Beckhoff Automation expands MX-System with new 3-row baseplate, larger function modules

Beckhoff Automation has expanded the MX-System control cabinet-free automation platform with new 3-row baseplates and larger function modules in size 3.

These new devices can be combined with existing size 1 and 2 modules in the MX-System platform, expanding the range of applications for cabinet-free automation.

New data slots enable larger, more complex controls

Beckhoff said the new MX-System baseplate in size 3 offers an additional data slot row, which opens up new possibilities for larger machines with more complex control requirements. The company added that there are now significantly more slots available to accommodate additional pluggable function modules within the same baseplate width.

The size 3 baseplate is compatible with all MX-System function modules in established sizes, but also accommodates new 3-row modules. The passive cooling principle remains unchanged in size 3, although the larger cooling surface enables higher performance ranges.

The first size 3 function modules offer a 600 V DC power supply with 40 A nominal current, a servo controller with 28 A nominal current, and a power supply for up to 63 A. Beckhoff said additional MX-System function modules based on the size 3 format will be added in the future -  such as modules for switching AC loads of up to 16 A. It will also be possible to implement feeds of up to 125 A.

Beckhoff said this addition to the MX-System portfolio significantly increases the range of applications that can use cabinet-free automation. Before these new capabilities, Beckhoff said machines requiring high-power inputs could only be implemented to a limited extent and in a hybrid manner using the modular MX-System. However, the 3-row baseplates can now replace the control cabinet for power distribution that was previously required in these cases, allowing larger machines to feature entirely control cabinet-free designs.

In a machine topology, Beckhoff said a 3-row baseplate will likely always be positioned above the existing 1-row and 2-row baseplates, serving as a central point in a combined star and daisy-chain topology. For a compact machine, the 3-row baseplate can fit as many size 1 and 2 modules as possible in a minimal surface area, providing a full replacement for the control cabinet. Beckhoff added that users can also benefit from the MX-System’s wider range of functions.