Glossary · System coordination, integration and orchestration
Multi-axis coordination
Also known as: Coordinated motion, Multi-axis synchronization
German: Mehrachskoordination
In motion control, multi-axis coordination is the synchronized control of several drive axes so that their combined movement follows a defined path, profile or ratio, as in interpolated CNC paths, electronic gearing or electronic cams.
- System integration
In one sentence
Multi-axis coordination synchronizes several drive axes so their combined motion follows a defined path, profile or ratio.
Example
In a flying saw, the saw carriage axis is electronically geared to the material feed so the cut happens while both move at the same speed.
How it applies
- Engineering: Coordination is done by a motion controller, CNC or PLC with motion functions, often using standardized function blocks such as PLCopen Motion Control. Deterministic, clock-synchronized communication between controller and drives is a prerequisite.
- Commissioning: Tune each axis, then the coupling (gear ratios, cam profiles, interpolation), and test behavior when one axis faults: all coupled axes must stop in a coordinated way.
- Maintenance: Replacing a drive or motor may require re-referencing and checking synchronization parameters.
- Documentation: Document the coupling relations, reference procedures and the stop behavior of coupled axes. Service instructions should explain how to re-establish synchronization after a component change.
Multi-axis coordination vs. multi-robot coordination
Multi-axis coordination couples axes within one motion system at the servo cycle level. Multi-robot coordination aligns complete robots, each with its own controller, at the task and path level, including collision avoidance in shared space.