CKD AX9000GH and AX9210H Control Units for Electric Actuators

The CKD AX9000GH and AX9210H are members of the CKD AX series of controller units designed for electric actuators, linear motors, and servo press systems. CKD Corporation, a Japanese automation component manufacturer, developed these controllers to provide precise position, speed, and force control for applications such as pick-and-place, assembly, clamping, and pressing. The AX9000GH typically serves as the main control module, while the AX9210H acts as an expansion I/O or power module for multi-axis systems.

AX9000GH Main Controller Specifications

• Type: Programmable motion controller

• Number of Axes: 1 or 2 (depending on model)

• Communication: Built-in RS-232C, optional CC-Link / EtherNet/IP

• Positioning Points: Up to 256 profiles

• Feedback Resolution: 0.001 mm (1 μm)

• Control Modes: Position, speed, torque, and pressure (force) control

• Power Supply: 24V DC (0.5A for logic)

• Discrete I/O: 8 inputs, 6 outputs (transistor)

• Analog I/O: 2 inputs (0-10V), 1 output (0-10V)

AX9210H Function Module

The AX9210H is an accessory unit that typically provides additional input/output channels, fieldbus connectivity, or power extension. In a typical CKD actuator system, the AX9210H can be used as a remote I/O module connected to the AX9000GH via a dedicated bus cable. It adds 16 digital inputs and 16 digital outputs, making it suitable for systems with many sensors (limit switches, work present sensors) and actuators (grippers, pushers). The AX9210H also includes a 24V DC power pass-through to supply the main controller.

System Integration

The AX9000GH communicates with CKD's line of electric actuators, including the LEF series (rod type), LER series (guided type), and LCD series (cleanroom type). The controller supports incremental encoder (A/B/Z) or absolute encoder interfaces. It includes a built-in teaching pendant port for manual jogging and parameter setting. A Windows-based software (CKD PC Software AX-Tool) is available for programming motion profiles, setting electronic gearing, and monitoring real-time position/torque.

Motion Control Features

The controller performs point-to-point positioning, linear interpolation (for 2 axes), and electronic cam following. It provides S-curve acceleration/deceleration to reduce mechanical shock. For press applications, the AX series can monitor force feedback via a load cell input (analog), compare it to a target force, and stop the actuator at the exact force threshold, enabling quality assurance for press-fit assembly.

Applications

These control units are used in semiconductor handling equipment, small assembly stations, medical device manufacturing, and packaging machinery. They are particularly common in Japanese factory automation where compact, all-in-one electric actuators replace pneumatic cylinders.

Physical Data

AX9000GH dimensions: 120mm x 60mm x 100mm; weight 0.4 kg. AX9210H dimensions: 120mm x 40mm x 100mm; weight 0.25 kg. Both units mount on DIN rail. Operating temperature: 0-50°C, humidity 20-85% non-condensing. Protection rating IP20.

Compliance and Power

The controllers are CE and RoHS compliant. Power consumption: AX9000GH 12W typical, AX9210H 5W plus output loading. The units have built-in reverse polarity protection and output short-circuit protection.

Programming and Diagnostics

Programming uses a simple instruction set (MOV, SPEED, FORCE, WAIT, etc.) stored in flash memory. The controller has a 7-segment LED display for showing error codes (e.g., E-01 for overcurrent, E-02 for communication error). Status LEDs indicate power, run, error, and I/O states.

Conclusion

The CKD AX9000GH and AX9210H together form a flexible, compact control solution for electric actuator systems, offering precise motion control and scalable I/O for lean automation cells.