For a long time, control cabinets have been an integral part of machines and systems, and it is almost impossible to imagine machines and systems without them. However, the planning, development and wiring of control cabinets takes a lot of time and is also prone to errors. Approaches already exist to build automated control cabinets, thus increasing the resources required and also the reliability. However, even then, the problem remains that control cabinets require valuable production space on the machine.
These challenges can also be met with solutions such as decentralised terminal boxes, drives or, for example, Beckhoff EtherCAT Box modules, which can be mounted directly on the machine outside the control cabinet. None of these concepts, however, claims to replace the complete control cabinet and integrate the entire world of automation technology into the machine in a compact and robust way. After all, almost every machine still requires one or more separate control cabinets.
With the new MX-System, Beckhoff Automation is addressing these challenges with control cabinets that can be reduced to a minimum or even substituted with the holistic, modular and plug-in approach. This means that machines and systems can be designed and controlled entirely without control cabinets.
The MX-System exemplifies system integration of all machine functionalities, as it harnesses all the advantages of PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology at the same time. The compact system is made of metal and is not only dustproof and waterproof due to its high-quality workmanship, but also robust and resistant, which allows it to be placed directly at the machine.
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With the AF1000, Beckhoff now also offers a variable frequency drive presenting a cost-effective solution for basic drive applications, including conveyor systems, pumps and fans.
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New Zealand has been at the forefront of technological development in agriculture for years. A recent example involves the use of SNPshot DNA tests, which harness the latest technology from Beckhoff to meet the needs of farmers who take samples in the field, and DNA laboratories that process the samples.
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Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Beckhoff is enabling a real leap in automation technology performance with TwinCAT PLC++. Both engineering and runtime can be accelerated, while the well-known TwinCAT advantages of consistent integration, compatibility and openness continue to be delivered.
Read more...Cables and wires for food and beverage LAPP Southern Africa
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The strict hygiene regulations for handling foodstuffs stipulate particularly complex requirements for electrical components. The cables and accessories used must withstand a wide range of chemical, thermal and mechanical loads, and also function perfectly at all times in refrigerated and damp rooms.
Read more...Innovative separation of recyclable materials Beckhoff Automation
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A plant built by Belgian specialist machine builder, Absolem Engineering features an innovative process for separating recyclable materials. Using PC-based control from Beckhoff, a major problem has been elegantly solved - the generation of different signal sequences for the exact synchronisation of different camera systems.
Read more...Redefining mobility for fibre cabling Legrand
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As data volumes rapidly increase globally, specialists need to take an urgent look at IT and network infrastructure, with a particular focus on vital equipment like servers, racks and fibre cabling. The Legrand team believes that advanced fibre cabling solutions, which have been developed to simplify deployment, lower costs, improve performance and enable greater densities, will efficiently meet future capacity demands.
Read more...Assembly line for the automotive industry Beckhoff Automation
Electrical Power & Protection
How do you design a new assembly line and go on to reduce the footprint of the concept by another quarter? And how can you later increase the productivity of this highly consolidated line even further? Canadian automation expert, Eclipse found the answer in Beckhoff’s linear XTS transport system. After the second modernisation, the assembly line could produce two different types of pumps on the same small footprint.
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