As industrial automation becomes increasingly connected, integrated and flexible, machine builders and manufacturers need control platforms capable of managing more sophisticated applications without adding unnecessary complexity.
The Delta AX-3 Series brings together high-performance machine control, motion control and the flexibility of the CODESYS platform, providing a scalable control solution for a broad range of industrial automation applications.
From individual machines and conveyor systems through to applications requiring coordinated multi-axis motion, the AX-3 provides engineers with a powerful platform for developing modern automation systems.
What is the Delta AX-3?
The Delta AX-3 Series is a range of CODESYS-based motion control CPUs designed to support different levels of machine and automation control.
The platform provides multiple controller options, allowing engineers to select a solution appropriate to the size and complexity of the application.
Depending on the AX-3 CPU selected, the platform can support EtherCAT motion control for multiple axes, while logical controller models are also available for applications that don't require advanced motion functionality.
The AX-3 platform also supports expansion through AS power, digital I/O, analogue I/O and temperature modules, with support for up to 32 expansion modules.
This scalability means the control architecture can be configured around the requirements of the machine rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
High-Performance Motion Control
For applications involving coordinated machine movement, the AX-3 provides extensive motion-control functionality.
Depending on the controller model, AX-3 EtherCAT motion controllers can support configurations ranging from 8 through to 64 EtherCAT axes, providing options for both smaller machines and considerably more complex motion applications.
The platform provides a minimum command execution time of 2 ns and supports a variety of motion commands, including:
- Position control
- Velocity control
- Torque control
- Multi-axis interpolation
- Electronic gearing
- Electronic camming (E-CAM)
This combination of processing performance and motion functionality makes the AX-3 particularly relevant to machine builders developing applications where accurate coordination between multiple axes is required.
Integrated Connectivity and I/O
One of the strengths of the AX-3 architecture is the level of functionality incorporated directly into the CPU.
Depending on the selected model, connectivity and built-in functionality can include:
EtherCAT, Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485, together with incremental and SSI absolute encoder interfaces.
Selected AX-3 CPUs also incorporate 16 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs, helping reduce the number of additional components required for suitable applications.
This highly integrated CPU design can help engineers create more compact control systems while still providing the communications and I/O capabilities required to connect controllers, drives, HMIs, PCs, encoders and other field devices.
Bringing the Automation System Together
The AX-3 can sit at the centre of a broader automation architecture rather than operating as an isolated PLC.
A typical system can incorporate technologies such as:
HMIs → VSDs → PLCs → temperature controllers → servo drives → encoders → I/O
using communications including Ethernet, EtherCAT, RS-232 and RS-485.
For machine builders and system integrators, this provides a platform capable of bringing different elements of the machine together under a coordinated control architecture.
It is particularly valuable in applications such as:
- Conveyor and material-handling systems
- Packaging machinery
- Processing equipment
- Automated production machinery
- Multi-axis motion systems
- Machine building
- Industrial process automation
- Equipment upgrades and modernisation
The Benefits of a CODESYS-Based Platform
At the heart of the AX-3 is CODESYS, providing engineers with a standardised approach to industrial control programming.
The platform supports IEC 61131-3 standards, providing a familiar programming framework for control engineers.
For OEMs, system integrators and manufacturers, adopting a standardised programming and controller development platform can help improve development efficiency while providing greater flexibility in how automation architectures are designed.
Delta highlights three key advantages of the CODESYS platform for the AX-3:
Standardisation. Support for IEC 61131-3 programming standards.
Performance. A high-performance and stable operating environment.
Development efficiency. A standardised programming and controller development platform can simplify parameter setting, configuration and PLCopen editing.
The result is an automation platform that combines Delta hardware with an established industrial programming environment.
DIADesigner-AX: A User-Friendly Engineering Environment
Delta complements the AX Series hardware with DIADesigner-AX, its programming software for AX Series CPUs.
The software provides an integrated environment designed to make configuration and programming more efficient, including tools for built-in I/O configuration and axis parameter configuration.
For engineers, having programming, configuration and parameter-setting capabilities within an integrated environment can reduce development time and make it easier to configure more sophisticated machine-control applications.
Open, Flexible Automation for Real-World Applications
The value of an automation controller ultimately isn't determined by its specification sheet alone. It comes down to what the technology enables engineers to achieve on the factory floor.
Manufacturers and machine builders increasingly require systems that can communicate across different technologies, accommodate future expansion and provide the performance necessary for increasingly sophisticated applications.
The combination of CODESYS, EtherCAT motion control, integrated communications, expandable I/O and Delta's broader automation ecosystem makes the AX-3 a compelling platform for engineers considering their next machine or control architecture.
And at the upcoming IICA Sydney Technology Expo, you'll have an opportunity to see it operating in a real application.
See the Delta AX-3 in Action at IICA Sydney
Mechtric will be demonstrating the Delta AX-3 live at the IICA Sydney Technology Expo 2026, held at Doltone House, Bossley Park.
Our demonstration will feature a Delta AX-3 PLC controlling two conveyors and a rotating disk, giving visitors the opportunity to see CODESYS-based automation operating in a practical machine application.
New for 2026: The CODESYS Corner
Mechtric will be participating in the new CODESYS Corner at this year's Sydney Expo.
For the first time at an IICA Sydney Technology Expo, leading automation companies using the CODESYS platform will come together in one collaborative showcase.
Visitors will be able to compare CODESYS-enabled technologies side by side, discuss different engineering approaches and see examples of how an open automation platform can be applied across different hardware and applications.
Whether you're planning a new machine, upgrading an existing plant or investigating more flexible automation architectures, the CODESYS Corner provides an opportunity to explore practical solutions and speak directly with the people behind the technology.
Visit Mechtric at the CODESYS Corner
IICA Sydney Technology Expo 2026
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Doltone House, Bossley Park
Come and see the Delta AX-3 demonstration, meet the Mechtric team and talk to us about how Delta automation technology could support your next application.
Register FREE for IICA Sydney Technology Expo 2026
Talk to Mechtric About Your Next Automation Project
From PLCs and motion control to drives, HMIs and complete automation solutions, Mechtric supports Australian industry with technology backed by local product knowledge and application support.
If you're designing a new machine, modernising an existing control system or would like to explore whether the Delta AX-3 and CODESYS are right for your application, talk to the Mechtric team.
Delta AX-3 and CODESYS could be suitable for your application, speak to the Mechtric team.
T: 1800 252 995
E: sales@mechtric.com.au