The HC-KFS13 is Mitsubishi Electric’s 100 W small-capacity servo motor from the legacy HC-KFS series for the MELSERVO-J3 and MR-J2S servo amplifier platforms, providing 0.318 N·m rated torque at 3,000 rpm with the J3-era 17-bit multi-turn absolute encoder — the 100 W model in the HC-KFS small-frame low-inertia motor series, used in MR-J3-10A pulse train and MR-J3-10B SSCNET III servo systems where the motor remains in active service and direct maintenance replacement is required. Atlantech Drives holds stock of the HC-KFS13. Contact us for fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing.
What Is the HC-KFS13?
The HC-KFS13 is a Mitsubishi Electric MELSERVO-J3 era HC-KFS series servo motor providing 100 W (0.1 kW) continuous rated output at 3,000 rpm, compatible with MR-J3-10A (pulse train) and MR-J3-10B (SSCNET III) servo amplifiers. The «KFS» designation identifies the small-capacity low-inertia motor series of the J3 generation — the J3 predecessor to the current HG-KR ultra-low-inertia series. The «13» indicates the 100 W, 3,000 rpm power-speed combination in the HC-KFS naming scheme, consistent with the J3-era model designation convention. The HC-KFS13’s encoder is the J3-era 17-bit multi-turn absolute encoder providing 131,072 pulses per revolution — half the resolution of the current-generation HG-KR13’s 22-bit encoder (262,144 pulses/rev). The J3-era 17-bit encoder uses a proprietary communication protocol compatible with MR-J3 amplifiers but not directly readable by MR-J4 amplifiers in standard mode — the HG-KR13 current-generation motor is required for MR-J4 systems, while the HC-KFS13 remains the correct specification for MR-J3 servo systems retaining their original amplifier infrastructure. The HC-KFS13 is a discontinued product available from aftermarket inventory for maintenance replacement in active MR-J3 servo systems.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: HC-KFS13
- Rated Output Power: 100 W (0.1 kW)
- Rated Torque: 0.318 N·m
- Rated Speed: 3,000 rpm
- Maximum Speed: 6,000 rpm
- Peak Torque: 0.955 N·m (3× rated)
- Rotor Inertia: 0.0283 × 10⁻⁴ kg·m²
- Encoder: 17-bit multi-turn absolute (131,072 pulses/rev — J3-era protocol)
- Compatible Amplifiers: MR-J3-10A (pulse train), MR-J3-10B (SSCNET III)
- Power Supply Voltage: 200 VAC (via compatible servo amplifier)
- Insulation Class: B (130°C maximum winding temperature)
- Protection Rating: IP65
- Mounting: Square flange, IEC standard
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (ambient)
- Weight: Approx. 0.55 kg
Typical Industrial Applications
The HC-KFS13 is found in active service in the smallest servo axis applications of MR-J3-era multi-axis systems — semiconductor wafer inspection machines, electronic component placement machines, optical fibre alignment systems, and precision laboratory automation where 100 W of servo power provides adequate torque for the very light mechanism masses typical of precision small-axis equipment. In semiconductor inspection systems where the MR-J3-10B SSCNET III amplifier drives the HC-KFS13 for X-Y wafer stage positioning, the motor’s small frame and ultra-low inertia enable the high-speed, short-stroke positioning between measurement points that inspection throughput requires — the HC-KFS13’s sub-gram rotor inertia (0.0283 × 10⁻⁴ kg·m²) allows extremely rapid acceleration of the small-mass stage mechanism without requiring high torque output from the 100 W motor. In multi-axis electronic assembly machines with GOT HMI and Q172DSCPU SSCNET III motion control, the HC-KFS13 commonly drives the tool axis (Z-axis, or theta-axis) where the very light mechanism — a pickup nozzle, dispensing needle, or vision camera head — requires only 100 W of positioning power with minimum inertia for maximum cycle rate. The HC-KFS13’s IP65 protection enables installation in machine environments with cutting fluid splash and coolant mist — the 100 W frame’s compact dimensions allow mounting in confined spaces within machine tool spindle housings and axis slide assemblies where larger motors would not fit. As a maintenance replacement part, the HC-KFS13 is sourced by facilities where the complete machine replacement cost, programme re-commissioning time, and production disruption make continued investment in spare parts for active HC-KFS13-equipped machines the preferred approach over complete system migration to current-generation HG-KR13 / MR-J4 servo systems.
Replacement & Upgrade Notes
The HC-KFS13 has been discontinued from Mitsubishi production and is available from aftermarket inventory only. For direct maintenance replacement where the MR-J3-10A or MR-J3-10B amplifier is being retained, the HC-KFS13 is the correct specification — no current-generation motor is directly compatible with MR-J3 amplifiers in standard mode at 100 W without parameter change. The upgrade path from HC-KFS13 to current technology involves: replacing the HC-KFS13 with an HG-KR13 (current-generation 22-bit encoder motor) while simultaneously setting parameter PA22 = 1 on the MR-J3-10A or MR-J3-10B amplifier to enable J4 motor compatibility mode, and replacing the HC-KFS13 encoder cable with an HG-KR-compatible cable. This motor-only upgrade provides the 22-bit encoder resolution benefit (131,072 → 262,144 pulses/rev) while retaining the MR-J3 amplifier — deferring the amplifier replacement to a separate maintenance event. For a complete servo generation upgrade (motor + amplifier), replace the HC-KFS13 with HG-KR13 and the MR-J3-10A with MR-J4-10A simultaneously — the MR-J4-10A provides built-in STO, AVSC II, and improved auto-tuning as additional benefits of the complete upgrade. For facilities with large installed fleets of HC-KFS13 motors across many machines, the increasing difficulty of sourcing authentic replacement units and the risk of receiving counterfeit or refurbished units from low-quality aftermarket sources makes proactive fleet assessment and upgrade planning an important risk management activity — contact Atlantech Drives for verified genuine HC-KFS13 stock and for consultation on phased upgrade planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the HC-KFS13 be used with an MR-J4-10A servo amplifier directly without any parameter changes?
A: No. The MR-J4-10A in standard configuration expects the 22-bit encoder protocol of current HG-series motors — the HC-KFS13’s 17-bit J3-era encoder protocol is not read in standard mode. To use the HC-KFS13 with an MR-J4-10A, parameter PA22 must be set to 1 (J3 motor compatibility mode) in the MR-J4-10A. In this mode, the MR-J4-10A reads the HC-KFS13’s 17-bit encoder correctly, but some MR-J4-specific features that require the 22-bit encoder (such as batteryless absolute position on certain configurations) are not available.
Q: What is the difference between the HC-KFS13 and the HC-MFS13 at the same 100 W power rating?
A: The HC-KFS13 and HC-MFS13 provide identical rated torque, speed, and encoder specification — both are 100 W, 3,000 rpm J3-era motors with 17-bit absolute encoders. The difference is physical frame design: the HC-KFS series has a square flange mounting (same as the HG-SR/HG-KR current-generation series), while the HC-MFS series has a round flange mounting configuration used in specific machine designs where the round flange mounting pattern is required. Verify the machine’s motor mounting configuration against the specific variant (KFS square or MFS round) before ordering a replacement.
Q: Is the HC-KFS13 rated for IP65 washdown environments?
A: Yes. The HC-KFS13 carries IP65 protection — dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction when the connector is fully mated. IP65 covers incidental water exposure, cutting fluid splash, and coolant mist but not submersion or high-pressure washdown. For food and beverage high-pressure washdown environments, the HC-KFS13’s standard IP65 rating may not be sufficient — the current-generation HG-KR13 with optional enhanced sealing provides improved protection for demanding washdown applications.
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