Reclaim Your Factory Floor Space and Lock in Uptime with Cabinet-free Automation
- Brandon Snell
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
How the MX-System empowers modern manufacturers with low-maintenance, high efficiency automation hardware that reduces machine footprint and energy consumption
In today’s high stakes manufacturing environments, it can feel like the walls are closing in. Every square foot of floor space matters and you never have enough. Every second of downtime adds up. And why do those machines burn through so much electricity?
That’s where Beckhoff’s MX-System comes in to help you take back control. Our innovative, cabinet-free automation platform isn’t just a game-changer for machine builders and system integrators. It also offers real, transformational benefits for end users who have to run leaner, smarter, and more resilient operations.
Send your control cabinets on a permanent vacation
Most components in traditional machine control systems require large enclosures filled with power supplies, I/O terminals, and other automation hardware. These cabinets eat up valuable floor space, restrict layout options, and often require additional cooling equipment that consumes even more space—and energy.
With the MX-System, all automation components are mounted directly on the machine in a compact, IP67-rated form factor. That means, no control cabinet, no internal wiring, and no need for powered cooling equipment.
For end users, this translates into up to 90% reduction in control system footprint, which opens up new opportunities to optimize machine placement, add production capacity, or simply create a cleaner, safer work environment. In facilities where floor space is limited—or where machines need to be mobile—this kind of space savings can be transformational.
Maximize uptime with reliable, plug-and-play performance
We all know that downtime is the nemesis of productivity. Whether the source is a faulty connection, wiring mistake, or overheated control panels, even small issues can lead to fried equipment, lost throughput, and missed deadlines. The MX-System is designed with uptime and reliability in mind. Its modular, plug-and-play components are easily installed on a machine mounted baseplate and connect using standardized cables and connectors. This reduces many sources of human error during installation and maintenance.
If anything does go wrong after these preventative measures, real-time diagnostics via an MX-System app from Beckhoff make it easy to pinpoint the exact source of issues for quick resolution. There’s no need to open panel doors, trace wires, or interpret a maze of custom schematics across dozens of pages in a binder. Technicians can access actionable data right from the control software, minimizing guesswork and reducing mean time to repair (MTTR). In short, your team will spend less time troubleshooting and fixing machines—and more time running them.
Sustainable power consumption, lower energy costs
It’s no secret that industrial automation can be energy-intensive, especially when traditional control panels require fans, filters, and even dedicated HVAC systems to keep them cool and clean. Because the MX-System eliminates bulky enclosures, it also puts a clamp on the energy waste associated with cooling systems. And thanks to its built-in energy management technology, you can actively monitor and optimize power consumption across the machine.
For end users focused on sustainability and cost reduction, this offers a powerful one-two punch:
Reduced energy consumption by removing unnecessary cooling equipment
Improved energy transparency, with real time usage data available via EtherCAT
Whether you’re aiming to meet corporate sustainability goals or just looking for ways to reduce monthly operating costs, the MX-System helps make energy efficiency easy and measurable.
Adaptable, expandible, and ready for the future
Flexibility is more important than ever on the factory floor. As products change, demand shifts, and new technologies emerge, your machines need to adapt quickly to your production needs. The MX-System makes this easier than ever.
With its modular, scalable architecture, adding functionality or expanding a machine or line is as simple as plugging in another module—no redesign, no re-cabling, and no panel modifications required. Need more I/O? Just plug in another module to the baseplate. Want to add smart sensors or integrate with a new SCADA system? The MX-System is networked via EtherCAT, ensuring seamless communication and expandability with equipment from numerous vendors.
Even better, the decentralized nature of the MX-System means you can migrate to cabinet-free automation over time. The MX-System is also able to connect with the entire Beckhoff portfolio of hardware and software solutions. Hybrid systems that blend cabinet-free automation and traditional control cabinets are possible. EtherCAT networking assures multi-protocol interoperability for almost any hardware you can think of connecting with the MX-System in brownfield or greenfield facilities.
Built to thrive in rough environments
Machines often don’t operate in clean, temperature-controlled buildings, hot, dusty, or damp conditions can be more commonplace. Whether it’s a food production facility with airborne particles, a scrap-collecting corner of a metalworking shop, or a tight spot on a mobile production line, control hardware needs to show up for duty no matter the environment.
That’s why the MX-System is IP67-rated, offering robust protection against dust, moisture, and harsh temperatures. Instead of hiding control gear in protected cabinets, you can install the MX-System right where it’s needed—on the machine, right in the process and on the factory floor.
This not only saves space but also improves accessibility and shortens cable runs, making machines easier to install and maintain.
Cabinet-free automation delivers—just like you’re expected to
The MX-System isn’t just a new way to build automation systems, it’s a smarter way to run them. For end users, the benefits are clear: Right up front, you get more floor space, better uptime and reliability, and lower energy consumption. In the long run, you get less demanding maintenance processes, easier upgrades and expansions, and the peace of mind offered by a future-ready control platform.
Whether you’re tasked with managing a single production line or an entire plant, the MX-System helps you get more out of every square foot of floor space, every watt of power, and every minute of production.
Have you decided that it’s time to take back control of your plant floor with more efficient, cabinet-free machines? Connect with your local Beckhoff sales engineer to get started with the MX-System today.
Brandon Snell is the MX-System Product Manager at Beckhoff Automation
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