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Innovative planar motor system redefines material transport
24 November 2020
Beckhoff UK is setting a new standard for drive technology with the launch of its eXtended planar motor system. XPlanar, which features free-floating movers that electromagnetically traverse easily configurable planar tiles, opens up new degrees of flexibility with its multi-dimensional positioning capabilities and variable configurability in a multitude of industries.
The XPlanar system’s free-floating planar movers provide jerk-free movement and can remain contact-free at up to four m/s over planar tiles that can be arranged in any desired layout. Kept at a defined distance by electromagnetic forces, travelling magnetic fields generated in the planar tiles provide precise and high dynamic positioning of the movers.
The highly flexible floor and track layout means that XPlanar tiles can be arranged in configurations to suit any need. In the floor arrangement, distances between processing stations can be kept short and buffer zones can be planned into the layout. XPlanar can also be configured into a highly customised transport system, with the ability to create waiting zones and fast-track lanes to allow overtaking and avoid congestion.
The XPlanar movers are available in different formats depending on the application and are controlled by Beckhoff’s TwinCAT software. Capable of carrying loads up to 6kg, and even more when grouped together, movements specific to transported goods or production are possible naturally while travelling: lifting, lowering, weighing, tilting or rotating. The movers can also be operated vertically and upside-down, making the range of applications much more diverse.
“The XPlanar system is revolutionising product transport in production plants and machines,” said Stephen Hayes, Managing Director for Beckhoff Automation UK. “Industrial systems can now become simpler because XPlanar can now take over some of the tasks such as sorting and order handling, giving machine builders and operators a new level of freedom.
“Using the XPlanar system means unlocking the maximum possible flexibility in layout and architecture, and in positioning. As well as the full system, we also provide XPlanar starter kits, so that users can trial the system in their own environments and recognise the advantages of their own implementation early on.”
The XPlanar system heralds a whole new era in product transportation, with a wealth of possibilities being available in the modular Beckhoff automation portfolio right from the start. More information about XPlanar, TWINCat and the starter kits can be found on Beckhoff’s website.
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