Beckhoff Expands Cabinet-Free Automation With MX-System Baseplates and Modules

Beckhoff has added 3-row baseplates and larger function modules to its cabinet-free MX-System. The new baseplates feature additional data slots for pluggable function modules and can be combined with existing MX-System setups. The additional input ports and large surface area expand application possibilities to include larger machinery with more intricate control requirements.

Beckhoff has expanded its MX-System to include 3-row baseplates (pictured above) and size 3 function modules for bigger and more complex applications. Image used courtesy of Beckhoff

MX-System Overview

The MX-System is Beckhoff’s answer to the issue of bulky, overly complex control cabinets. It enables users to move away from rigid, inflexible cabinet-bound systems to modular, space-saving systems.

Ultimately, the MX-System reduces installation and integration costs associated with fitting control cabinets. The idea is to move away from centralized to decentralized automation and economize on facility space. The MX-System platform is designed to incorporate the plug-and-play concept, cutting installation time and facilitating a fast application setup.

The MX-System features direct mounting onto desired machinery and rugged baseplates with an ingress protection rating of IP67, which means they are dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water.

Beckhoff’s cabinet-free MX-System platform strips away the traditional closed system, ridding the need for added cooling systems, complex wiring, and facilitating faster, cost-cutting installation. Image used courtesy of Beckhoff

3-Row Baseplates and Size 3 Function Modules

The MX-System baseplates are designed to facilitate varied plug-in capacities and power needs to suit specific applications. The configurable baseplates allow users to add, reduce, and swap modules whenever required to suit application requirements. With the new addition of 3-row baseplates, the MX-System has greater scalability for both small and large-scale, high-power machines.

Additionally, the MX-System's new, larger size 3 function modules can accommodate powerful combinations, such as a power supply up to 63 A, a servo controller with an output of 28 A, and a 600 V DC supply at 40 A. This will be further expanded in future releases with modules that can switch alternating current loads up to 16 amps and feed-in capacities up to 125 A.

The 3-row baseplate can function as a central point when daisy chained with existing 1-row and 2-row baseplates for cabinet-free automation. Image used courtesy of Beckhoff

Cabinet-Free Automation

The newest additions to the MX-System solve earlier issues with using the platform with larger machines. Now, higher-power systems can be fully integrated into a cabinet-free architecture thanks to the new 3-row baseplates' capacity to handle power distribution.

Typically, the 3-row baseplate will serve as the primary node in a combined star and daisy-chain format, positioned above the current 1-row and 2-row baseplates. The 3-row baseplates can also be fitted with several size 1 and 2 modules to create a smaller footprint with smaller machines.

This extension makes modular, decentralized automation more applicable to a wider variety of industrial systems, especially those with greater integration and power requirements.