Beckhoff Automation (beckhoffautomation.com) will demonstrate its new AMP8000 distributed servo drive system alongside a complete lineup of automation hardware, software and networking solutions at Pack Expo 2018 in Chicago.

AMP8000 servo system

The AMP8000 distributed servo drive system from Beckhoff promotes advanced motion control architectures that are cost-effective, highly efficient and easily adjustable through dramatic reductions in electronics, mechanical hardware and cabling. By combining a servo drive and servomotor into one device, the AMP8000 system reduces overall packaging machine footprint and space requirements inside control cabinets and enclosures. A single coupling module can operate up to five drives using the EtherCAT P One Cable Automation solution that supplies industrial-grade power and EtherCAT industrial Ethernet communication.

Requiring no alterations to the existing machines, the AMP8000 boasts power ratings from 0.61 to 1.23 kW and standstill torque ratings from 2.00 to 4.8 Nm at an F4 flange size or power ratings from 1.02 to 1.78 kW and standstill torque ratings from 4.10 to 9.7 Nm with an F5 flange. The servo drive system also represents the Beckhoff commitment to promoting safety technology in all areas via integrated STO and SS1 safety functions.

IoT hardware, software and networking in one

To supply entire smart factories, Beckhoff will display a number of IoT-ready automation and control solutions at Pack Expo. Expanding into the realm of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), Beckhoff will also introduce the EK1000 EtherCAT TSN Coupler to Pack Expo attendees. The EK1000 expands the Beckhoff EtherCAT I/O system’s industrial networking interoperability to include TSN, which is now added to other connectivity and IoT standards, such as OPC UA, multiple industrial Ethernet protocols and all legacy fieldbuses. This makes migration to new vertical and horizontal communication systems easier and permits easy IoT and cloud retrofits for industrial systems already in the field.

Representing the newest generation of Beckhoff Industrial PCs (IPCs), the C6015, C6017 and C6030 IPCs are Microsoft Azure-certified and capable to work with Amazon Web Services (AWS), SAP HANA and other cloud services. The C6015 incorporates an Intel Atom processor (up to four cores), and the C6030 uses Intel Core i-series processors of the 6^th and 7^th Generation. The latest entry into the range, the C6017, offers the same Intel Atom processors found in the C6015, but adds two more RJ45 interfaces and two additional USB 2.0 ports. The three IPCs are ideally suited for all IoT, machine control, cloud connectivity and edge device requirements in manufacturing.

TwinCAT software updates have added a number of important tools for packaging machine builders and end users, including expanded data processing through TwinCAT Analytics and HTML5-enabled TwinCAT HMI for industrial displays and mobile devices. In addition, TwinCAT Motion Designer supplies additional tools to commission entire motor, drive and mechanical systems in software, whether integrated into the TwinCAT 3 platform or used as a stand-alone motion system engineering tool.

Visit Beckhoff Automation at booth S-3183 during PACK EXPO in Chicago, October 14-17.