Aumann Cuts Out the Control Cabinet for Smarter Winding Machines

Brandon Snell
Aug 11
3 min read

Updated: Sep 19

MX-System from Beckhoff enables cabinet-free machine control

For over 90 years, Aumann AG has brought passion and precision to the world of automation. As a part of this company, Aumann Espelkamp GmbH specializes in designing cutting-edge automation systems for the world’s most demanding industries, from automotive and electronics to e-mobility. And at their site in Espelkamp, Germany, innovation unfurls with next-generation winding technology for electric motors and drives.

In their latest leap forward, Aumann has taken a bold step by eliminating the traditional control cabinet entirely. They are collaborating with Beckhoff to deploy the MX-System, a revolutionary cabinet-free automation solution, to simplify engineering, reduce lead times, and create more compact, future-ready machines.

A new approach to rotor winding

At the heart of Aumann’s newest innovation is a vertical needle winding machine specifically developed for rotor winding in electric motors. In this application, precision is key, both in speed and in quality. To address these high-demand areas, the team at Aumann focused on two key areas: the wiregate system and the controls architecture.

“One of the interesting things in our main items is the design of the wiregate system, which allow us to achieve low cycle times and higher rotor quality ,” says Christian Gerkensmeier, Head of Winding Technology at Aumann Espelkamp GmbH. “And another important topic is the use of the MX-System.”

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Cabinet-free automation: Compact, clean, and efficient

Traditionally, machine builders rely on bulky control cabinets to house the power supplies, PLCs, and I/O systems that keep machines running. But with the MX-System, that complexity disappears, replaced with a plug-and-play, cabinet-free design that speeds up everything from installation, to diagnostics and updates.

The MX-System combines power supply, control technology, field-level I/O, drive technology, and more into a single, modular platform that mounts directly to the machine, no cabinet required. Modules are pluggable, robust, and IP67-rated, allowing them to be installed directly on the production floor.

For machine builders, every hour of engineering and installation time counts. Traditionally, adding automation components involves panel design, cabinet wiring, cable routing, and many hours of integration, often followed by troubleshooting and complex reworks.

With the MX-System, the entire process is dramatically simplified with the help of the same TwinCAT software and EtherCAT I/O trusted across the Beckhoff portfolio, making it easy to integrate into existing workflows and architectures.

“It’s much less effort to implement the MX-System,” says Gerkensmeier. “So, we have less effort for the mechanical and electrical engineers to lower the lead times of the machine and make it more compact.”

A cabinet-free future

This speed does not come at the expense of performance. In fact, Aumann Espelkamp GmbH has used Beckhoff PC-based control in their winding machines for over 15 years, relying on the inherent scalability, precision, and real-time capabilities. Now, the MX-System brings that same reliability in a form factor that is easier to install, maintain, and expand.

One of the key reasons Aumann was able to move so quickly with their new machine design is the strong technical support provided by Beckhoff throughout the process. “We get a lot of support from Beckhoff throughout the planning, integration, and startup of the system.”

In industries like automotive and e-mobility, where products and production lines are constantly evolving, manufacturers need automation systems that are flexible, modular, and future-proof.

With its pluggable modules, direct machine mounting, and open, scalable architecture, the MX-System gives manufacturers a better way to:

Reduce wiring and installation time
Eliminate bulky control cabinets
Accelerate machine commissioning
Easily scale and adapt automation systems to new projects
Improve serviceability, maintenance, and diagnostics

WEBINAR: Rewrite the rules of industrial automation

Ready to revolutionize your controls?

The Aumann Espelkamp GmbH new rotor winding machine shows what’s possible when you leave the control cabinet behind and embrace a smarter, more streamlined design for the machines of the future.

If your team is looking to reduce machine complexity, speed up development, or create more compact designs, Beckhoff’s MX-System may be the solution that you’ve been waiting for. Reach out to your local Beckhoff sales engineer today to discover how the MX-System can transform your next project.