MX-System from Beckhoff

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 costs a lot of time and is also prone to errors. Approaches already exist to build automated control cabinets, thus increasing the resources required and reliability. However, even then, the problem remains that control cabinets require valuable production space on the machine. These challenges are also met with solutions such as decentralized 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, claim 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.

Machine and plant concepts without control cabinet in IP67

With the new MX-System, Beckhoff Automation is rising to these challenges and starting a revolution in the automation environment. Control cabinets can be reduced to a minimum or even substituted with the holistic, modular, and plug-in approach. This means that machines and systems can now 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 made of metal is not only dust and waterproof due to its high-quality workmanship, but also robust and resistant, which allows it to be placed directly at the machine. When it comes to the automation of machines or plants, system supplier Beckhoff Automation offers virtually all of the required components in a wide performance range, with TwinCAT control software, IPCs, controllers, I/Os, drives, motors, power supplies, and cables laying the foundations for high-performance automation.

The MX-System is a uniform modular automation component that can be used to completely replace traditional control cabinets with modules in many applications. The system consists of a robust aluminum baseplate in protection class IP67 with integrated module slots that feature EtherCAT for communication and an integrated power supply (safety extra-low voltages as well as 400 V AC and 600 V DC). The largest expansion stage can even accommodate a connected load of 400 V AC/63 A. Corresponding modules are available for the mains connection and all other control cabinet functions. When it comes to connecting the field level, the modules use connection plugs that have been tried and tested for many years in the field of automation technology. A system combination of baseplate and modules has a protection class of IP67 and can be mounted directly on the machine. The system reduces the amount of effort involved for the manufacturer, especially during the planning and installation phases, while the integrated diagnostic functions reduce the complexity for the end-user. This all combines to result in a modular control cabinet system with a high protection class that can be mounted on the machine without the need for additional protective housings.

https://www.beckhoff.com/hi-in/products/mx-system/

Source: Beckhoff Automation Pvt Ltd

---

---