igus expands D1 motor control with certified PROFINET

By Staff Report August 7, 2025 7:42 pm IST

igus increases the flexibility of its D1 motor control, which designers use for electric linear drives, handling systems and robot axes. It is now possible to integrate the D1 seamlessly and quickly into higher-level control systems from Siemens, Beckhoff, Wago and other manufacturers using Siemens-certified PROFINET – without time-consuming and complicated adaptations. This extended connectivity should significantly increase the performance and efficiency of automation processes.

The D1 motor control is the powerful and versatile solution from igus for demanding drive applications, and is now compatible with the industrial communication standard PROFINET/PROFIdrive. With a market share of around 23%, PROFINET is experiencing the strongest growth. Major manufacturers such as Siemens, Beckhoff and Wago use this industrial Ethernet standard for industrial automation as it makes real-time and reliable communication possible between control systems, machines and field devices such as sensors and actuators. “Thanks to the PROFINET integration, communication between the D1 and these control systems is now completely straightforward,” says René Erdmann, Head of Business Unit drylin E Drive Technology at igus. “The extended connectivity eliminates the need for specialised software and in-depth technical knowledge. It is easy to embed into automation systems, shortens project times and reduces integration and maintenance costs.” The D1 with PROFINET fieldbus is available immediately. Users can also bring older models up to date with a free update.

Fast cycle times, intuitive operation and high system compatibility

Designers use the D1 motor control to operate stepper, DC and EC/BLDC motors of electric linear drives, handling systems and robot axes. “The D1 impresses with short cycle times, which ensures a fast response time of eight to 16ms, depending on the application. It offers great advantages, especially in dynamic applications,” says Erdmann. The intuitive operability via a web interface, on which positions, speeds, accelerations and movement profiles can be set without additional software, is also popular with designers. They also value the support of interfaces such as CANopen and Modbus TCP (gateway) to integrate the control system into existing automation environments. The D1 is suitable for a wide range of applications. With AC1 speed control and AC3 positioning application classes, it can be used in various industrial sectors, from automotive production and packaging lines to simple robotics.