Skip to content
Search AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.

Latest Stories

Press releases are provided by companies as is and have not been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the company issuing the release.

Beckhoff Introduces New EP7402 EtherCAT Box for Compact Conveyor Control

IP67 rated controller for conveyor rollers reduces cabling requirements and equipment footprint at the I/O level

Beckhoff Introduces New EP7402 EtherCAT Box for Compact Conveyor Control
DC Velocity Staff
By DC Velocity StaffMar 11, 2020
DC Velocity Staff
See Full Bio

To enhance control and cabling efficiency for motor-driven roller (MDR) conveyor systems, Beckhoff Automation has released the new EP7402 EtherCAT Box. This compact controller is a two-channel motor output stage for BLDC motors used in MDRs, regardless of the conveyor or roller motor vendor. The EP7402 offers optimal conveyor control through zero-pressure accumulation (ZPA) logic in its firmware, programming in the TwinCAT 3 engineering environment and high performance EtherCAT industrial Ethernet communication.

Perfect for conveying tasks in intralogistics, packaging, food and beverage, assembly and many other industries, the EP7402 offers numerous advantages:
- IP67 rated and compliant with new electrical standards being enforced in 2020
- does not require a protective enclosure
- measures just 174 mm x 60 mm x 36.5 mm
- mounts in standard C-channel or L-brackets directly on the conveyor frame
- One Cable Automation (OCA) via two B23 ENP hybrid connectors
- multiple M8 sockets to support two MDRs per device and digital I/O for peripheral sensors, vision systems or junctions to the entire range of EtherCAT Box modules

EtherCAT P: optimal communication and cabling

The EP7402 offers MDR conveyor systems the robust functionality and built-in diagnostics of EtherCAT. Reductions in cabling cost, installation effort and equipment footprint are also possible using EtherCAT P. This OCA solution supplies both EtherCAT communication and 24 V DC for roller motors and peripheral I/O, and enables easy daisy chaining back to machine controllers. Optionally, 24 – 48 V DC versions are planned. The hybrid B23 cables can carry 28A to distribute power to up to 16 MDRs. Industrial-hardened infrastructure will refresh power for further roller motors and a diverse range of field devices.

The MDR controller allows integrated functional safety in the system architecture via TwinSAFE technology from Beckhoff. As a result, conveying systems can easily incorporate standard e-stops, pull cords, light curtains and other safety devices into the convenient and simplified EtherCAT P wiring solutions.

TwinCAT software moves MDR systems forward

The EP7402 is fully integrated into TwinCAT 3 automation software, which simplifies programming and commissioning. ZPA for local control is fully autonomous and can be selected via parameters. Built-in motor protection features include voltage monitoring, thermal overload protection and overcurrent protection. Further, Beckhoff offers an intralogistics framework for additional features based off function blocks available in the TwinCAT platform for control of the entire system.

The TwinCAT IoT toolkit provides additional benefits when installing EP7402 modules in data-intensive operations, such as digital transformation and Industrie 4.0 concepts. All MDR controllers can easily transmit diagnostic data back to TwinCAT Analytics for production dashboards and predictive maintenance in conveying systems.

https://www.beckhoff.com/ethercat-box/
ProductsTechnologyOther ServicesSC ServicesMaterial Handling
beckhoff automation
ProductsTechnologyOther ServicesSC ServicesMaterial Handling
beckhoff automation

The Latest

boxes with arrows pointing in different directions
Material Handling

Rethinking reverse logistics

tractor trailer truck on the road
Trucking

OOIDA cheers federal report calling for ban on truck lease-purchase agreements

More Stories

Creform stationary lineside flow rack provides for an organized flow of materials

Creform stationary lineside flow rack.

Photo courtesy of Creform

Creform stationary lineside flow rack provides for an organized flow of materials

Greer, SC—Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for material handling structures has designed and built a stationary flow rack to be used lineside for an assembly line. The flow rack can be virtually used in any industry and for most application and is particular useful holding an optimal amount of inventory at the point of assembly which maximizes floor space. It also can prevent excessive inventory which is one of the seven waste considerations in lean manufacturing. This flow rack contains an “L shaped” slide pipe and skate wheel conveyor.

Creform sales engineers worked closely with the customer to design this customized solution to meet their specific needs. The result is an optimized flow rack where parts and materials are strategically organized at the point of use. This setup enables workers to quickly locate the components they need, reducing downtime and saving time. Creform offers multiple flow lane options and can create virtually any hybrid solution.

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

patrick fuchs
Regulation/Government

Trump names new heads of federal transportation panels

graphic of cargo in motion
Supply Chain Strategy

Disruption events to global supply chains rose 38% over 2023

worker operating toyota forklift in warehouse
Lift Trucks, Personnel & Burden Carriers

Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation to merge

a port yard with artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence

​Putting artificial intelligence to work

US Capitol building
Transportation

Duffy wins Senate Committee approval as Transportation nominee

Toyota Material Handling's Core Electric Forklift

Toyota Material Handling's Core Electric Forklift

Photo courtesy of Toyota Material Handling

Toyota Material Handling expands portfolio with high-performance, eco-friendly forklifts

COLUMBUS, Ind.,Jan. 16, 2025 – Toyota Material Handling, the North American leader in material handling products and solutions, is expanding its innovative product portfolio with two new offerings: the Integrated Mid & Large Electric Pneumatic Forklifts and a refreshed Core Electric Forklift series. These models deliver superior operational efficiency while enhancing environmental sustainability, reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to its Vision 2030 and its goal to become a carbon-neutral company.

“Our two newest products reinforce Toyota’s commitment to environmental stewardship without compromising the efficiency and power of our reliable products,” said Bill Finerty, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling. “These two new models are impactful in many different applications, meeting the needs of all our customers and harnessing the innovation and power of our electric products.”

Keep ReadingShow less

​OPEX® Sure Sort® X with Xtract™ Warehouse Automation System Is Named a Finalist in the New Equipment Digest NED Innovation Awards

MOORESTOWN, NJ (December 18, 2024) OPEX® Corporation, a global leader in Next Generation Automation providing solutions for document, mail, and warehouse automation, has been selected as a finalist in the 2024 NED (New Equipment Digest) Innovation Awards, which celebrates innovations in industrial technology, tools, and equipment that empower businesses to work faster, better, and more cost-effectively.

OPEX Sure Sort® X with Xtract™, a high-speed automated sortation and order retrieval system, was recognized in the NED Innovation Awards Automation category.

Keep ReadingShow less
AML launches StrikerX mobile computer

AML launches StrikerX mobile computer

Richland Hills, Texas, September 12, 2024. AML, a U.S-based manufacturer of barcode data collection products, announces the launch of its latest Android® product, the StrikerX mobile computer.

StrikerX is the evolution of its predecessor, the Striker, but comes equipped with the most powerful processing architecture available for devices in its class, the Qualcomm® QCS6490 processor running Android 13 at 2.7 GHz. Building on the success of the Striker, the new StrikerX maintains the same lightweight and compact form factor but makes a quantum leap in processing power.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hamilton Caster Appoints Andrew D. Stamp as Director of Sales

Hamilton Caster Appoints Andrew D. Stamp as Director of Sales

Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co., a 117-year-old industry leader in heavy-duty industrial casters, proudly announces the enhancement of its legacy Super Endurance Caster (SEC) series, now rebranded as the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series. In addition, Hamilton is introducing the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster (ZFSEC2) series, both of which feature a new heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal designed to elevate performance in the most demanding environments.
The Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series replaces Hamilton’s legacy SEC series, setting a new benchmark for kingpinless caster design in extra heavy-duty applications. Central to this upgrade is the heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal, which offers protection against dirt, debris, and moisture. This advanced sealing technology ensures consistent performance and extends the life of the caster, making it the ideal choice for environments where reliability is critical.
"With the introduction of the V-Style seal, the ZFSEC series is engineered to withstand the harshest conditions while providing zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free operation," said Mark Lippert, president of Hamilton Caster. "This enhancement allows our customers to minimize maintenance costs and downtime, further solidifying Hamilton’s reputation for durability and dependability."
The ZFSEC series retains the robust construction that Hamilton is known for, including a swivel top plate and inner raceway made from forged steel, providing superior strength for shock conditions. Sealed precision ball bearings are also now standard in all wheels, contributing to the maintenance-free performance of the series. Notably, the zerk fittings have been eliminated, as the new design makes them unnecessary.
Complementing the ZFSEC series, Hamilton introduces the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Wheel Caster (ZFSEC2) series. This dual wheel series is engineered for extra heavy-duty applications where stability, durability, and maintenance-free operation are paramount. Like its counterpart, the ZFSEC2 series leverages the new 'V-Style' seal, ensuring that each caster is fully protected against contaminants that could compromise performance.
Combined with sealed precision ball wheel bearings, this caster series ensures zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free performance. The dual-wheel configuration enhances stability and allows for a lower overall height, offering a perfect blend of strength and maneuverability.
Casters in both series are finished in a durable HAA polyester platinum powder coat and are available in a wide variety of wheel types, allowing for customization based on application needs. For complete wheel specs and product details check out the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster Landing Page and all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster Landing Page.

https://www.hamiltoncaster.com/Top-Menu/Resources/New-Products/hamilton-enhances-spinfinity-casters-launches-new-dual-wheel-caster-series
Copyright ©2025.