Distributed drive systems for control cabinet-free machine concepts

In recent years, distributed drive technology has become a key part of automation and drive technology. It offers significant advantages over traditional centralized approaches, especially in terms of flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. Distributed drive technology moves drive components, such as servo drives or stepper motor terminals, out of the control cabinet and into the machine.

In contrast to centralized drive technology, in which all control and regulation components are housed in a central control cabinet, the components involved in distributed drive technology are installed directly in the housing of the motor.

Your head start with distributed drive systems from Beckhoff:

• control cabinet-free concepts
• space-saving, straightforward, and smaller footprint
• reduced material and labor costs
• simple wiring and low installation and commissioning costs
• EtherCAT system
• high level of modularity for system adaptations or extensions
• connection of additional I/O signals in IP65 configurations possible

Borghi S.p.A.

The new production sequence developed by the Italian machine builder Borghi S.p.A. created a striking increase in productivity and was implemented with PC-based control and the AMP8000 distributed servo drive system based on EtherCAT P.

URBX

Compact, powerful control technology for AGVs and mobile robots. Storage racks up to 125 feet tall. Totes weighing 100 pounds. And no tedious searching for SKUs. US company URBX has developed a new high-speed fulfillment solution for retail stores and e-commerce. Automation technologies from Beckhoff provide the reliable foundation for this.

Syntegon Technology GmbH

Syntegon, a global supplier of process and packaging technology for the food and pharmaceutical industries,has designed the new end-of-line cartoner as an entry-level machine and recently equipped it with AMP8000 distributed servo drives rather than mechanical drive technology. According to Pete Hyde, electrical and software engineering manager at Syntegon, this is a key requirement for stable processes: “Switching to servo technology allows us to perfectly synchronize different drive components, securing repeatable product placement. The flexibility and reliability that this achieves are key to the success of our equipment.”

Classic Car House

A lovingly restored 1965 Citroën 2CV stands on a pedestal. Suddenly, the scene comes to life as a series of pulleys allow the individual parts of this iconic car to float up to the ceiling and back down as if by magic. Designed by Kvorning Design and delivered by All Stage Production, this installation is the latest attraction at the Classic Car House in Copenhagen. And what is it that ensures this crowd-pleaser functions precisely, reliably, and safely? PC-based control from Beckhoff.

HP Indigo

Shorter product life cycles and increasing customization are changing many areas of life, and the packaging market is no exception. Accordingly, manufacturers increasingly need to adapt both the shape and the look of their products to their customers’ requirements, even for smaller quantities – right down to a lot size of one. Israel-based printing specialist HP Indigo accommodates these changes with its new V12 digital printing press, in which roughly 100 axes are precisely synchronized and rapidly controlled with PC-based control technology, EtherCAT, and compact, integrated AMI812x servo drives.