Control Techniques Parts

Control Techniques inverter drives, AC and DC drives, servo drives, and servo motors are available from K2 Automation as new, refurbished, reconditioned, and obsolete parts, including Commander drives and Dutymax servo motors, alongside related encoders and safety and general automation parts. We supply customers in the UK and worldwide, so you can keep an existing machine running or replace a discontinued drive.

Control Techniques, a Nidec brand since February 2017 and formerly part of Emerson, was founded in Newtown, Wales, in 1972 and is known for its Unidrive, Commander, Digitax, and Mentor ranges. Add the parts you need to your Enquiry List, or send us a part number, and we will get back to you with availability, lead time, and a quote.

For other makes, see our inverter drives category.

Control Techniques Product Families Supplied by K2 Automation

Control Techniques parts are available from K2 Automation as new, refurbished, reconditioned, and obsolete units across these drive families:

• Unidrive M: AC drives including the M400, M600, M608, and M700.
• Unidrive SP: the earlier-generation high-performance AC drive.
• Commander: general-purpose AC drives including the Commander C, Commander S, and Commander SK.
• Digitax: servo drives, including the Digitax HD and Digitax ST.
• Mentor MP: DC drives.
• Option modules and spares: communication, feedback, and machine control option modules, keypads, and related drive parts.

Send us any part number, and we will check it against our catalogue of over 300,000 new, refurbished, and obsolete parts.

Unidrive SP and Unidrive M Series Drives

The Unidrive SP is the earlier-generation Control Techniques AC drive, running open-loop vector, closed-loop vector, servo, and regen modes from a single platform. Most of the range has been replaced by the Unidrive M series, so machines still running SP units depend on legacy supply for complete drives and spares.

The Unidrive M range is organised by capability:

• M200 to M400: these accept SI option modules for fieldbus and Ethernet connectivity, and the M200 and M300 add an onboard PLC.
• M600 and M700: high-performance AC drives. The M700 has onboard dual-port Ethernet, the M701 is the direct Unidrive SP replacement with RS485 and SP parameter sets that can be ported using a Smartcard, and the M702 adds a second Safe Torque Off input alongside Ethernet.

We supply new, refurbished, and obsolete Unidrive units. Send us the part number, and we will get back to you with availability, lead time, and a quote.

Commander SK, Commander C, and Commander S Drives

Commander is Control Techniques’ range of general-purpose AC drives. The Commander SK has been replaced by the Commander C range, which comes as the C200 and C300. Both are open-loop vector drives, and the C300 adds dual-channel Safe Torque Off for machine safety. Commander C drives can be fitted on existing Commander SK mounting positions using mounting brackets. Nidec also lists the Commander S among its general-purpose AC drives.

K2 Automation supplies new, refurbished, reconditioned, and obsolete Commander drives, including older CD and CDS models, and sources discontinued Commander SK units through a global network of specialists and repair centres. Send us the part number, and we will get back to you with availability, lead time, and a quote.

Digitax ST, Digitax HD, and Mentor MP Drives

Digitax ST is a compact servo drive, and the Digitax HD is its successor. Digitax HD is available as the M750 (Ethernet), M751 (Base), M753 (EtherCAT), and M754 (MCi), with multi-axis installation kits for high-axis-count cabinets and brackets for retrofitting Digitax ST positions. Mentor MP is Control Techniques’ DC drive range, for applications where the installed motors are DC.

Digitax HD drives pair with Unimotor HD servo motors. K2 Automation supplies new, refurbished, reconditioned, and obsolete Control Techniques drives and servo motors. For other makes, see our AC/DC drives and servo drives category. Send us the part number, and we will get back to you with availability, lead time, and a quote.

AC Drives, Servo Drives, and DC Drives

• AC drives: vary the frequency and voltage supplied to an induction motor to control its speed and torque, in applications such as pumps, fans, and conveyors. Control Techniques’ Unidrive and Commander ranges are AC drives.
• Servo drives: give closed-loop control of a servo motor with high dynamic response and precise positioning. The Digitax ST and Digitax HD are Control Techniques’ servo drives.
• DC drives: regulate the armature and field currents of a DC motor. The Mentor MP is Control Techniques’ DC drive range.

To choose a replacement, match the drive to the motor type and feedback device already fitted. On Unidrive M and Commander C drives, also check which control mode the failed unit used, such as open loop, RFC-A for induction motors, or RFC-S for permanent magnet motors on Unidrive M, because it affects which model suits your application. Send us the part number and the rating label details, and we will get back to you with availability, lead time, and a quote.

Migrating From Unidrive SP and Commander SK

Where an obsolete drive cannot be replaced like-for-like, Control Techniques’ standard upgrade routes are:

• Unidrive SP to Unidrive M701: the direct replacement, with onboard RS485, the same control terminal layout, and SP parameter sets that can be ported using a Smartcard or PC tool.
• Unidrive SP to Unidrive M700: for applications that use SM-Ethernet, as the M700 has Ethernet as standard.
• Commander SK to Commander C200 or C300: Commander C drives can be fitted on existing Commander SK mounting positions using mounting brackets.

Before swapping, check the frame size and panel footprint, supply voltage, current rating, braking resistor specification, option module compatibility, and EMC filtering. SM option modules do not carry across to SI modules directly, so confirm the equivalent part, for example, SM-Applications to SI-Applications. If you cannot take the time to recommission a new drive, we can source a like-for-like obsolete unit where available. Send us the part number, and we will get back to you with availability, lead time, and a quote.

Obsolete Control Techniques Drive Sourcing and Repairs

We supply over 300,000 new, refurbished, and obsolete parts, backed by a global network of specialists and repair centres, with same-day delivery for breakdowns where available. Where replacement is not the best answer, we can arrange repair of your existing unit. Parts are supplied with warranty cover.

K2 Automation has more than 12 years of experience sourcing automation parts from offices in Stafford, Houston, and Bremen. We are an independent specialist: K2 Automation Ltd is not an authorised distributor, affiliate, or representative of Control Techniques or Nidec, and all trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

For an accurate quote, send the full part number, serial number, rating label details, and any fitted option modules.

Control Techniques Parts: FAQs

Who owns Control Techniques?

Control Techniques is owned by Nidec, which acquired it from Emerson in February 2017. Its products are now marketed under the Control Techniques brand, a Nidec brand. Older units from the Emerson ownership period may carry Emerson branding on the rating label.

Is the Commander SK obsolete?

The Commander SK has been replaced by the Commander C range, and a Commander C can be fitted on existing Commander SK mounting positions using mounting brackets. Complete Commander SK units remain available through specialist suppliers and repair centres.

What is the replacement for the Unidrive SP?

The Unidrive M series. The M701 is the direct Unidrive SP replacement, with onboard RS485, the same control terminal layout, and SP parameter sets that can be ported using a Smartcard. The M700 suits applications that use SM-Ethernet, as it includes Ethernet as standard.

What is the difference between a Unidrive and a Commander drive?

Unidrive is Control Techniques’ high-performance drive range, and Commander is its general-purpose range. Commander C drives are open-loop vector AC drives with optional communications and an onboard PLC, while Unidrive M700 drives control induction, permanent magnet, and servo motors.

How do I get a replacement for a failed Control Techniques drive?

K2 Automation supplies new, refurbished, and obsolete parts through a global network of specialists and repair centres, and can arrange repair of your existing unit. Send us the part number, serial number, and rating label details, and we will get back to you with availability, lead time, and a quote.

Request a Quote for Control Techniques Parts

Add the parts you need to your Enquiry List, or contact us with the part number and rating label details, and we will get back to you with availability, lead time, and a quote. Control Techniques parts are quoted on enquiry and are not priced online. Breakdowns get immediate priority, with same-day delivery where available. You can also call us today.