi-axis motion that is capable of advanced motion and machine control including electronic cam, interpolation, synchronisation, and robotic functions - all three systems are unified through a common software environment and shared industrial networking protocol.
Mclennan supplies and fully supports customers through a comprehensive range of stepper and servomotor related components as well offering a custom design and build services for tailored motion sub-systems used in industrial and research applications in packaging, labelling, laser machining, robotics, medical equipment, scientific research and much more. For further information on Mclennan’s capabilities in motion control, call +44 (0)1252 531444, email sales@mclennan.co.uk or visit the website at www.mclennan.co.uk .
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McLennan Servo Supplies Ltd
Unit 1, The Royston Center
Lynchford Road
Ash Vale
Surrey
GU12 5PQ
United Kingdom
Tel: 08707 700700
Email: sales@mclennan.co.uk
Web: https://www.mclennan.co.uk
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