Motion Control & Drives


XTS transport system with innovative ‘No Cable Technology’

July 2022 Motion Control & Drives

Beckhoff Automation’s modular XTS system has been expanded with ‘No Cable Technology’ (NCT) to include a special motor module as well as electronics that can be mounted on the movers. The hardware required for the transmission technology is fully integrated into the motor module, so that the existing functionalities and compact setup are retained. No additional connections or supply lines are needed. The control of the hardware on the mover is fully implemented in TwinCAT, with all known TwinCAT functionalities available for simple project implementation.

For the first time, NCT makes it possible to process and check the quality of products on the mover while the process is running. Sufficient power and fast communication with the TwinCAT control system enable easy connection of sensors and actuators. The data communication is real-time-capable and can synchronise system-wide events with µs accuracy in combination with EtherCAT.

This opens up new solution options for the user, especially in the areas of product handling, machining and measuring in parallel with product transport, as well as adapting production machines for rapidly changing production lots:

• Various motion sequences can be implemented on the mover itself, for example, to align a product.

• The mover becomes a mobile handling system with electromotive grippers, lifting magnets or vacuum suction cups that can pick up, transfer and deposit products.

• Heating or cooling of products during transport is just as possible as performing inline measurement.

• The integrated data communication enables, for example, unique mover, toolbox and product identification, as well as state and process monitoring on individual movers.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

More movement on the market
Motion Control & Drives
If you want to move something, you have to be able to control the movement. When positioning in the nanometre range everything matters and requires high performance motion control. Six years ago, Aerotech therefore set itself the goal of revolutionising the market for precision motion and machine control systems.

Read more...
Highly customisable robotic hand
Motion Control & Drives
NSK and the German Aerospace Centre are developing a robotic hand system that will help automate manual tasks. The concept centres on a customisable robot hand comprising individually configurable finger modules, an industry first.

Read more...
Electrically-operated diaphragm pumping solutions
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG has extended its range of Ingersoll Rand ARO fluid handling products to include the new EVO series electric diaphragm pumps, designed to enhance energy efficiency and improve fluid handling productivity.

Read more...
Surface drill rigs for Navachab in Namibia
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc South Africa recently delivered five of six FlexiROC drilling machines to key customer, Navachab Gold Mine.

Read more...
Flexible EtherCAT communication interface for DALI-2
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The EL6821 EtherCAT Terminal from Beckhoff allows up to 64 DALI/DALI-2 slaves and 64 DALI-2 input devices to be connected. The TwinCAT 3 System Manager makes it easy to configure and parameterise DALI devices flexibly.

Read more...
EtherCAT-based control technology for building automation
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Modern non-residential buildings place many high demands on building automation. This can be optimally implemented with EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff, which provides an efficient central automation architecture thanks to ultra-fast data communication.

Read more...
PC-based control for university studies
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The IDEA box developed at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences is designed to introduce students to the topic of Industry 4.0 in a simple and practical way. At the core of the corresponding demo case is PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...
Grease degradation diagnosis technology
Motion Control & Drives
NSK is developing a world-first: a high-accuracy way of rapidly and accurately diagnosing the remaining life of lubricant grease. The company will provide the solution as a mobile app, enabling users to perform the onsite analysis of lubricant condition in bearings and linear motion systems.

Read more...
New compact VFDs with higher power ratings
Motion Control & Drives
Invertek Drives has revealed the extension of its industry-leading Optidrive Coolvert variable frequency drive with the launch of two new compact frame sizes with higher power ratings.

Read more...
Asset reliability care field dominated by WearCheck
Wearcheck Motion Control & Drives
Condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck has solidified its position as a leading player in the asset reliability care sector.

Read more...