igus, a leading provider of motion plastics and automation solutions, has announced a major enhancement to its D1 motor control system: the integration of Siemens-certified PROFINET, one of the most widely adopted industrial Ethernet standards. This development enables seamless and rapid integration of the D1 into higher-level control systems from leading manufacturers such as Siemens, Beckhoff, and Wago—without the need for complex adaptations or specialised software.
The D1 motor control is a powerful, all-in-one solution designed for controlling stepper, DC, and EC/BLDC motors in electric linear drives, handling systems, and robotic applications. With this update, the D1 is now fully compatible with PROFINET/PROFIdrive, significantly enhancing its flexibility and making it easier than ever to embed into modern industrial environments.
“Thanks to the PROFINET integration, communication between the D1 and established control platforms is now completely straightforward,” said René Erdmann, Head of Business Unit drylin® E Drive Technology at igus. “This advancement shortens project timelines, reduces integration and maintenance costs, and enables a new level of performance and efficiency in automation.”
The D1 motor control offers fast cycle times of 8 to 16 milliseconds, ensuring quick and reliable response in dynamic applications. Its web-based interface allows intuitive setup of positions, speeds, accelerations, and movement profiles—without the need for additional software.
Engineers and designers benefit from support for multiple communication protocols, including CANopen and Modbus TCP (via gateway), making the D1 ideal for diverse sectors such as automotive, packaging, and general robotics. With support for AC1 speed control and AC3 positioning application classes, the system is optimized for both complex and simple automation tasks.
The new PROFINET-enabled version of the D1 motor control is available immediately. Existing users can upgrade older models via a free firmware update, ensuring long-term value and adaptability. For practical, hands-on support, igus offers the “dryve experience” platform—an all-in-one resource designed to simplify the integration and use of its motor control systems. Engineers and designers can explore real-world application examples that showcase how D1 motor control is already being used across various industries, providing valuable insight and inspiration for new projects.
The platform also features a wide range of comprehensive tutorial videos and interactive selection guides, helping users quickly configure the ideal control solution for their needs. In addition, free sample programs are available to significantly speed up the development and deployment process, saving time and reducing integration complexity. With this expansion, igus continues to empower engineers with flexible, future-proof drive solutions that deliver on performance, simplicity, and integration efficiency.
igus GmbH is a global leader in the development and production of motion plastics—lubrication-free, high-performance polymers that enhance technology and reduce costs wherever mechanical motion is involved. The company’s product portfolio includes energy supply systems, flexible cables, plain and linear bearings, and lead screw technologies made from its proprietary tribo-polymers. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, igus is a family-owned business with a presence in 33 countries and a global workforce of around 5,200 employees. In 2024, the company achieved a turnover of €1.105 billion. With the industry’s largest test laboratories, igus delivers continuous innovation and user safety, offering 245,000 products from stock with online tools to calculate service life.
In recent years, igus has driven growth through the launch of internal startups focused on emerging technologies, including ball bearings, robotic drives, 3D printing, and the RBTX platform for affordable robotics. Its range of smart plastics also supports predictive maintenance and Industry 4.0 applications. Committed to sustainability, igus has made major environmental investments such as “chainge”, a recycling program for used e-chains, and a stake in a company that produces oil from plastic waste, further underscoring its dedication to circular economy principles.
