Beckhoff is unlocking entirely new possibilities in material handling with the introduction of XPlanar. In this innovative system for flying motion control, planar movers float freely above planar tiles arranged in customizable layouts and enable extremely flexible, precise and highly dynamic positioning. For equipment manufacturers and end users, this results in maximum flexibility and simplification in equipment and warehouse designs.
The XPlanar system combines the individual arrangement of planar tiles with multi-dimensional positioning capability of the planar movers floating above them via electromagnetism. The movers enable jerk-free and contact-free motion with velocities up to 2 m/s and 50 μm positioning repeatability – completing movements without any noise or abrasion.
The planar motor system is highly scalable to suit individual requirements in facilities. Due to the maximum flexibility in mover positioning and very high motion dynamics, it is possible, for example, to divide product flows very simply and individually, so that previously necessary robots or inflexible mechanical devices can be efficiently replaced. The contact-free mover travel also eliminates wear, emissions and carryover contamination from products being transported.
The basis of the XPlanar system is the planar tiles, which measure 240 x 240 mm and can be arranged in any desired geometries that are precisely adapted to the application at hand. The tiles contain all power electronics and support Gigabit communication via EtherCAT G. A freely selectable number of planar movers float above them, made possible by integrated permanent magnets. The movers can be used not only horizontally, but also vertically and even upside down.
There is currently a choice of four different planar mover types:
The two-dimensional X/Y positioning of the movers is supplemented by additional motion functions:
