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What learning curve has there been over the last five years?

Felix Schulte: We have learned a lot in detail, but basically two things: On the one hand, the applications are very diverse and the technology is fundamentally exciting for all industries. On the other hand, a machine with planar motor drive technology has to be designed from the customer's product. Our customers usually have a product of a certain size and weight, and a suitable mover is selected according to these factors. There must then be an 'XPlanar' tile for this mover on which it can be operated in a space-optimized manner. In this way, the customer does not 'waste' any stator space and receives the most financially attractive solution with the smallest footprint. It is precisely this 'thinking of the machine from the product' that we are taking into account with our two new 'XPlanar' tiles presented at SPS 2023. These are perfectly designed for movers with a width of 155 mm and therefore for the space-optimized transport of products weighing between 800 and 3000 g.

What features and functions differentiate your planar system from those of the competition?

Our customers particularly like the software-based PC control approach from Beckhoff. On the one hand, this allows us to offer attractively priced technology - because expensive logic modules in the field devices are not necessary, as the central industrial PC takes care of all the calculations. Secondly, an 'XPlanar' system is programmed like any other Beckhoff product. Extensive specialized knowledge is not required. Thanks to EtherCAT, 'XPlanar' is precisely synchronized with all other devices in the field, and the deep integration into 'TwinCAT' means that there is no need to worry about interfaces to other automation functions. In addition, we are constantly expanding the functionality of our system through software updates. In 2021, for example, we were able to make 360° mover rotation easily available. In 2018, we still thought that a full rotation would require additional hardware. Now it's easy with a - free - update to the 'XPlanar' software.

At the beginning, there was a lot of talk about rationalization potential in material handling. In the meantime, you have already been able to install several systems in the field. What does it look like in practice - does the system meet the high requirements? Can you give some examples?

We have already discussed and implemented numerous, diverse and colorful applications: from sushi restaurants and ice cream portioning machines to cell cultivation and the assembly of hair dryers to candy production, battery manufacturing and much more. Basically, however, it can be said that 'XPlanar' is regularly used in the 'assembly and testing' sector in particular, followed in equal market shares by pharmaceutical and food applications.

What are your next steps in terms of the transport system - technologically and economically?

Our next technological step can be seen here at the SPS: the two 'XPlanar' tiles mentioned in the new form factors 320 mm × 320 mm and 320 mm × 160 mm. In economic terms, we are continuing to expand production, sales and support in order to meet the growing demand. Basically, we will continue to focus closely on the needs of our customers and ensure that they are also successful in their market with the use of 'XPlanar'.

Beckhoff at the SPS 2023: Hall 7, Booth 406