Efficient and sustainable automation for packaging machines

The ever-increasing demand for resource savings, cost efficiency, reduced complexity, and shorter time-to-market calls for flexible, scalable machine architectures. Beckhoff’s response to this development includes innovative transport solutions that are precisely tailored to the needs of the packaging industry. The XPlanar planar motor system with floating movers supports wear-free product transportation within the system. With speeds of up to 3 m/s and movements in six degrees of freedom, it is designed for micrometer-precise positioning. The large selection of XPlanar tiles and mover geometries creates the basis for bespoke machine layouts and path layouts with a small footprint.

The XTS linear transport system increases productivity as individual motion profiles decouple slow process steps. Software-based format changes without downtime ensure exceptional adaptability. XTS Hygienic is available in a stainless steel version specifically to meet the exacting demands of the pharmaceutical and food industries. The EcoLine motor module variant is recommended for cost-critical applications. If required, No Cable Technology (NCT) can transform the passive XTS movers into autonomous mobile processing stations. Contactless energy transfer and data communication directly to the movers allow transport times to be used for parallel subtasks including weighing, aligning, rotating, and mixing.

Control cabinet-free automation

Beckhoff is tapping into extraordinary potential for reducing complexity with the MX-System. This pluggable modular system for control cabinet-free automation brings control, I/Os, and drive technology directly to the machine inside a compact and robust metal housing, eliminating the need for expensive control cabinets and much of the conventional wiring. The plug-and-play architecture allows for scalable solutions and quick module replacement in case of service. Smart diagnostics via Bluetooth^® speeds up fault detection and reduces downtime. At Interpack 2026, Beckhoff will be presenting the new
MX-System Designer web-based tool, which can be used to configure all required modules in a structured manner and to complete a technical evaluation of key aspects of the electrical system design ahead of time during the planning stage.

Matched drive technology

Beckhoff is presenting the economy drive system at Interpack, featuring precisely matched servomotors, drive controllers, and inverters for incredibly cost-efficient drive solutions in packaging machines. The AX1000 servo drives are available as single-axis or double-axis variants and cover a range of up to 1,000 W at 230 V AC and up to 1,700 W at 400 V AC. The AF1000 variable frequency drives are designed for outputs of up to 5.5 kW. The high-performance AM1000 synchronous servomotors are equipped with robust connectors with One Cable Technology (OCT) for quick installation. Complete system integration in TwinCAT ensures simple commissioning and comprehensive diagnostic options.

Future-proof software architecture

Additionally, Beckhoff automation software ensures the future viability of advanced packaging systems and the shortest possible time-to-market. With TwinCAT PLC++, developers benefit from significantly increased PLC performance in runtime and engineering, while TwinCAT MC3 optimizes CPU utilization for motion applications. Beckhoff is demonstrating the next logical step in control technology through the integration of AI: TwinCAT 3 CoAgent acts as an assistant that supports users during operation – from project planning through language-based code suggestions for PLC and HMIs to AI-supported fault diagnostics. With TwinCAT Machine Learning Creator, users can also generate powerful AI models from existing machine data and execute them on the controller directly in real time.