Selection summary
Choose YD-1 when the project benefits from a separate axis-card controller, servo drive and matched motor architecture with broader configuration flexibility. Choose CSD700 when a compact integrated controller-and-drive architecture within the supported 400 W to 1 kW matched-servo range is a better fit.
Neither product should be selected from motor power alone. The decision must include the rotary table, workpiece and fixture load, index time, cabinet space, machine interface, handwheel requirement, commissioning scope and future maintenance.
The architectural difference
YD-1 is Yidai's first-generation standalone external-axis control package. The axis-card controller and servo drive are separate components, supplied with a matched servo motor. It is not a controller-only product.
CSD700 is the second-generation integrated architecture. It combines the external-axis control function and servo-drive function in one unit; the matched servo motor remains a separate component.
| Item | YD-1 | CSD700 |
|---|---|---|
| Control architecture | Separate axis-card controller and servo drive | Controller and servo drive integrated |
| Servo motor | Matched motor required | Matched motor required |
| Power selection | No fixed range; selected for the project | Matched systems from 400 W to 1 kW |
| Cabinet layout | More flexible component separation | Compact unit with fewer separate components |
| Wiring | More inter-component wiring | Reduced controller-to-drive wiring |
| Maintenance | Separate functions can be diagnosed component by component | Compact architecture simplifies the number of devices |
| Typical fit | Projects requiring broader servo or layout flexibility | Compact indexed projects within the supported power range |
Start with the machining requirement
Before comparing the controllers, define:
- workpiece dimensions, weight and center of gravity;
- fixture weight and maximum rotating envelope;
- rotary-table diameter, center height, reduction ratio and clamp;
- required indexing angles, accuracy and index time;
- cutting torque and allowable workpiece overhang;
- production duty cycle;
- available cabinet space and power supply;
- CNC model, software version and communication resources; and
- indexed 3+1/3+2 positioning or simultaneous machining.
If these inputs are incomplete, a controller comparison is premature.
When YD-1 is usually the better starting point
- The required servo power or configuration falls outside a fixed compact range.
- The project needs flexibility in drive, motor or cabinet arrangement.
- The controller and servo drive must be mounted in different cabinet areas.
- Maintenance staff prefer to diagnose axis control and servo drive separately.
- The rotary-table load, torque or duty cycle requires a project-specific servo selection.
“No fixed power range” does not mean that any servo can be connected directly. The drive, motor, feedback, command interface, brake logic and safety interlocks must still be engineered as a matched system.
When CSD700 is usually the better starting point
- The matched servo requirement is within 400 W to 1 kW.
- Electrical-cabinet space is limited.
- The project benefits from fewer separate control components.
- Reduced controller-to-drive wiring can simplify installation.
- The application is a compact indexed fourth- or fifth-axis retrofit.
CSD700's compact design does not eliminate machine-side engineering. The project still needs command, in-position, clamp, alarm, limit, emergency-stop and machining-permission logic.
Cabinet space and field wiring
Cabinet layout is more than physical size. Confirm:
- mounting dimensions and service clearance;
- heat dissipation and cabinet temperature;
- power, motor, encoder and brake cable routes;
- separation of signal and high-power wiring;
- grounding and shielding;
- access for troubleshooting and replacement; and
- existing machine safety circuits.
CSD700 can reduce the number of separate devices. YD-1 can offer more freedom when components must be distributed or when the servo configuration is outside the integrated range.
CNC compatibility and handwheel operation
| CNC family | Typical manual-operation approach | What must be confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| FANUC | Original handwheel may be retained on compatible configurations | Exact control, PMC, variables/signals, interface and wiring |
| Mitsubishi | Original handwheel may be retained on compatible configurations | Control series, software, axis-select and multiplier logic, interface |
| Brother | Independent electronic handwheel normally used | Program-call method, I/O/communication, installation and interlocks |
| Siemens | Independent electronic handwheel normally used | System version, machine-builder PLC, safety logic and wiring |
This distinction applies to both YD-1 and CSD700. The controller architecture does not by itself guarantee original-handwheel integration.
Automatic indexing workflow
- The CNC reaches a safe position and sends an angle or index request.
- The external system acknowledges the request and checks machine permission.
- The rotary-table clamp is released and confirmed.
- The servo moves the table to the requested angle.
- Position is verified within tolerance.
- The table is clamped and clamp-complete is confirmed.
- The system returns cycle-complete feedback.
- The CNC continues machining.
Both architectures require a deterministic sequence and a timeout alarm. No controller should allow the CNC to continue when the position or clamp state is uncertain.
Practical selection scenarios
Scenario A: compact 170 mm table and limited cabinet space
The workpiece load, index time and torque calculation fit a matched servo below 1 kW, and the cabinet has limited free space. CSD700 is a strong starting point because the axis-control and drive functions are integrated.
Scenario B: larger load and project-specific servo
The rotary table, fixture and workpiece require a servo configuration selected specifically for torque, inertia and duty cycle. YD-1 is the better starting point because its separate architecture has no fixed servo-power range.
Scenario C: maintenance requires separate replacement
The factory prefers control and drive components to be diagnosed and replaced separately. YD-1 may fit the maintenance policy better, subject to cabinet space.
Scenario D: standardized small-machine retrofit
The customer repeatedly builds a compact indexed application within the supported range and values reduced wiring. CSD700 may simplify standardization after the first configuration is validated.
Commercial scope should be stated clearly
A quotation should identify whether it includes:
- controller/drive unit;
- matched servo motor;
- motor and encoder cables;
- rotary table and clamp components;
- machine-interface wiring and relays;
- independent handwheel when required;
- programming and commissioning;
- travel, accommodation and additional on-site days;
- acceptance criteria and documentation; and
- remote and on-site support boundaries.
This prevents a controller price from being mistaken for the price of a complete retrofit project.
Application boundary
YD-1 and CSD700 are intended primarily for indexed 3+1 or 3+2 positioning. The rotary table positions between cutting operations and remains stationary while machining.
Continuous synchronized X/Y/Z/A or five-axis motion requires a different native CNC or dedicated multi-axis architecture. It should be scoped and quoted separately.
Information required for selection
- Machine make, model, year and nameplate.
- CNC model and software/version screen.
- Electrical cabinet photographs and available space.
- Available M-code, I/O, RS232 or Ethernet resources.
- Rotary-table model, ratio and clamp method.
- Workpiece drawing, fixture and total rotating load.
- Required angle, index time, accuracy and duty cycle.
- Original or independent handwheel requirement.
- Indexed or simultaneous machining requirement.
Submit the information through the CNC retrofit assessment form. Yidai will confirm the table, servo, controller architecture, interface and supply scope before quoting.
Frequently asked questions
Is CSD700 simply a newer replacement for every YD-1 project?
No. It is a compact integrated option within its supported matched-servo range. YD-1 remains suitable when broader project-specific flexibility is required.
Does YD-1 support any motor automatically?
No. The servo system and feedback must be selected and engineered as a matched project package.
Does CSD700 include the motor?
A matched motor can be supplied as part of the configured solution. The final scope must be stated in the quotation.
Which one is more accurate?
Finished-system accuracy depends on the rotary table, reduction mechanism, backlash, feedback, tuning, clamp, fixture and commissioning—not only the controller name.
