Beckhoff Automation

Eight automation disciplines, one architecture: see them work together on a real machine at SPS – Smart Production Solutions 2026. Machines need to get more precise and flexible while staying economical and extensible. PC-based Control unites control, motion, safety, measurement, vision, robotics and AI tools: TwinCAT as the shared engineering base, EtherCAT for precise communication down to the field level. Bring your toughest automation challenge to Hall 7, Booth 406 – we are looking forward to working through it with you!

How do you operate a 3D printer for microelectronics whose components each run their own software – in five separate windows? At TNO's Holst Centre in Eindhoven, researchers develop 3D printing processes for microelectronics. The tool ran on a Beckhoff backbone, but its UV projector and alignment tool each came with their own software – not all of it compatible. What broke the deadlock was architectural: One PC-based controller now acts as process orchestrator in a MainDevice/SubDevice configuration. In Time Tec built the automation layer above it in C++ and Structured Text, with EtherCAT distributed clocks keeping the time-critical image processing in step. The benefits: · one interface instead of five control windows · fiducial alignment on the LDT tool: 30 to 50 µm instead of 60 to 80 µm by hand · one automation layer handling communication between all components Today the researchers run the machine from a single screen and spend their hours refining the print process, not the software. See how PC-based control became the platform for harmonizing an entire development tool in semiconductor research.

Cable trays, cabinet space, commissioning time: the cost of a conveyor line is rarely in the rollers. Central control cabinets drive up infrastructure costs, require miles of cabling, and need valuable floor space. By shifting the drive control directly to the conveyor belt with our EtherCAT Box modules, you enable decentralized control cabinet-free installation of the drive technology. The EP741x MDR controllers provide sensorless control of 24 to 48 V BLDC motor rollers from any manufacturer. Available as 2-channel (EP7412) and 4-channel (EP7414) versions, the IP54 EtherCAT Box mounts directly in the conveyor rail profile. Explore our direct comparison table and find the right MDR controller to reduce the costs in your next major intralogistics project.

Besuchen Sie Beckhoff auf der Internationalen Zuliefererbörse (IZB) 2026 in Wolfsburg und entdecken Sie leistungsfähige, PC- und EtherCAT-basierte Steuerungslösungen für die Fahrzeug- und Komponentenproduktion. Mit innovativen Technologien wie XTS, XPlanar, dem MX-System für die schaltschranklose Automatisierung und Physical KI – der Verschmelzung von künstlicher Intelligenz mit klassischer Steuerungstechnik – gestalten Sie Ihre Produktion schneller, flexibler und kompakter. Ort: Wolfsburg, Deutschland Datum: 27. – 29.10.2026 Stand: Halle IZB2, Stand 2212 Wir freuen uns auf Ihren Besuch und den Austausch mit Ihnen!

Which TwinCAT runtime mode fits your setup? Discover the core differences in a compact 30-minute overview. The webinar provides an overview of the TwinCAT operating modes – kernel mode and user mode – as well as the advanced capabilities of the TwinCAT Usermode Runtime. Henning Mersch explains the requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of the Usermode Runtime compared to kernel mode. Visit our website to secure your spot for the webinar!

Visit us at IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 in London from September 22–24 at Booth S4302. Discover how Beckhoff's New Automation Technology can help you create ultimate guest experiences and enable your creativity. See you there!