Factory > Motion | Automation World

'On the surface of the tile, there are a lot of very flat coils; and that's where the name XPlanar comes from. By generating electromagnetic fields, the coils float and propel the mover above the surface. And then, by varying these electromagnetic fields, we’re able create free 2D motion, which allows for six degrees of freedom, enabling the mover to travel in any direction we want.” — Jeff Johnson, Beckhoff Automation

Adaptive Manufacturing Gets Real with New Materials Handling Tech

The ability to easily create custom products requires new technologies to move beyond mass production. Beckhoff’s XPlanar enables lot size one production as well as positioning for labeling, inspection, and other production and packaging operations.

How Can New Material Handling Technologies Support Adaptive Manufacturing Concepts?

In this episode, we connect with Jeff Johnson, U.S. mechatronics product manager at Beckhoff, to learn more about how Beckhoff's XPlanar material handling system uses levitation to move parts and products for assembly and/or packaging applications.

Cables and hoses are routed in conduit around the robot to protect them against the robot’s movements and application environment.

Cable Design Considerations for Dynamic Applications

Answers to questions about the types of industrial cables used in a variety of automation applications.

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Advances in Conveyance Technology

Take Five Video: An assortment of flexible conveyance options available on the market today can allow manufacturers to more precisely position products, achieve energy efficiency gains, and improve overall equipment effectiveness.

Flexible feeding system using vision, motion, and robotics technologies developed by Armo Tool in conjunction with Omron Automation and Taylor Fluid Systems.

The Rise of Flexible Feeding System Technology

Why flexible feeding systems, which incorporate robotics, vision, and motion technologies are beginning to replace the vibratory bowl feeders that have long been used sort small parts for assembly and packaging.

Beckhoff Highlights Material Handling and Machine Vision Updates

Beckhoff’s press conference at Hannover Messe focused on new functionalities for its XTS, XPlanar, and TwinCAT Vision products.

Digital twins can be used to help optimize production lines, including motor and drive configurations.

Motors and Drives Come Together for Motion Efficiency, Performance, Reliability

Beyond the advances made to both motors and drives in terms of energy efficiency, safety, cleanability, and more, suppliers emphasize the importance of how they work together in a complete motion system.

Non-Magnetic Coaxial Cable

Non-Magnetic Coaxial Cable

Superior signal transmission and increased reliability

General purpose inverter duty rated motors from Siemens.

Motor Selection Insights

A look at the factors that come into play when deciding between general purpose and inverter duty-rated motors for industrial applications.

What's the Difference Between Standard and Inverter Duty Motors?

In this episode, we connect with Brent Kooiman, senior project engineer and design manager at Interstates, to learn about the differences between general purpose and inverter duty motors and the types of industrial applications each are best suited for.

XPlanar eliminates the need to move the plasma jet; instead, a floating planar mover carries the workpiece into position for precise surface treatment. Source: Plasmatreat

OEM Redesigns Equipment to Incorporate XPlanar Floating Movers

The levitating material handling technology from Beckhoff is being used by Plasmatreat in its equipment to position materials beneath spray nozzles for plasma pre-treatment and coating.

Beckhoff X Planar

Technology Matters: Beckhoff's XPlanar System

This video is an excerpt from Automation World's 'Technology Matters' video series in which Beckhoff's XPlanar technology debut at PACK EXPO Connects is highlighted.

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Motion Industries Acquires Motion Control and Automation Company

Kinetix 5100 servo drive from Rockwell Automation

Integrated Motion Technologies

A trio of new servo drive products highlight the integration of multiple motion control components to provide more compact size, higher power, and ease of installation.

The well-known trunk-and-spur configuration will serve as the general topology for Ethernet-APL. Source: Profibus & Profinet International.

OPC Foundation Joins APL Project; Announces OPC UA Motion

Highlighting its role in the development of new industrial process and discrete communications, the OPC Foundation has joined the advanced physical layer for industrial Ethernet project group and is working with ODVA and Sercos on a new motion technology.

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High-Efficiency IE5 Motor and VFD

Nord Gear showcases its newest high-efficiency motor and variable frequency drive combination to deliver operating cost savings regardless of the motor's speed and load.

When the Drive Becomes the Controller

Determining when to use intelligent variable frequency drives without an external programmable logic controller is a matter of balancing costs, utility, and practicality.

The complex structure of Roche’s cobas plasma separation card consists of a carrier layer with a bonded nonwoven fabric and an upper layer for protection and labeling.

Flexible Production Makes Roche’s HIV Test Innovation a Success

Roche designed a plasma separation card that greatly simplifies blood sampling and transport. Beckhoff Automation made production of the card cost-effective with its flexible, compact eXtended Transport System.