Electricity and Control September 2025

Control systems + automation

© Beckho

The new pluggable terminal blocks with Push-X connection and Combi plug-in zone from Phoenix Contact set new standards in wiring technology. This combination enables straightforward and e•icient wiring in control cabinet building by connecting the field level with preassembled COMBI connectors. With the tool-free direct-connection technology that requires virtually no force, the Push-X connection o•ers a high level of operating convenience for all conductor types. Flexible conductors without ferrules can be connected especially quickly. In addition, visual and haptic feedback from the terminal point supports intuitive connection, which makes operation easier and minimises errors. The new XT 2.5.../P terminal blocks are compact with a nominal cross-section of 2.5 mm° and conductor cross sections of 0.5 to 4 mm°. They are designed for currents of up to 24 A and voltages of up to 800 V, ensuring high performance and flexibility in various applications. Another advantage is the quick release of the conductor due to the locking mechanism in the terminal point. This saves time and enables increased e•iciency in maintenance work. In addition, the configurable and standard COMBI connectors with up to 15 positions o•er flexibility for di•erent wiring requirements. This makes the pluggable terminal The CX5240 Embedded PC and the connected EtherCAT Terminals – including the EK1110 EtherCAT extension for setting up a line topology – provide the performance and flexibility to integrate additional function modules. Inspections during production The 100% inspection and sorting of parts normally takes place only a‘er production. In the production process, the most important parameters of a component are still measured manually and spot-checked in the laboratory. However, there is growing interest among manufacturing companies in integrating the data from sorting machines into inspection processes during production and using the objective and reliable data for continuous quality improvement and predictive maintenance. Dimac is already working on integrating cobots, linear axes, and transport systems into its machine concept to replace the traditional inspections operators carry out using plug gauges and other types of gauges with automated spot checks. Noce comments: “We see PC-based control and EtherCAT as key technologies for these applications, which, previously, we Making wiring of control cabinets easier

© Beckho

Image processing is an important part of Dimac’s sorting and inspection machines.

have o‘en been unable to implement due to excessive development costs.” PC-based control provides the necessary functions in an integrated system: control, image processing, motion, safety, human-machine interface, connectivity, and interoperability. Ottaviano and his team are assisted by the Beckho• support team, and he notes: “We are very satisfied with the technical support in terms of technical expertise and response times. Using EtherCAT and PC-based control as the automation architecture will take Dimac’s new generation of machines to a new level in terms of performance, reliability, and data analysis capability.”

For more information visit: www.beckho .com

blocks with Push-X connection and Combi plug-in zone a modern and flexible solution for control cabinet building that enables simple, fast, and reliable wiring and helps to reduce errors and increase e•iciency. Control systems + automation: Products + services

The new Push-X connection and Combi plug-in zone pluggable terminal blocks from Phoenix Contact simplify control cabinet wiring.

5 SEPTEMBER 2025 Electricity + Control