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.
Key specifications
| Power (max) | 42,800 W |
|---|---|
| Supply | 100-480 Vac (DC link 140-848 V) |
| Feedback | OCT, multi-feedback interface |
| Fieldbus | EtherCAT (CoE / CiA402), Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) |
| Axes | 2 |
| Continuous current (max) | 40 A |
| Peak current (max) | 40 A |
| Safety | TwinSAFE, 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.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with a Beckhoff Automation part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These 3 series from our supply network are the closest match on published figures.
A dual-axis version of the ELD2 for 24-70 VDC systems: 20 or 30 Arms per axis (750 W or 1.2 kW per axis), gantry synchronisation and STO, saving around 30% installed volume versus two single drives.
| Published maximum | AX8000 | 2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 40 A | 30 A |
| Peak current | 40 A | 90 A meets or exceeds |
| Power | 42,800 W | 1,200 W |
| Axes | 2 | 2 meets or exceeds |
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 maximum | AX8000 | FDS Two-in-One Low-Voltage DC Servo Dr… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 40 A | — |
| Peak current | 40 A | — |
| Power | 42,800 W | — |
| Axes | 2 | 2 meets or exceeds |
A four-axis EtherCAT servo drive in one housing, 400-1500 W per axis on 220 or 400 VAC, with two STO circuits shared across the axes.
| Published maximum | AX8000 | 4EL7-EC Four-Axis EtherCAT AC Servo Dr… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 40 A | 6.8 A |
| Peak current | 40 A | 20.4 A |
| Power | 42,800 W | 1,500 W |
| Axes | 2 | 4 meets or exceeds |
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.
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
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?
Yes. On published figures, Leadshine 2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives and Kinco FDS Two-in-One Low-Voltage DC Servo Drive (FDS-AB/CB/LB-D) are the closest match 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
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