Glossary · Motion control and drives
Slave axis
Also known as: Following axis, Follower axis
German: Folgeachse
In motion control, a slave axis is an axis whose motion is derived from a master axis through a coupling such as electronic gearing or an electronic cam, rather than from its own independent motion commands.
- Motion control
In one sentence
A slave axis follows a master axis through a coupling such as electronic gearing or a cam instead of moving independently.
Example
The film feed roller is a slave axis coupled to the machine's virtual master with a gear ratio set by the bag length.
How it applies
- Engineering: A slave axis can itself serve as master for other axes, forming a chain; the structure should be kept simple and documented.
- Commissioning: Following behavior is tuned at production speed; coupling limits prevent overload when the master accelerates.
- Operation: A slave usually can't be jogged independently while coupled; it must be decoupled first.
- Documentation: Many organizations now prefer "following axis" to "slave axis". Decide on one term, record the other as a deprecated synonym, and keep HMI texts, alarms and manuals consistent.
Slave axis vs. synchronous axis
A slave axis is defined by following a master. A Synchronous axis emphasizes that it runs in a fixed relation to others; in practice most synchronous axes are slave axes.