Pneumatics & Hydraulics


MX-System extended with two pneumatic modules

August 2023 Pneumatics & Hydraulics

In November 2021, Beckhoff presented the MX-System: a completely new, holistic concept which aims to eliminate control cabinets. The basic concept aims to replace control cabinet wiring with a baseplate that allows a wide range of electronic modules to be automatically interconnected via standardised interfaces. All classic control cabinet functions are covered and pneumatic valves from Festo and SMC can now also be integrated directly with the help of two new modules.

The MX-System modules (contained in a metal housing) can simply be plugged in and screwed onto the baseplate to create a housing unit that is waterproof and dustproof, meaning that it can be used directly on the machine or system without any additional protective housing. The MX-System’s current range of functions already covers all typical control cabinet activities, i.e. reading in electrical sensor signals, controlling many types of actuators or motors across power classes, generating a multitude of voltages, and power distribution. With two new modules, pneumatic valves from Festo and SMC can now also be integrated directly into the MX-System as a function.

Beckhoff has developed two socket modules – MO2414 for Festo and MO2424 for SMC – with the standard MX-System interface for the respective valve type. The air supply for up to two Festo VUVG or SMC JSY3000 valves (with up to 500 l/min flow rate, depending on the manufacturer) can be connected to it. These can be mounted directly on the modules, and different variants such as 3/2-, 5/2-, or 5/3-way valves can also be combined with each other. While the MX-System socket module provides the valve air supply and the control signals, the outgoing hoses are connected directly to the respective valve.

The new MO2414 and MO2424 pneumatic modules expand the functional scope of the MX-System and consolidate its integrated approach to automating machines and plants. The basic idea of setting up the control cabinet as a distributed system and mounting the control system for actuators and sensors close by is now also an option for pneumatics. This is a particularly appropriate solution when there are only a few pneumatic functions on a machine part: the MX-System assembly offers an extremely simple way to control them. In addition, the MX-System allows valve terminals to be controlled with a wide variety of interfaces.

Furthermore, the advantages of simplified project planning and component reduction can now also be applied for pneumatics. Plus, no additional installation space is needed on the machine for the valves. Another advantage is that the Beckhoff Service App, which was developed specifically for the MX-System, now also minimises maintenance work for the pneumatics.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.

Read more...
Precision matters: Unravelling the intricacies of hydraulic cylinder honing
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
This article dives into the intricacies of hydraulic cylinder honing, shedding light on its significance, process and the technology behind achieving unparalleled precision.

Read more...
The six pillars of hydraulic system health
Hydrasales Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Hydrasales, a leader in hydraulic and lube oil industry solutions, offers an extensive range of condition monitoring products designed to safeguard your systems. Here are six essential checks for hydraulic system health to keep your systems in optimal shape.

Read more...
Compressed air preparation
Artic Driers International Pneumatics & Hydraulics
The choice of compressed air dryers is driven by the air quality demands of your plant.

Read more...
Compact drive and control technology
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
When custom machine builder Lehnen Industrial Services introduced a filling machine for lip balm, the company was surprised by the amount of interest in this premium system. In order to meet this demand, they decided to standardise the machine. The necessary adaptability is provided by the scalable control technology from Beckhoff.

Read more...
Distributed servo drive system with extended voltage range and additional braking option
Beckhoff Automation Electrical Power & Protection
Beckhoff’s AMP8620 supply module and AMP8805 distribution module are now also available with an extended voltage range for the AMP8000 distributed servo drive system.

Read more...
Industrial PCs with new processor generations and increased performance
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
PC-based control technology from Beckhoff has always benefited from the convergence of automation and the IT world. Current examples include the use of the latest industry-standard processor generations, high-quality and demand-optimised flash memory, and the long-term availability version of Windows 11.

Read more...
New EtherCAT digital input and output terminals
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The new EL14xx and EL24xx EtherCAT Terminals from Beckhoff complement the company’s existing broad portfolio in the area of digital input/output, and combine proven functions with an optimised circuit architecture.

Read more...
Monitoring system and motor status in real time with minimal
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Beckhoff’s AM8000, AM8300, AM8500, AM8700 and AM8800 series servomotors are available with the innovative Beckhoff Smart System Diagnosis. With B/SSD, it is possible to monitor motors and systems in real time with minimal effort and to implement effective predictive maintenance.

Read more...
Safety controller for industrial PCs
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
With TwinSAFE, Beckhoff offers an extensive portfolio of software and hardware components for functional safety. This range is continuously being expanded and developed, as demonstrated by numerous new safety I/Os and the TwinCAT Safety PLC with EL6910 functionality.

Read more...