Beckhoff launches stainless steel eXtended Transport System in US for use in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and beyond

XTS Offers Hygienic Design for Compact, Flexible Motion Control with Optimal Cleanability

SAVAGE, Minnesota, October 22, 2020 – XTS Hygienic, the stainless steel version of the eXtended Transport System from Beckhoff, is now available in the U.S. The IP69K-rated linear transport solution opens up a wide spectrum of new applications, primarily in food and pharmaceutical industries and for processing and filling liquids. With optimal cleanability, high chemical resistance and no hidden corners, edges or undercuts, this hygienic design offers significant opportunities for innovation in these industries.

The advantages of the standard system as a highly flexible motion solution are combined with ease of cleaning, enabling process optimizations and maximum production line availability even in environments with extreme hygiene requirements. XTS Hygienic is much easier to clean compared to more complex mechanical systems, so routine cleaning tasks and format changeovers can be performed much more quickly.

The XTS replaces mechanical components with software functionality to allow for a high degree of design freedom in creating completely new machine concepts. As a result, applications with difficult environmental conditions, such as in product handling for the food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries, will benefit from the new hygienic design.

Stainless steel XTS provides advantages to OEMs and end users

XTS significantly reduces mechanical engineering requirements, reducing footprint, weight and wiring in machine designs. Compared to conventional solutions, the mechatronic system is much more flexible, with faster processes and less downtime due to maintenance. As a result, machine builders can now offer smaller, more powerful and more efficient systems, and end users benefit from a smaller footprint, higher productivity and faster product changeovers. In addition, as with the standard XTS, HepcoMotion will provide a sanitary stainless steel track, distributed by Bishop-Wisecarver in North America, to support applications with higher weight requirements.

Developed in close cooperation with the EHEDG

The XTS Hygienic was developed in close cooperation with the European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG). As a result, it meets all the requirements for system certification according to EL Class I AUX. The most important properties of this stainless steel version include the high IP69K protection class, which guarantees the highest possible degree of protection against ingress of dust and water. The surfaces can stand up to surfactants, acidic and alkaline cleaning agents, different alcohols and disinfectants and even hydrogen peroxide.

The mechanical components used in the XTS are made of V4A stainless steel, while the seals and covers consist of highly resistant plastic materials. All joints between the individual components are protected against dirt and liquid contamination by a high-quality, elastic joint seal. Once installed, the XTS components form an even, smooth surface together with the machine that is easily accessible in all areas so that it remains easy to clean. These properties also apply to the movers, with the rollers spaced at such a distance so that the gap can be cleaned, including with a finger. The rollers of the mover are specially sealed against the axis to reliably prevent the ingress of dirt and any leakage of bearing grease.