ELAU PacDrive M Modernization

Time to Modernize Your ELAU PacDrive M-Based Machine

ELAU PacDrive M systems, widely used in production machinery, have served for many years as a reliable solution for multi-axis servo and motion control applications. However, the controllers in the PacDrive M family — the C200, C400, and C600 — along with the MC-4, iSH, and SCL servo drives and SM series motors, now represent a technology generation that has been superseded by newer systems.

When a critical component fails in a legacy PacDrive M system, it may not be a simple matter of replacing a part. Difficulty accessing spare parts, long procurement times, and maintenance requirements tied to outdated hardware can create serious downtime risks for the production line.
In the modernization and revision process for ELAU PacDrive systems, GYT Mühendislik doesn’t just assess the existing hardware — it analyzes the machine’s entire automation and motion infrastructure from a holistic perspective. Based on this analysis, it develops engineering-driven solutions for transitioning to the newer-generation systems best suited to the application, and plans the process end to end.
The goal of this approach isn’t simply to swap an old component for a new one. The real objective is to preserve the existing machine investment as much as possible while moving the automation, motion, and servo system to a more sustainable, up-to-date, and long-term infrastructure.

Packaging Machines

Labeling Machines

Food and Beverage Machines

Multi-Axis Automation

Form-Fill-Seal Machines

Filling and Packaging Machines

What Is ELAU PacDrive?

ELAU PacDrive is an automation and motion control platform used in industrial machinery, particularly where high-speed, multi-axis motion control is required.
PacDrive systems are built on an architecture in which the controller, servo drives, servo motors, and communication infrastructure work together as a unified system.
The PacDrive M generation, still widely encountered in the field, has now been discontinued. For facilities still running production on PacDrive M, this shift is turning modernization from an option into an eventual necessity.

Which ELAU Components Require Modernization?

C200 Controller
C400 Controller
C600 Controller
MC-4 Servo drives
ISH Servo systems
SCL Servo drivers
SM Series servo motors

What Does the Discontinuation of PacDrive M Mean?

Sourcing original parts for critical components such as controllers, servo drives, and motors is becoming increasingly difficult.

When a replacement part can’t be found at the time of failure, unplanned downtime can stretch into days.

Up-to-date support and documentation, on both the software and hardware side, is now provided primarily through newer-generation systems.

In some cases, older-generation servo technology may offer lower energy efficiency compared to current drives.

FEATURE	PACDRIVE M	PACDRIVE 3
Software	EPAS-4 (based on CoDeSys v2.x)	SoMachine Motion / EcoStruxure Machine Expert (based on CoDeSys v3.x)
Communication	SERCOS II – fiber optic	SERCOS III – Ethernet
Max. synchronous axes	99 axes	130 axes
Servo drive type	Single only	Single and dual (two motors / one drive)
Encoder connection	RS-232	RJ45 10 pin

Which Components Can Be Renewed in ELAU PacDrive Modernization?

Motion Controller

Servo Driver

Servo Motors

Communication and Motion Infrastructure

Advantages of ELAU Revision

Minimized risk of unexpected production downtime
Access to current spare parts and technical support
Increased energy efficiency

Faster part replacement and service times
Enhanced fault diagnostics capabilities
Optimized investment cost by preserving the existing mechanical structure

How Our Revision Process Works

System Analysis

The existing PacDrive M hardware, application software, and machine mechanics are examined in detail.

Replacement Planning

The components to be replaced are determined with mechanical and electrical compatibility in mind.

Application Migration

The existing EPAS-4 application logic is migrated to the new software environment, with the necessary adaptations made.

Commissioning

The new system is tested on-site, with axis synchronization and performance parameters optimized.

Post-Commissioning Technical Support

Technical support is provided for any issues that may arise after the transition.

Get in touch with us about your existing ELAU PacDrive system. Let’s work together to determine the right scope of modernization and revision for your machine.