Download: Cabinet-Free Automation Platform Transforms Machine Design
- Brandon Snell
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
Learn how cabinet-free automation reduces design complexity, cuts costs, and accelerates machine innovation.
For decades, the bulky control cabinet has been a central fixture in machine design. Cabinets house electrical components, protecting them from dust and water, but the benefits they add are often canceled out by glaring drawbacks. Traditional cabinet design present significant challenges: lengthy design cycles, labor-intensive assembly, increased machine footprint, and rising difficulties tied to skilled labor shortages. New advancements in cabinet-free automation hardware create a unique opportunity for OEMs to completely rethink machine design.
From concept to reality
The cabinet-free machine is no longer theoretical—it’s here. The MX-System’s baseplate handles both power distribution and communications, eliminating the need for extensive wiring and enabling standardized, pluggable modules for power distribution, controllers, drives, I/O, relays, and more.
Cabinet-free automation: Smarter, leaner, and smaller machines
The Beckhoff MX-System introduces a radical new approach to machine design: it completely shifts components out of a centralized control cabinet and into distributed, machine-mounted modules. This cabinet-free platform delivers several key advantages—shorter development timelines, reduced costs, smaller footprint, and simplified machine design via a highly modular, flexible approach. Beyond boosting engineering and installation efficiency, it also improves error-proofing, troubleshooting, and overall machine quality. With integrated EtherCAT diagnostics and Bluetooth connectivity for monitoring, the MX-System gives OEMs a smarter foundation to innovate while staying competitive.
Whether OEMs are ready to embrace 100% cabinet-free design or take a hybrid approach, Beckhoff’s MX-System offers a clear path forward.
Download the full whitepaper to explore how cabinet-free automation can transform your machine design:
Ready to simplify machine design and cut costs with cabinet-free automation? Contact your local Beckhoff sales engineer today.
Brandon Snell is the MX-System Product Manager for Beckhoff Automation LLC.
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