Configuration; Basic Functions - Beckhoff XTS Startup Manual

Technical description
6.2

Configuration

The linear XTS combines all drive technology functions in a single mechatronic system. Motor movement,
power electronics and displacement measurement form a technical unit, which can be used to implement a
wide range of complex movements. A user-friendly program interface enables different movements to be
realized simultaneously directly from TwinCAT with little effort. The modular XTS enables fast adaptation of a
transport concept to different geometries and applications. The XTS contains a fully integrated linear motor
with power electronics and position sensing in a single unit, a mover as moving part and a mechanical guide
rail. The desired geometries, lengths and radii are formed by the number and choice of the components.
6.2.1

Basic functions

The XTS enables a new class of functions that can be used at the same time in several places. Completely
new, particularly flexible: transport and positioning tasks are economically solvable with little effort.
6.2.1.1 Function of the linear motor with NC and further degrees of freedom
Free movement of the mover
The individual mover can be moved like a linear motor along the entire path, since it makes do without
cables. It can arbitrarily start, stop, brake, accelerate and drive to positions. Like a linear motor with NC
control, an individual mover can be synchronized to external motion profiles, thereby achieving maximum
flexibility.
Production speed
An individual mover can be addressed sensitively – without jerking and with maximum positioning accuracy.
The production speed may be up to 4 m/s over the entire track. The jerk-free acceleration profiles even allow
the transport of liquids.
Wear resistance
The use of XTS leads to less mechanical wear, since only the mover needs mechanical bearings. Gears,
belts, guide rollers and clamps are no necessary. Due to the high positioning accuracy, the compensation of
inaccuracies as required in common transport solutions is unnecessary: there is no stretching of chains due
to load and wear, re-tensioning of toothed belts or mechanical backlash during load changes. Apart from the
payload, only the small mass of the mover is moved.
6.2.1.2 Synchronous movement in the group
Movements with constant force
One mover follows another with a defined force. It can apply a clamping force and at the same time follow a
movement. For other applications the force can be limited so as not to place an unnecessary load on a
product under any conditions.
Synchronization in the group
Groups can be formed at any point on the track "on the fly" (during motion). The groups stop together or
move along processing stations with a specified velocity profile. The size of the group (number and spacing)
can be changed dynamically.
Free mobility of several movers
The movers can all be moved independently of one another. They can take up absolute positions along the
entire travel distance. In addition, they can be moved relatively to each other and always avoid a collision
with their neighbor.
22 Version: 1.2 eXtended Transport System Start-Up