Beckhoff has expanded the EtherCAT- enabled eXtended Transport System (XTS) portfolio recently with new hardware and software enhancements. XTS Hygienic, a stainless steel, IP69K version, is ideal for wash-down production environments in packaging, pharma, food and beverage. In addition, new Track Management functionality allows individual movers to transfer between multiple XTS systems, enabling further customization, quality inspection, automatic defect ejection and more. These features, along with the system’s high speeds, dynamics, small footprint, instant recipe changeovers and real-time integration with robotics, further revolutionize possibilities in machine design.
Another breakthrough in mechatronics technology, the XPlanar flying motion solution delivers unrivaled flexibility and throughput in part, product and package handling. The system uses planar motor tiles as a base to levitate passive movers that can fly at speeds of 4 m/s and acceleration up to 20 m/s2. Path planning and collision avoidance software produce extremely efficient and maintenance-free motion control for complex assembly, packaging, inspection and material handling applications. Anti-sloshing functionality in TwinCAT 3 software optimizes XPlanar’s transport capabilities in applications involving liquids, such as filling of beverages, cosmetics and other goods. XPlanar offers wear-free movement and the ability to cover planar motor tiles with stainless steel, glass or other hygienic surfaces.
Next-step Automation Offers Unrivaled Flexibility
Beckhoff Automation is a global provider of open automation systems based on advanced PC Control technology. The “New Automation Technology” philosophy at Beckhoff represents universal and open automation solutions used in a wide spectrum of high- tech applications around the world. These applications range from control of machines and robots, to Internet of Things (IoT) systems,
to category-defining mechatronics solutions and much more. The world headquarters of Beckhoff Automation is in Verl, Germany while the U.S. headquarters office is in Savage, Minn. (Minneapolis area).