Exhibitors

XPlanar

The intelligent XPlanar transport system combines the advantages of conventional systems and supplements them with a unique magnetic levitation technology. With its floating 2D product transport, the planar motor system opens up a whole host of new possibilities.

Users benefit from the individual freedom of movement afforded by driverless transport systems, with the ability to transport individual goods to any location via any route, either within a single machine or between several. In addition to this flexibility, XPlanar offers all the dynamics of a linear motor to facilitate cycle-time-optimized linking of individual production steps. XPlanar also simplifies individual production steps considerably, making the degrees of freedom and positioning accuracies familiar from robotics available for 6D product processing. For the first time ever, the transport system itself handles the positioning of a product during processing. The levitation effect replaces any and all mechanical guiding components. Cleaning and maintenance requirements are drastically reduced.

XTS

With the XTS linear transport system, Beckhoff offers a proven drive solution in which magnetically driven movers move along a travel path of fully integrated motor modules. An Industrial PC with the TwinCAT automation software enables the independent control of the movers with individual motion profiles. This results in many system-related benefits: The transport system is ready for operation immediately after assembly, as power electronics and displacement measurement are included in the XTS motor modules and the movers are completely passive. Due to different geometries of the motor modules, both an open and a closed travel path can be created and the machine footprint can be reduced by individual track layouts. The XTS not only replaces conventional conveyor belts, but also enables an innovative design of the entire machine. With the flexible motion profiles, simple to highly complex processes can be realized and the entire manufacturing process can thus be optimized.

MX-System

The decentralized MX-System is the first to achieve completely control cabinet-free automation of machines and systems. To this end, Beckhoff has bundled over four decades of automation expertise into a modular system that performs all of the tasks and exhibits the properties of a classic control cabinet.

Benefits
simplified engineering phase and reduction of machine footprint and cable paths
UL/CSA and IEC certified – the system can be used worldwide without adjustments
plug-and-play principle so that assembly and installation can be performed by non-specialist personnel
fast and clear system diagnostics during operation

TwinCat Vision

As a specialist for PC-based control technology, Beckhoff consistently aims to integrate all machine functionalities into one control platform. With TwinCAT Vision, this has included image processing within software since 2017. The machine vision product spectrum is now complete thanks to the introduction of the comprehensive hardware range from Beckhoff. Machine builders and end users thus have a complete industrial image processing system at their disposal that covers all the necessary components from software to illumination which, integrated into the system, provides users with significant competitive advantages.
Seamless system integration with
• cameras
• optics
• illumination
• complete units
• software
• training and support
With Beckhoff Vision, real-time image processing can be easily integrated into both new and existing control environments, as well as optimally synchronized with all machine and plant processes. Here, the previously strict separation between vision and automation technology is further eliminated through system integration in all environments. At the same time, Beckhoff Vision components win users over with their robust, attractive design as well as high scalability and long-term availability.

GFX Hepco

The GFX system from Hepco Motion offers the possibility to mount a parallel guide rail system on XTS motor modules in order to transport high payloads. The structure consists of a V-shaped steel or stainless steel rail and holding brackets for the XTS motor modules, which are mounted on a base plate. Different mover versions with steel or stainless steel rollers are available to match. In combination with automatic lubrication, a low-maintenance complete system is created with a long service life.
The different versions of the GFX system integrate themselves optimally into the modular XTS system. With components in different designs, the XTS Hygienic and the Track Management, solutions are available for individual track layouts, demanding environmental conditions and a complete solution for moving motor module segments. Furthermore there is also a possibility to combine several XTS systems with one another in order to increase the total force.
Beckhoff offers the possibility to deliver turnkey functional modules as a plug-and-play solution in combination with the GFX system – optionally with individually manufactured control cabinets for controlling the complete application and supporting assembly activities on site.

MX White paper

The decentralized MX-System is the first to achieve completely control cabinet-free automation of machines and systems. To this end, Beckhoff has bundled over four decades of automation expertise into a modular system that performs all of the tasks and exhibits the properties of a classic control cabinet.
Benefits
• simplified engineering phase and reduction of machine footprint and cable paths
• UL/CSA and IEC certified – the system can be used worldwide without adjustments
• plug-and-play principle so that assembly and installation can be performed by non-specialist personnel
• fast and clear system diagnostics during operation

XPlanar

The XPlanar is a planar motor, which – like rotary motors – consists of multiple stationary, energized coils (in the tiles) and mobile permanent magnets (in the movers). In contrast to rotary motors, however, both the coils and the permanent magnets are arranged two-dimensionally on a plane. The XPlanar tiles are the electrically active part of the system, with the current in their coils causing the movers to float above them.
The movers are electrically passive and particularly hard-wearing. The unique floating effect means any pollutants or contaminants from the goods being transported are not spread throughout the system, there are no emissions, and there is no wear caused by friction. The XPlanar system is a highly recommended new drive concept for all types of product transport in the manufacturing and processing industries. Beyond its basic transportation function, it can also perform even the most demanding positioning tasks with micrometer precision.

News Overview

Discover our product news and find out how they can boost the performance of your application. The main areas that the product range covers are industrial PCs, I/O and fieldbus components, drive technology, automation software, control cabinet-free automation, and hardware for machine vision.

EtherCAT

EtherCAT – the Ethernet Fieldbus
Selecting the communication technology is important: it determines whether the control performance will reach the field and which devices can be used. EtherCAT, the Industrial Ethernet technology invented by Beckhoff, makes machines and systems faster, simpler and more cost-effective. EtherCAT is regarded as the "Ethernet fieldbus" because it combines the advantages of Ethernet with the simplicity of classic fieldbus systems and avoids the complexity of IT technologies. The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG), founded in 2003, makes it accessible to everyone. With over 7,000 member companies from 72 countries (as of March 2023), the ETG is the world's largest fieldbus user organization.
EtherCAT is an international IEC standard that not only stands for openness, but also for stability: until today, the specifications have never been changed, but only extended compatibility. This means that current devices can be used in existing systems without any problems and without having to consider different versions. The extensions include Safety over EtherCAT for machine and personnel safety in the same network, and EtherCAT P for communication and supply voltage (2 x 24 V) on the same 4-wire cable. And also EtherCAT G/G10, which introduces higher transfer rates, while the existing EtherCAT equipment variety is integrated via the so called branch concept: even here there is no technology break.

Compact Drive Technology

With its highly scalable drive technology portfolio,
Beckhoff offers the right motion solution for all
automation tasks – including in the low voltage
range up to 48 V, in which the technology leader
for PC and EtherCAT-based control systems offers
a broad range of compact and modular drive
solutions (for integration at I/O level). All common
forms of drive technology are supported: in
addition to servomotor and stepper motor controllers,
BLDC, DC, and PWM output stages
can be integrated directly. All of these products
are available both as IP20 variants in the
familiar terminal format and as IP67 box
modules for use outside the control cabinet.
The power spectrum extends from 50 mA for
controlling external power amplifiers through
to 16 A for direct operation of a servomotor.
Direct integration in Beckhoff’s TwinCAT automation
software simplifies and accelerates
commissioning. This means that all drive technology
for compact drives forms an integral
part of Beckhoff’s I/O system. An extensive
range of accessories, including pre-assembled
connector cables and gear units, as well as
brake chopper terminals, braking resistors, or
an external fan cartridge are also available
for increasing performance