Electricity and Control July 2025

Control systems + automation

© Beckho

AX5000 servo drives control the AM8000 servomotors precisely.

© Beckho © Beckho © Beckho

and synchronous communication with all components. A further advantage is that several applications can be integrated into a single control system, including PLC and motion control, visualisation and vision, as well as external applications such as the management of additional devices. For example, users can access the labeller integrated via EtherCAT in the control panel using a browser to set the parameters for labelling. Innovation unlimited The decision in favour of PC-based control was also based on the continual innovations and the resulting development potential that Beckho› o›ers machine builders like TME. “PC based control o›ers endless possibilities in the design phase. If we have an idea, we’re certain that we’ll be able to implement it,” says Zuccheri. The system-integrated approach also makes it possible to divide scarce personnel resources across the various machine series. This has enabled TME to reduce the overall design, development, and testing times for its machines. “You can’t build flexible and truly open machines today without using a PC-based architecture,” Zuccheri states, describing the paradigm of Industry 4.0. With PC-based control, it is possible to connect the machine to the Internet, communicate with other machines or devices on a production line and, if required, manage devices and systems from other manufacturers. All this with a standardised, scalable solution that can be upgraded to the latest available PC technology or a more powerful CPU at any time – without having to adapt the application. This is a great advantage in the design phase, during commissioning, or when servicing. Another favourable consideration Zuccheri notes is that the TwinCAT development environment is free of charge, which is not the case with all soŽware platforms. “Our technicians can always access the complete development environment on their laptops, which means they can carry out upgrades or soŽware reconfigurations at our customers’ premises at any time.” In the event of acute faults, the end customer can install TwinCAT on a local computer and connect to the system within a few minutes. Using remote maintenance, the service technician can then search for and rectify the fault. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, our support team was able to carry out commissioning and maintenance tasks on systems that were thousands of kilometres away,” adds Magnani. Investing in sustainability According to the machine builder, Beckho› as a system supplier optimises purchasing management and accelerates

The One Cable Technology connection technology for the AM8000 servomotors speeds up installation and saves valuable space.

For the Cialdy EVO packaging machine, TME uses a CX5130 Embedded PC with numerous EtherCAT Terminals (right) and the CU8802 CP-Link 4 transmitter box (left) for communication with the control panel.

The openness of PC-based control and EtherCAT makes it possible to configure third-party devices such as a labeller via the CP3916 Control Panel.

the implementation of innovations with its product developments. TME is currently focusing on sustainability, in terms of reducing energy consumption and processing environmentally friendly materials. “Our upcoming machine series will be more modular and open for integration – and will come with an app for monitoring,” Zuccheri says.

For more information visit: www.beckho .com

JULY 2025 Electricity + Control

5