In large-scale machine production, expenditure for replicating designed controller configurations is a significant cost factor. While traditional control cabinet wiring offers maximum flexibility and extendibility, this is not required when manufacturing hundreds of essentially identical machines. On the contrary, the manual wiring of mass-produced machines is a common source of errors and causes high labour costs.
The new EtherCAT plug-in modules introduce an efficient wiring solution into the series production of machines. In combination with industrially manufactured cable harnesses, the signal distribution board – a circuit board specially designed by the user or by Beckhoff – distributes signals and power supply between the EtherCAT plug-in modules and the machine. The unit costs are lowered through the automated production of circuit boards and cable harnesses. The risk of incorrect wiring is reduced to a minimum, since the EtherCAT plug-in modules and the plug connectors of the cable harnesses offer coding options.
The entire range of functions from the Beckhoff I/O portfolio, including functional safety solutions, can be implemented in an extremely compact form factor with the EJ series. Thanks to board level plug-and-play, a nearly limitless combination of options can be selected and plugged in as needed. In addition, the EtherCAT plug-in module system is simple to maintain because it leverages standard, globally-accepted industrial Ethernet technologies.
Integrating fire alarm systems into building management systems Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fire alarm systems work independently of the building automation system. Schrack Seconet has developed a flexible gateway using ultra-compact industrial PCs and TwinCAT from Beckhoff, which can be used to flexibly convert a customer-specific communication protocol to a wide range of transmission standards.
Read more...Hybrid DCS for an evolving industrial landscape Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Today’s industrial automation continues to evolve at a blistering speed, which means traditional DCSs have to keep up to ensure continuous integration into modern, digital infrastructure.
Read more...PC-based control regulates innovative dehumidifiers Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Swedish company, Airwatergreen is breaking new ground in the dehumidification of air in industrial buildings and warehouses. The patented CVP technology reduces energy requirements and ensures an indoor climate that prevents corrosion and mould growth. PC-based control from Beckhoff regulates this innovative process.
Read more...PC-based control in window and door production Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
Belgian machine builders CNC Solutions and Calvet are automating previously manual processes in aluminium window and door production. High-performance drive technology, motion control and electric cylinders from Beckhoff proved crucial in equipping the machine with the necessary finesse when pressing the window frames.
Read more...PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Sufficient storage options for renewable energies are essential to use them as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Prestigious award recognises inventiveness and entrepreneurial courage Beckhoff Automation
News
Hans Beckhoff, managing director, owner and founder of Beckhoff Automation, was recently honoured with the widely acclaimed Rudolf Diesel Medal 2025. This medal honours him as a visionary pioneer in automation technology.
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