The new generation of Beckhoff panels from the CP2xxx and CP3xxx series includes multi-touch displays as a major new feature which significantly increases operating options and comfort. However, electromechanical buttons for key functions are still necessary or desired in many industrial applications, despite the many benefits provided by modern multi-touch technology. As with previous panel series, Beckhoff supports this with numerous standard and custom designs – from integrated short-stroke or emergency stop buttons to RFID or USB interfaces. These hardware options are connected by direct wiring, USB or any common bus system such as EtherCAT, Profibus or Profinet. Safety-relevant functions can be integrated easily via the TwinSAFE or PROFIsafe protocol.
Beckhoff control panels and panel PCs with optional pushbutton extensions enable the application-specific arrangement of electromechanical buttons, switches, indicator lamps, additional membrane keys and hand wheels directly on the operating unit. As a result, the control panel can be adapted precisely to the needs of the machine controller with all necessary functions, so that more complex machine control panels can be rendered obsolete.
The standard buttons, switches and indicator lamps are connected to the controller via USB or, for increased functionality, via EtherCAT or other bus systems. Additionally, all buttons can be directly wired via a terminal strip using a second NO contact.
Beckhoff offers pushbutton extensions as standard options (C9900-G0xx) or alternatively as customer-specific versions. The design is almost arbitrary – from different button versions in terms of colour, membrane keys, switches, capacitive buttons, electromechanical buttons, short-stroke buttons, toggle or key switches to RFID or USB interfaces.
Beckhoff’s multi-touch panel series offers maximum flexibility. Features include different display sizes from 18 to 61 cm, horizontal or vertical orientation, 4:3 or widescreen format, built-in or mounting arm panels, as well as DVI/USB panel variants or complete panel PCs with powerful integrated processors.
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Nissei Plastic, an injection moulding machine manufacturer based in Japan is implementing a worldwide tend towards open automation systems from experienced specialists using PC and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
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Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies has unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding (pins). This enables an extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
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NEO is a cartesian robot developed by INAUTOM Robótica in Portugal for parts removal on plastics machinery. Its aim is to increase system productivity. NAUTOM Robótica has entered into a strategic partnership with Bresimar Automação to increase the working speed of the cartesian robots using advanced control and motion solutions from Beckhoff. The result is a comprehensive, future-proof automation solution for its entire family of cartesian robots.
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Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding. This enables extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
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News
Hans Beckhoff has received the 2025 German Mechanical Engineering Award. This prestigious award honours entrepreneurs who have set standards in machine and system engineering, driven innovation, and taken on social responsibility.
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The TwinCAT 3 automation software from Beckhoff offers two new function libraries for CNC-specific user interfaces. These were used to create an advanced, intuitive HMI application specifically for CNC purposes and to simulate part machining using real-time data.
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As an open control platform, PC-based control supports different engineering approaches, including low-code programming. The machine builder, Additive Industries uses this to create the code for the TwinCAT runtime of its 3D printers.
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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.
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