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Multi-axis servo drive

Beckhoff Automation AX8000 multi-axis servo drive

Modular multi-axis servo system of power supply and single/dual-axis modules joined by a common DC link, with TwinSAFE safety built in and OCT motor connection.

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Pricing and availability

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Need Beckhoff Automation parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.

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Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.

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  1. 1Products
  2. 2Performance
  3. 3Environment
  4. 4Volumes
  5. 5Your spec
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What are you specifying?

Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.

1 selected: Servo drive

Key specifications

Power (max)42,800 W
Supply100-480 Vac (DC link 140-848 V)
FeedbackOCT, multi-feedback interface
FieldbusEtherCAT (CoE / CiA402), Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE)
Axes2
Continuous current (max)40 A
Peak current (max)40 A
SafetyTwinSAFE, 17 drive-integrated functions, PL e / SIL 3

Summarised in our own words from Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2

Notes on this data

Axis modules: AX8108 8 A/20 A peak, AX8118 18 A/40 A peak, AX8206 2 x 6 A/20 A peak. Integrated supply+axis modules AX8525/AX8540 rated 25/40 A (peak not listed) - 40 A stored as cont max; peak max 40 A is AX8118's stated peak. 42.8 kW is the AX8540 supply output.

Specify Motion is not affiliated with Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG. Beckhoff Automation and AX8000 are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.

Beckhoff Automation AX8000 replacement and alternative options

Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Beckhoff Automation part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.

Limited published data: 1 figure compared

A dual-axis low-voltage Kinco drive for AGV differential-drive wheels, with RS + CANopen or RS + pulse variants and built-in brake output.

Published maximumAX8000FDS Two-in-One Low-Voltage DC Servo Dr…
Continuous current40 A—
Peak current40 A—
Power42,800 W—
Axes22 meets or exceeds
Limited published data: 2 figures compared

AMC's analogue servo drives for centralised control schemes: set up with DIP switches and potentiometers, commanded by +/-10 V or PWM. They span 10-400 VDC and 45-265 VAC, up to 150 A continuous and 250 A peak, in PCB, panel and vehicle formats. PCB extended-environment parts run -40 to +85 C.

Published maximumAX8000AxCent Analogue Servo Drives (AB, AZ, …
Continuous current40 A150 A meets or exceeds
Peak current40 A250 A meets or exceeds
Power42,800 W—
Axes2—

ADVANCED Motion Controls' ultra-compact, high power-density digital servo drives for 10-90 VDC systems, up to 100 A continuous and 200 A peak. They come in PCB, machine-embedded, panel and development-board formats, carry STO as standard, and run EtherCAT, CANopen or Ethernet/IP. Extended-environment models are rated -40 to +95 C.

Published maximumAX8000FlexPro Digital Servo Drives (FE, FX, …
Continuous current40 A100 A meets or exceeds
Peak current40 A200 A meets or exceeds
Power42,800 W—
Axes2—

Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.

Typical applications

PackagingRoboticsMulti-axis machines

What a multi-axis servo drive is

A multi-axis servo drive controls two or more servo motors from one unit, usually sharing a power supply, DC bus and communication interface. Formats include compact two- to four-axis drives in one housing and modular systems with a common supply module and separate axis modules. Sharing the bus lets energy from a decelerating axis be used by others, reducing braking losses. Most connect to a motion controller or PLC over EtherCAT or another industrial Ethernet network.

When engineers choose a multi-axis servo drive

Choose a multi-axis drive for machines with several coordinated servo axes in one cabinet, such as robots, packaging machines and gantries. It saves space, wiring and cost per axis compared with single drives. The trade-offs are flexibility and fault isolation: axes share the supply, so a supply fault affects all axes, and replacing one module may need specific spare strategy. Mixing very different power levels can be limited by module ranges.

How to specify the Beckhoff Automation AX8000

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right AX8000 variant or an equivalent:

  • Number of axes and power per axis (A, kW)
  • Supply voltage (V AC or DC)
  • Network interface and cycle time
  • Motor and feedback types
  • Shared bus and regenerative energy handling
  • Safety functions per axis
  • Cabinet size and cooling

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Sizing supply module for the sum of peaks without considering simultaneous demand
  • Ignoring how one fault affects all axes
  • Choosing modules without room for future axes
  • Overlooking network cycle time with many axes

Beckhoff Automation AX8000: frequently asked questions

Can you help replace Beckhoff Automation AX8000 or source the original?

Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.

What is the Beckhoff Automation AX8000?

Modular multi-axis servo system of power supply and single/dual-axis modules joined by a common DC link, with TwinSAFE safety built in and OCT motor connection. Published series figures include power 42,800 W, axes 2, continuous current 40 A, peak current 40 A. It is made by Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.

Who makes the Beckhoff Automation AX8000?

The Beckhoff Automation AX8000 is made by Beckhoff Automation (Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG; brand names are used only to identify the product.

What is the power of the Beckhoff Automation AX8000?

The published series maximum power is 42,800 W. Individual models and sizes in the AX8000 range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.

Is there an alternative to the Beckhoff Automation AX8000?

We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Kinco FDS Two-in-One Low-Voltage DC Servo Drive (FDS-AB/CB/LB-D) and ADVANCED Motion Controls AxCent Analogue Servo Drives (AB, AZ, AV, B, AVB) are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.

What are the benefits of a shared DC bus?

On a shared DC bus, energy regenerated by a decelerating axis can be used by other axes that are accelerating, reducing the energy dissipated in braking resistors. It also reduces wiring and supply components. Sizing must consider simultaneous peak demand on the shared supply.

Are multi-axis drives cheaper than single-axis drives?

Typically, per axis, multi-axis drives cost less and take less cabinet space, because the supply, communication and housing are shared. The saving grows with the number of axes. For machines with only one or two axes, or widely separated axes, single drives can be simpler.

Further reading: How to select a multi axis servo drive · How to select a servo drive · Servo drives

Other multi-axis servo drive series

Engineer support

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Tell us how you use the Beckhoff Automation AX8000: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.

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From enquiry to delivery

Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.

  1. Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
  2. An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
  3. Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
  4. Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.