Products

Digital Position Readout (DRO) – ACU-RITE III

The ACURITEIII is a digital position readout (“Digital Readout” – DRO) from the ACU-RITE® III series, manufactured by ACU-RITE (USA). It is a 2- or 3-axis display unit designed for manual and semi-automatic machine tools including milling machines, lathes, and grinding machines. The system receives position signals from linear encoders or glass scales, processes them, and displays machine axis coordinates in real time on an LED segment or LCD display. It incorporates basic calculation functions: axis zeroing, backlash compensation, bolt-hole circle calculation, and metric/imperial unit switching.

The digital position readout is the instrument that allows the operator to know at all times the exact position of the machine axes relative to the work zero point. Without the DRO the operator must rely on the mechanical verniers of the lead screws, with a typical inaccuracy of 0.05–0.1 mm; a faulty readout results in the loss of dimensional accuracy of machined parts and a significant increase in cycle times.

ACU-RITE is a US company founded in Jamestown (NY), historically specialised in precision scales and DRO systems for machine tools. Acquired by HEIDENHAIN (Germany) — a world leader in position measurement systems — ACU-RITE products continue to be distributed as a dedicated line for the manual and retrofit machine tool market. Models in the III series are legacy / discontinued, superseded by newer generations (200S, 300S series, etc.).

Main Technical Specifications

ASROBICON Servo Drive Module – ANSALDO SPDM 260RGE

The SPDM 260RGE is a digital servo drive module (“Servo Drive Module”) from the ASROBICON series, manufactured by ANSALDO Automazione (Italy). The unit is designed for digital control of servo motors in industrial CNC systems, with integrated current and speed regulation loops. The commercial alternative part number is SPDM 260RGE (internal article code SPDM260RGE). The module may be available in multiple revisions or electrical configuration variants; always verify compatibility with the installed control system before replacement.

The ASROBICON drive is the active core of the axis or spindle control loop: it receives digital references from the CNC, regulates in real time the current delivered to the servo motor, and maintains position and speed accuracy throughout the machining cycle. A failure in this module causes the immediate and uncontrolled stop of the associated axis or spindle, rendering the machine inoperable until the unit is replaced or repaired.

ANSALDO is a historic Italian industrial group with roots dating back to the 19th century, active in automation, railway traction, energy, and defence. The ANSALDO Automazione division produced CNC systems, digital drives, and servo motors for machine tools for decades, serving both the Italian and international markets. The ASROBICON series represented ANSALDO’s flagship digital drive range. These products are now legacy / discontinued: available exclusively as used stock, NOS surplus, or through specialist repair centres.

Main Technical Specifications

Switching Power Supply – ASTEC LPT43

The LPT43 is a multi-output switching power supply unit (“Switching Power Supply Unit”) manufactured by ASTEC, belonging to the LPT series, designed to power control boards, operator interfaces and peripherals in CNC machine tools and industrial automation systems. The unit converts mains voltage into multiple regulated DC voltages (typically +5 V, ±12 V and +24 V DC) using high-frequency switching technology, delivering high efficiency, low ripple and protection against overload. It is not a conventional linear supply but a compact SMPS module with multiple independent outputs.

The power supply is the energy core of the CNC control cabinet: it provides all electronic boards with the service voltages without which no axis, no I/O and no interface can operate. A fault in the LPT43 causes the immediate shutdown of the entire machine; typical symptoms range from failure to power on to spontaneous resets, intermittent voltage errors and erratic axis behaviour under load.

ASTEC International was founded in 1975 as a pioneer in switching power supplies for the electronics and automation industries. Acquired by Emerson Electric, the products were absorbed into Emerson Network Power; the division subsequently became Artesyn Technologies (2014) and finally part of Advanced Energy Industries (2019). All products in the LPT series are legacy / discontinued: available exclusively as used, NOS or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

Switching Power Supply – ASTEC LPT42

The LPT42 is a compact switching power supply (“Switching Power Supply”) manufactured by ASTEC International, belonging to the LPT series of high-efficiency compact switching power supply modules. The unit converts AC mains voltage into multiple regulated DC outputs, typically +5 V, ±12 V and +24 V, intended to power the electronic control boards in CNC control cabinets and industrial automation systems. The LPT series is noted for its compact form factor and universal input range, which led to its widespread adoption across a broad range of machine tools and measurement systems throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

The power supply is the energy core of the CNC control system: without it, no electronic board — CPU, axis drives, I/O modules — receives the voltage required to operate. A power supply failure results in an immediate total machine shutdown; out-of-tolerance output voltages or excessive ripple can also cause intermittent malfunctions that are difficult to diagnose and may damage downstream boards.

ASTEC International (founded in 1970 in Hong Kong) was a pioneer in industrial switching power supplies, with an extensive product range covering automation, telecommunications and computing. Acquired by Emerson Electric, the product line was absorbed into Emerson Network Power and subsequently into Artesyn Embedded Technologies. Many models in the LPT series are legacy / discontinued: available only as NOS (New Old Stock), used, or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

Multi-Output Switching Power Supply – ASTEC LPQ113

The LPQ113 is a multi-output switching power supply (“Multi-Output Switching Power Supply”) manufactured by ASTEC, used as the main power unit in CNC controllers and industrial automation systems from various machine builders. The module delivers the regulated DC voltages required by logic boards, control circuits and system interfaces. The ASTEC reference code is LPQ113; no documented alternative codes or known revisions are recorded for this item.

The power supply is the central element of the energy distribution system within the CNC controller: it converts the mains voltage into regulated low-voltage outputs (+5 V, ±12 V and, typically, one or more auxiliary rails) essential for the correct operation of CPUs, memories, I/O boards and communication circuits. A power supply failure immediately results in the inability to start the machine or in hard-to-diagnose operating faults, causing unplanned machine downtime.

ASTEC International (Advanced Switching Technology) is a long-established manufacturer of switching power supplies for industrial, telecommunications and embedded applications, founded in Hong Kong in the 1970s. Acquired by Emerson Network Power, the business subsequently became part of Artesyn Technologies (now part of Advanced Energy Industries). All products in the LPQ series are legacy / discontinued: available only as used stock, surplus or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

Digital Compact Servo Drive – BAUMÜLLER BKF12/50/400-2002

The BKF12/50/400-2002 is a digital compact servo drive (“Digital Compact Servo Drive”) from the BKF series, manufactured by Baumüller, designed to control synchronous and asynchronous AC servo motors in advanced industrial automation applications. The unit is typically installed in CNC machine tools, injection moulding machines for plastics, textile machines, and printing machinery equipped with Baumüller drive systems. It closes the current, speed, and position control loops, interfacing with the numerical controller via analogue speed reference and digital I/O. The suffix -2002 identifies a specific hardware/firmware revision of the series.

The servo drive is the heart of the axis motion system: it receives the position or speed reference from the CNC, processes the feedback signal from the encoder or resolver mounted on the motor, and generates the current required to drive the motor windings to follow the programmed trajectory with precision. A drive failure causes immediate loss of control on the affected axis, rendering the machine inoperable; in multi-axis systems the CNC may raise a general alarm on all axes to protect both the machine and the workpiece in progress.

Baumüller is a German company founded in 1930 in Nuremberg, specialising in electric drive systems, servo motors, and precision industrial automation; its products are present worldwide in the machine tool, plastics, textile, and printing sectors. The BKF series belongs to a previous generation of compact digital drives, now superseded by the b maXX next-generation families: all products in this family are therefore legacy / discontinued, available only as used, NOS surplus, or through specialist repair services.

Main Technical Specifications

2-Axis Digital Position Readout (DRO) – BAUSCH & LOMB ACU-RITE IIA

The ACU-RITE IIA is a 2-axis digital position readout display (“Two-Axis Digital Readout Display”) manufactured by Bausch & Lomb under the ACU-RITE brand, documented as a position display unit for conventional machine tools (milling machines, lathes, surface grinders). The system acquires signals from optical or magnetic linear scales mounted on the machine axes and displays the position on 7-segment LED digit readouts. The unit supports display in both millimetres and inches and includes preset, incremental zero, and — in certain variants — bolt-hole circle calculator functions. The ACU-RITE Series II is available in several variants (including the IIA) differing in axis configuration and additional features.

The digital position readout is the device that allows the operator to know the precise position of the machine tool axes during manual machining. Without this unit the operator must rely solely on mechanical vernier dials and micrometers, dramatically reducing both accuracy and machining speed. A failure of the display or the acquisition circuitry makes it impossible to perform dimensionally accurate operations, increasing the risk of scrap parts and extending cycle time.

Bausch & Lomb is a historic American company founded in 1853, best known in the scientific and ophthalmic optics sector (lenses, microscopes, military telescopes). Its Scientific Instruments Division developed the ACU-RITE line of digital position readouts from the 1960s, becoming a benchmark for precision conventional machine tools. The division was divested and changed ownership several times before being acquired by Heidenhain in 1999. All products in the ACU-RITE IIA family are legacy / discontinued: available only as used, surplus, or through specialist repair services.

Main Technical Specifications

CNC Operator Panel – BOSCH PNL-CC100M

The PNL-CC100M is the operator panel (“Operator Panel” / “Bedientafel”) for the BOSCH CC100M CNC control system, designed for CNC milling machines equipped with the BOSCH CC100 series numerical control (M = milling variant). It serves as the primary human-machine interface of the CNC, integrating a monochrome display, membrane keyboard with function keys and axis keys, spindle and feed override selectors, and LED status indicators. It connects to the main CNC unit via proprietary BOSCH connectors.

The operator panel is the primary interface between the operator and the CNC numerical control: it enables ISO/G-code program entry and editing, operating mode selection (automatic, MDI, JOG, home), spindle speed and feed rate override adjustment, and real-time axis position and machine status monitoring. A failure of the operator panel makes any interaction with the CNC impossible, causing a complete machine stoppage even when all other mechanical and electrical modules are functioning normally.

BOSCH is a German multinational with a long tradition of manufacturing CNC numerical controls for machine tools (CC100, CC200, CC300, CC500, CNC 432 series). In 2001, its automation and drive activities were merged into Bosch Rexroth AG, a joint venture with Mannesmann Rexroth. All products in the CC series are legacy / discontinued: available exclusively as used/surplus or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

Industrial Power Supply – CHLORIDE ELECTRO NETWORKS P11082B

The P11082B is an industrial switching power supply (“Industrial Switching Power Supply”) manufactured by Chloride Electro Networks, designed for automation and CNC machine tool applications. The unit converts AC mains voltage into one or more regulated DC outputs required to power control boards, logic circuits, interfaces and actuators within the CNC system. The part number P11082B identifies the specific variant of this power supply within the Chloride Electro Networks product range.

The power supply is the critical component that delivers stable, regulated energy to all electronic circuits in the CNC machine: CPU boards, I/O interfaces, servo amplifiers and safety devices. A fault in the power supply causes widespread malfunctions across the entire machine, often with symptoms that are difficult to diagnose (spontaneous resets, non-repeatable CNC errors, random lockups). Timely replacement or repair is essential to restore production.

Chloride Electro Networks was a division of the British group Chloride Group plc, specialising in industrial power supplies, UPS systems and power conditioning devices for critical applications in automation, telecommunications and industry. Chloride Group was acquired by Emerson Electric in 2010; all products in this family are legacy / discontinued: available only as used, surplus or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

AC Variable Speed Drive – CONTROL TECHNIQUES UNI2403

The UNI2403 is an AC variable speed drive (“Variable Speed Drive”) from the Unidrive Classic family, manufactured by Control Techniques. Documented on CNC machining centres, milling machines and lathes equipped with three-phase induction motors, it regulates motor speed and torque via PWM modulation. It operates in open-loop V/Hz, open-loop vector (sensorless) and closed-loop vector modes with encoder feedback. The Unidrive Classic is the first generation of the Unidrive platform, predecessor to the Unidrive SP and Unidrive M families.

The variable frequency drive is the power and regulation element that converts three-phase mains voltage into variable voltage and frequency, enabling precise speed and torque control of the induction motor. A drive failure completely disables the associated axis or spindle, bringing the machine to a standstill; typical faults include overvoltage, overtemperature, loss of encoder feedback or short-circuit on the IGBT power stage.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer founded in 1973, specialising in AC and DC drives, servo systems and industrial motors. Acquired by Emerson Electric in 1994 and subsequently by Nidec Corporation in 2012, it now operates as the Nidec Control Techniques division. The Unidrive Classic line is legacy / discontinued: available only as used, NOS or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

AC Vector Inverter / Variable Speed Drive – Control Techniques SP2402

The SP2402 is an AC variable speed drive (“AC Inverter / Variable Frequency Drive”) from the Unidrive SP series, manufactured by Control Techniques. It belongs to the Frame 2, 400 V class and is employed on CNC machine tools and industrial automation systems requiring precise speed and torque control of AC induction or permanent-magnet synchronous motors. It supports four operating modes: scalar V/Hz, Open Loop Vector (sensorless), Closed Loop Vector (with encoder), and Servo. An integrated RS485 / Modbus RTU interface and an option slot for fieldbus expansion modules (Profibus-DP, CANopen, DeviceNet, EtherCAT) are included.

The inverter converts the fixed-frequency mains supply into a variable-voltage, variable-frequency three-phase output, enabling precise control of motor speed and torque. In a CNC machining centre, a drive failure causes immediate shutdown of the controlled axis or spindle: the machine stops, the workpiece risks being scrapped, and — should active safety not intervene — a collision may occur.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer founded in 1968 and specialised in variable-speed drives for AC and DC motors. Acquired by Emerson Electric in 1992 and later by Nidec Corporation in 2017, it now operates as Nidec Industrial Solutions. The Unidrive SP series is legacy / discontinued: the platform has been superseded by the Unidrive M family; SP drives are available exclusively as used, NOS (surplus), or through specialist repair centres.

Main Technical Specifications

AC Variable Speed Drive – CONTROL TECHNIQUES SP1404

The SP1404 is an electronic AC variable speed drive (“AC Variable Speed Drive / Inverter”) by Control Techniques, part of the Unidrive SP series. Designed for control of three-phase induction motors and permanent magnet motors, it supports open-loop vector (RFC-A), closed-loop vector with encoder feedback, and servo control modes. Nominal input voltage 380–480 V AC three-phase 50/60 Hz; nominal output current approximately 14 A continuous; power class 5.5–7.5 kW at 400 V. Features an onboard PLC, digital and analogue I/O, RS485 serial interface, and expansion slots for optional fieldbus modules.

The AC variable speed drive is the power electronic converter that transforms fixed-frequency mains supply into variable voltage and frequency to regulate motor speed and torque. In CNC machine tools it controls the spindle, feed axes, or auxiliary motors, ensuring precise and continuous regulation across the full operating range. A drive failure results in the immediate loss of control of the affected axis or spindle, halting the machine and preventing resumption of machining.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer of variable speed drives and servo systems, founded in 1973 and headquartered in Newtown, Wales. Acquired by Emerson Electric in 1992 and subsequently by Nidec Corporation in 2017, it now operates as Nidec Control Techniques. The Unidrive SP series is legacy / discontinued in its original variants, progressively replaced by the Unidrive M series: spare units are available primarily as used stock, NOS surplus, or through specialist repair services.

Main Technical Specifications

Digitax Servo Drive – Control Techniques DBE 420

The DBE 420 is an AC digital servo drive (“Digitax AC Digital Servo Drive”) manufactured by Control Techniques, part of the DIGITAX family for controlling AC brushless servo motors in motion control and CNC machine tool applications. The unit operates as a closed-loop digital servo amplifier, regulating speed, torque and position while interfacing with the CNC controller via fieldbus and encoder feedback. The designation DBE 420 identifies the size and variant within the DIGITAX catalogue; the product may exist in multiple hardware and firmware revisions.

The DIGITAX DBE 420 servo drive is the electronic controller that closes the current, speed and position loops on the servo axis: it interprets the CNC references in real time and compensates for load disturbances, maintaining axis precision and dynamics throughout machining. A drive failure renders the controlled axis completely inoperative, halting production; loss of closed-loop control can result in mechanical collisions or dimensional rejects in the workpiece.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer and world leader in variable-speed drives and servo systems, founded in 1973 in Newtown (Wales, UK). Acquired by Emerson Electric in 1990 and subsequently by Nidec Corporation in 2017, it produces the Unidrive, Commander and DIGITAX servo drive families. Products in the DIGITAX DBE series are legacy / discontinued: available exclusively as used stock, NOS surplus, or through specialist repair services.

Main Technical Specifications

DC Motor Drive – Control Techniques DB 420 NP

The DB 420 NP is a DC motor drive (“DC Motor Drive”) manufactured by Control Techniques, belonging to the DB series of the Welsh manufacturer’s industrial drive range. The part number identifies a combined control and power unit for DC motors intended for industrial motion control applications; the NP designation denotes a specific constructional variant (typically “Non-Plug-in” or a configuration without a removable optional module). The drive manages the speed and torque regulation loops, interfacing with the CNC system’s control bus and with the motor’s tachogenerator or encoder feedback. The product is documented on CNC machine tools, automated production lines and numerical control systems using DC motors for axis or spindle drives.

The DC drive is the core of the motor control system: it receives the speed or torque reference from the numerical controller, regulates voltage and current to the motor armature and closes the feedback loop to deliver the required motion profile with precision and stability. A drive failure renders the controlled motor completely unmanageable, causing immediate process stoppage and a real risk of mechanical damage to moving parts; availability of a replacement unit is therefore critical to limiting unplanned machine downtime.

Control Techniques, founded in 1961 in Newtown (Wales, UK), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of variable-speed drives for AC and DC motors, servo drives and motion control systems (Mentor, Unidrive, Commander, Digitax, Epsilon families). Acquired by Emerson Electric in 1992 and subsequently by Nidec Corporation in 2017, it continues to operate as an independent brand within the group. Products in the DB series are legacy / discontinued: available only as used, surplus or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

Unidrive AC Variable Speed Drive – Control Techniques UNI1401

The UNI1401 is an AC variable speed drive (“AC Variable Speed Drive”) from the Unidrive Classic series by Control Techniques. Designed to control three-phase asynchronous motors, the drive supports both open-loop (V/f) and closed-loop field-oriented control (flux vector), with a three-phase 380–480 V AC input and a rated power of approximately 1.5 kW. The unit supports encoder feedback for high-precision speed and torque applications.

The Unidrive drive controls the speed and torque of the AC motor by modulating the output voltage and frequency using PWM technique: it provides smooth starts, controlled regenerative braking, and speed stability under varying loads. In case of failure, the driven axis or spindle loses complete control, rendering the machine inoperable until the drive is replaced or repaired.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer founded in 1968, specialised in variable speed drives and servo drives for industrial automation. Acquired by Emerson Electric in 1994 and later by Nidec Corporation in 2017, it now operates as Nidec Industrial Solutions. The Unidrive Classic series is legacy / discontinued, superseded by the Unidrive SP and Unidrive M generations.

Main Technical Specifications

Variable Speed Drive – Control Techniques SP1403

The SP1403 is a variable speed drive (“Variable Speed Drive / Servo Drive”) from the Unidrive SP family manufactured by Control Techniques, documented in service on CNC machine tools, machining centres and industrial automation systems requiring precise control of asynchronous or synchronous motors. The Unidrive SP (“Universal Drive”) family supports open-loop, RFC (Rotor Flux Control) and servo modes with encoder feedback, managing the complete speed/torque regulation chain from the DC-bus rectifier stage through the IGBT inverter output. The unit integrates short-circuit, over-temperature and overvoltage protection, and is expandable with optional fieldbus communication and advanced encoder input cards.

The drive is the device that converts mains electrical energy into a variable voltage and frequency suitable for the motor, enabling precise speed and torque control throughout all machining phases. On a CNC machining centre its failure stops the spindle or the controlled axis, rendering the machine completely unusable; recovery requires replacing the drive and reconfiguring the regulation parameters (gains, ramps, current limits) to restore the machine’s original performance.

Control Techniques, founded in 1968 in Wales (UK), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of variable speed drives for AC and DC motors; the Unidrive range has become a benchmark in global manufacturing industry. Acquired by Emerson Electric and subsequently by Nidec Corporation in 2017, products are now marketed under the Nidec | Control Techniques brand. The Unidrive SP series has been superseded by the Unidrive M series and is considered legacy / discontinued: available primarily as used, surplus or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

AC Variable Speed Drive – CONTROL TECHNIQUES SP1401

The SP1401 is an AC variable speed drive (“AC Variable Speed Drive” / inverter) manufactured by Control Techniques, belonging to the Commander SP family. Designed for three-phase induction motor speed control, it is used in CNC machine tools, material handling systems, and industrial automation. The unit integrates V/f and sensorless vector control logic, electronic protections (over-temperature, over-current, under-voltage), and a serial communication interface. Since the alternative code matches the main part number, the component is uniquely identified as SP1401.

The SP1401 drive converts mains voltage into variable voltage and frequency via PWM modulation, enabling precise motor speed control according to the CNC reference. It is the component that makes continuous feed rate or spindle speed regulation possible: without it the motor would operate only at fixed mains frequency, making any controlled machining impossible. A drive failure causes immediate stoppage of the affected axis or spindle, resulting in machine downtime.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer founded in 1973, a world leader in variable speed drives and servo drives (product ranges: Unidrive, Commander, Mentor, Digitax). Acquired by Emerson Electric in 2004 and subsequently by Nidec Corporation in 2017, it now operates under the Nidec brand. The Commander SP range is legacy / discontinued: available only as used, surplus, or through specialist repair services.

Main Technical Specifications

Axis Servo Drive – CONTROL TECHNIQUES MAXAX 200/3000

The MAXAX 200/3000 is an axis servo drive (“Axis Servo Drive”) manufactured by Control Techniques, belonging to the MAXAX family, a series dedicated to axis control in motion control applications for CNC machine tools. The part number identifies a compact module designed to drive servo motors (brushless AC or DC) for positioning and machining axes, with the rated voltage class and nominal speed encoded in the product designation. The module manages the current and velocity loops of the axis, interfacing with the CNC controller via an analogue speed reference and encoder feedback signals. Multiple hardware revisions and configuration variants may exist.

The axis servo drive is the power regulator that converts the position or speed references issued by the CNC into precise control currents for the axis motor: it ensures high dynamic response, positional stiffness and motor protection during machining operations. If it fails, the affected axis becomes uncontrollable or is locked in a safe state, rendering the machine completely unusable and halting production.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer founded in 1973 in Newtown, Wales, specialising in high-performance AC, DC and servo drives for industrial automation; in 1992 it was acquired by Emerson Electric and subsequently, in 2017, by Nidec Corporation, now operating under the brand Nidec Control Techniques. All products in the MAXAX family are legacy / discontinued: available only as used, surplus or through specialist repair services.

Main Technical Specifications

Servo Axis Drive – CONTROL TECHNIQUES MAXAX 100/3000

The MAXAX 100/3000 is a servo axis drive (“Servo Axis Drive”) manufactured by Control Techniques, belonging to the MAXAX family of the MAX multi-axis control platform. The designation MAXAX identifies the module as an axis drive (AX = axis) integrated into the MAX system; the model parameters indicate a peak current class of 100 A and a nominal motor speed of 3000 rpm. The module interfaces with the central MAX controller and the axis servo motor, managing the position–velocity–current control chain. Hardware revisions and firmware variants may exist; always verify compatibility with the installed controller version.

The servo axis drive is the component that translates position and velocity commands from the CNC into precise current signals to the motor, closing the regulation loops and ensuring exact axis positioning during machining. A failure in this module makes the axis completely uncontrollable: the machine triggers an alarm and production stops immediately, with a real risk of collisions or dimensional rejects across the entire batch being machined.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer of variable speed drives and servo systems, founded in Newtown, Wales (UK), and established as a global reference in industrial motion control. Acquired by Emerson Electric in 2004 and subsequently by Nidec Corporation (Japan) in 2017, it now operates as a strategic brand within the Nidec Motion Control division. Products in the MAXAX series are legacy / discontinued: available only as used, surplus or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

Digital Brushless Servo Drive – Control Techniques DBE 220

The DBE 220 is a digital brushless servo drive (“Digital Brushless Servo Drive”) manufactured by Control Techniques, belonging to the family of digital drives for brushless AC/DC servo motors used in CNC machine tools and industrial automation systems. The unit manages the current, speed and position control loops of the servo motor, receiving a digital or analogue reference from the CNC controller and driving the motor using high-frequency digital PWM modulation. Variants with different nominal current and supply voltage may exist; always verify the nameplate data before any replacement.

The digital servo drive is the core of the axis motion system: it converts the CNC’s numerical commands into precise power currents that accelerate, hold and decelerate the servo motor with the dynamic response demanded by the machining process. Without this component the controlled axis is stationary or uncontrollable; a failure causes an immediate machine stop with a drive alarm, making any machining cycle impossible.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer founded in 1968 in Newtown (Wales), a pioneer in the development of AC inverters and digital servo drives for the global manufacturing industry. Acquired by Emerson Electric in 2004 and subsequently integrated into the Nidec Corporation group in 2017, the company continues to manufacture drives for industrial automation. Products from the older series, including the DBE family, are legacy / discontinued: available exclusively as used, NOS, or through specialist repair services.

Main Technical Specifications

Digital Servo Drive for Brushless Motor – CONTROL TECHNIQUES DB420

The DB420 is a digital servo drive (“Digital Servo Drive”) belonging to the DIGITAX series by Control Techniques, designed for speed, position and torque control of brushless AC motors (permanent-magnet AC synchronous servomotors). It is documented as a component in CNC axis-control systems for machining centres, transfer machines and high-precision industrial automation. The DB420 receives the reference from the CNC controller and drives the servo motor via a high-switching-frequency three-phase PWM output; it internally manages the current (torque) and speed loops, with feedback from an incremental encoder or resolver. The “DB” designation identifies the brushless family within the DIGITAX series; “420” refers to the current/voltage rating. No distinct alternative part number is known other than the main code.

The digital servo drive is the electronic controller that translates CNC commands into precise current delivered to the axis motor: it maintains position and speed with sub-millisecond accuracy, ensuring dimensional repeatability of the machined workpiece. If the DB420 fails, the controlled axis is completely locked or uncontrollable; the machine triggers an alarm and cannot produce, with immediate impact on productivity and a potential risk of collision.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer founded in the 1970s, a world leader in the design of AC drives, servo drives and motion control systems. The company was acquired by Emerson Electric in 2004 and subsequently by Nidec Corporation in 2017, continuing to operate under its own brand. The original generations of the DIGITAX product line (prior to the ST series) are legacy / discontinued: available exclusively as used, surplus or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

AC Variable Speed Drive – Control Techniques UNI3401

The UNI3401 is an AC variable speed drive from the Unidrive Classic series by Control Techniques. It is a medium-frame (frame 3) three-phase inverter for 400 V AC supply, designed to control induction and permanent-magnet synchronous motors in CNC machine tools, industrial automation, and motion control applications. The drive supports five operating modes: open-loop V/Hz, open-loop vector, closed-loop vector (with encoder feedback), servo (brushless PM motors), and regenerative. It is not a CPU board or standalone I/O module, but a fully integrated power conversion and digital regulation drive. Option expansion slots are provided for additional I/O, fieldbus modules, and supplementary encoder interfaces.

The Unidrive drive is the core of the axis and spindle motion system in a CNC machine: it receives the speed or torque reference from the numerical control and continuously adjusts output frequency and voltage to drive the motor with high accuracy. A drive failure immediately stops the controlled axis or spindle, rendering the machine unusable; replacing or repairing the drive becomes the critical path to restoring production.

Control Techniques is a British manufacturer of drives and servo systems founded in 1968 in Newtown (Wales, UK), acquired by Emerson Electric in 1994 and absorbed into the Nidec Corporation group in 2017. The Unidrive Classic series is legacy / discontinued: superseded by the Unidrive SP series and subsequently by Unidrive M, it is now available only as used, surplus, or through specialist repair centres.

Main Technical Specifications

DC Switching Power Supply – COSEL LDC15F-2

The LDC15F-2 is a DC switching power supply (“DC Switching Power Supply”) manufactured by COSEL, belonging to the LDC series of compact low-power industrial converters. Documented as a logic supply component in CNC control systems and industrial panels, it delivers a regulated DC output voltage — in the F2 variant typically +12 V DC — with a nominal output power of approximately 15 W. The unit accepts wide-range universal AC input and includes built-in overload and short-circuit protection.

The LDC15F-2 power supply provides stable, filtered logic supply voltages to the machine’s CNC control circuits: CPU boards, I/O modules, encoders, and communication interfaces all depend on clean, stable voltage to operate correctly. A failure or excessive ripple causes random CNC errors, parameter loss, unexpected shutdowns, or irreversible damage to control boards.

COSEL Co., Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1969, headquartered in Toyama, specialising in high-reliability switching power supplies for industrial, medical, and CNC applications. COSEL products are globally recognised for their long operational life and low electromagnetic interference. Some legacy series such as the LDC are legacy / discontinued: available primarily as NOS (new old stock), used, or through specialist repair.

Main Technical Specifications

DIN Rail Switching Power Supply 75 W / 18 V – COSEL LDA75F-18

The LDA75F-18 is an industrial DIN rail switching power supply (“DIN Rail Switching Power Supply”) manufactured by COSEL, belonging to the LDA75F series rated at 75 W. The unit accepts universal AC (85–264 V AC, 47–63 Hz) or DC (120–370 V DC) input and delivers a regulated 18 V DC output at a nominal maximum current of approximately 4.2 A. Cooling is achieved by natural convection, with no fan required. Isolation is reinforced type in compliance with major international standards (UL, CE). No official hardware revisions have been publicly documented.

The switching power supply converts mains AC voltage into a stable, regulated DC voltage, essential for powering CNC control logic boards, I/O modules, sensors, transducers and all low-voltage devices on the machine tool. A power supply failure causes an immediate loss of auxiliary power: the CNC triggers an alarm, drives may lose their enable logic voltage, and the machine stops in an uncontrolled manner, risking workpiece loss and tool damage.

COSEL Co., Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1969, specialised in the design and production of high-reliability AC/DC switching power supplies for industrial, medical and telecommunications applications. The LDA series is the compact DIN rail range of reference for industrial control panels, renowned for low output ripple, high efficiency and long operating life. The LDA75F-18 model is legacy / discontinued: available exclusively as NOS stock, used units, or through specialist distributors.

Main Technical Specifications