The „Auto-X Fixture“ is a typical fixture application from the automotive body shop.

All of the holding, clamping and positioning tasks shown here work pneumatically in current production lines. Pneumatic systems have at least three big disadvanteges:

  • Energy waste – Compressed air is very inefficient
  • Lack of flexibility – Adaption to different materials / thicknesses is only possible with great manual effort
  • Rejects – Pneumatic clamps cannot recognize whether no, one or two sheets have been inserted

The setup shown here is an example of four different automation solutions that work completely electrically. The basic structure remains the same on all four sides of the fixture, only the components and the cabling concept change. All components are controlled and supplied by three different Vario-X stations:

  • A main control- and power supply station on the front side
  • An additional power-station on the back side and
  • A very compact control- and power supply station on the robot

Vario-X simplifies planning, installation, commissioning, service and maintenance and saves enormous amounts of CO2. At the same time, it boosts flexibility because the electrically controlled actors can be easily adapted to different materials so that different models can be produced on one production line. And they monitor process values and send them to cloud monitoring systems and detect process errors immediately. This increases quality and reduces rejects.

Overview
 
Automation- and Power-System
The main Vario-X system integrates all automation functions including control, power supply, and drive technology – 100% zero cabinet
Vario-X Industrial PC
A powerful quad-core CPU is ready for use for any kind of machine control, visualization and communication tasks. The IPC offers in addition to its variety of physical interfaces a wide range of communication protocols for limitless IoT communication. It can also be used as an EDGE gateway / controller for communication to the cloud.
Feed-in with main switch
The main switch supplies the backplane with 400 V AC. It is fed in via an MQ15 AC connector. Additionally an STO (Safe Torque off) signal can be fed in via an M12 A coded Connector to shut off the motors safely.
Reliable power supply for electronics
24 V / 20 A divided into 2 x 6 A on a Y-coded M12, 1 x 8 A on the backplane, and an L-coded M12.
Robust power supply for drive technology
With a 48 V / 3.6 kW power supply, Vario-X is regenerative and supplies the drives that are connected via MQ15 DC quick connect cordsets. The hybrid cable supplies motors that can be safely switched off in an emergency with the STO signal.
Sustainable
The modular system can be designed to meet the needs of the individual. This avoids redundant or unused modules and slots - and remains scalable at any time.
Modular Power-System
Due to the modular design, Vario-X can also be used as an additional power supply station when there‘s need for more power but not for a new controller
Flexible Feed-In/Out module
A standard Feed-In/Out module brings 24V DC, Fieldbus and Gigabit Ethernet communication to and from the backplane. With this you can connect several Vario-X stations to each other.
Reliable power supply for electronics
24 V / 20 A divided into 2 x 6 A on a Y-coded M12, 1 x 8 A on the backplane, and an L-coded M12.
Robust power supply for drive technology
With a 48 V / 3.6 kW power supply, Vario-X is regenerative and supplies the drives that are connected via MQ15 DC quick connect cordsets. The hybrid cable supplies motors that can be safely switched off in an emergency with the STO signal.
Powerful Feed-In/Out module
A multi-purpose Feed-In/Out module brings 400V AC and 24V DC to the backplane to supply the system. It also offers M12 Y and X-coded ports for the connection of decentral Fieldbus and Gigabit Ethernet devices.
Compact Robot-System
In EOAT Applications (End of arm Tooling), size, weight and the amount of cables in the dresspack matter. Everything needs to be reduced to the minimum like in this solution.
Vario-X Industrial PC
A powerful quad-core CPU is ready for use for any kind of machine control, visualization and communication tasks. ​The IPC can be used as a decentralized controller for just a part of the machine or being integrated in a higher-level control network.
Robust power supply for drive technology
The compact design of this 48 V / 10A power supply (with up to 30A peak) makes it perfect for End of arm tooling, where only a limited amount of motors need to be supplied. That can be safely switched off in an emergency with the STO signal.
Powerful Feed-In/Out module
A multi-purpose Feed-In/Out module brings 400V AC and 24V DC to the backplane to supply the system. It also offers M12 Y and X-coded ports for the connection of decentral Fieldbus and Gigabit Ethernet devices.
8-port IO-Link Master
The IO Module can be integrated optionally to connect additional IO-Link or digital devices
Smart Clamps + Pins
All fixturing operations are fulfilled by integrated Servo Drives – a very smart and easy installation concept with a lot of benefits.
QUALITY CONTROL + TRACEABILITY
Servo drives and smart clamps are able to accurately measure the thickness of the material being clamped and record that information. Process information and parameters such as clamping force etc can be sent to the Cloud for traceability.
FLEXIBILIZE YOUR PRODUCTION
Smart clamps are able to hold parts in different directions. Adjustments to position and parameters can all be done remotely. This enables receipe driven changeover from part to part with significantly reduced changeover and setup time. For maximum flexibility in your production.
SIMPLIFY YOUR PROCESSES
Focusing on only one drive technology makes commissioning, stock keeping and replacements as easy as possible. Only few parts and a bunch of different cables are needed to realize this installation concept.
Electric Clamps + Pins
Electric linear actuators can be a first step to replace pneumatic pins using the same digital IO signals to move. They can be seamlessly combined with servo driven clamps.
DO IT YOUR WAY
The motors can be controlled either via DIO-Signals via Fieldbus Interface. This leaves all control options open to the plant manufacturers and operators.
DRIVE TECHNOLOGY IN MINIMUM SPACE
Electric Linear Actuators are an easy way of replacing pneumatic actuators in conventional pin packages. They already include the positioning sensors – so you don‘t need to install any extra sensors what saves you space and installation effort.
ENERGY SAVING
Servomotors save up to 90 % energy compared to pneumatic systems. Once they reach their final position they are locked.
Magnetic Grippers + Pins
All fixturing operations are fulfilled by magnetic grippers. A single hybrid cable daisy chains 24V DC power and CAN communication from magnet to magnet.
NOTHING IN THE WAY
Magnetic gripping technology simplifies the way things are done. Components are no longer clamped in, but held by a magnetic field. The risk of collisions with the robot is reduced because the magnets don't change their form. Nothing is ever "in the way" and the timing can get faster.
EASY CABELING
A single hybrid cable brings 24V DC power and CAN communication to all devices. For maximum easy installation!
ENERGY SAVING
Magnetic Grippers only consume energy to set up the proper magnetic field. Once the magnetic field is set up it reliably works without any further energy supply.
FLEXIBILIZING YOUR PRODUCTION
The strength of the magnetic field can be adjusted to grip components of varying sizes and material type. No need to manually convert each clamp for a different thickness – just change the parameters in the software for a changeover to another model.
Smart Solution
All fixturing operations are fulfilled by integrated Servo Drives – a very smart and easy installation concept with a lot of benefits.
FLEXIBILIZE YOUR PRODUCTION
Using integrated Servo Drives for all fixturing operations gets you a very smart and easy installation concept. Theres no need for additional sensors because the smart motors measure precisely what happens. And they can even handle different components. No need to manually convert each clamp for a different thickness – just change the parameters remotely and the changeover to a different material is done in seconds.
DAISY CHAIN POWER AND COMMUNICATION
The use of integrated Drives with EtherCAT communication and 48V DC power supply allows you to daisy chain power + communication through the whole system. Plugged, what else? This saves a lot of cables, time and money in the installation process.
QUALITY CONTROL
Using cameras as virtual sensors fulfills a lot of tasks at the same time. Detection and inspection of material can be done much easier and much more precisely compared to conventional sensors. And it only needs two standard cables.
MACHINE VISION MADE EASY
A Gigabit hybrid switch supplies 4 cameras at the same time with power and data connection.
MODULAR AUTOMATION SYSTEM
Vario-X is the robust and powerful heart of the system. Control, Power Supply, IO-System, and Edge Gateway at the same time. Robust, cabinet free and modularly connected via a backplane without having to wire a single wire manually.
INCREASE EFFICIENCY
Integrated sensors in the Vario-X-Modules, Drives, and IO-Modules collect permanently additional data like temperature, voltage and power consumption to detect anomalies as early as possible. This enables you to implement early warning systems and predictive maintenance processes to reduce unplanned downtime.
Magnetic Solution
All fixturing operations are fulfilled by magnetic grippers. A single hybrid cable daisy chains 24 V DC power and CAN communication from magnet to magnet.
MACHINE VISION MADE EASY
A Gigabit hybrid switch supplies 4 cameras at the same time with power and data connection.
MODULAR AUTOMATION SYSTEM
Vario-X is the robust and powerful heart of the system. Control, Power Supply, IO-System, and Edge Gateway at the same time. Robust, cabinet free and modularly connected via a backplane without having to wire a single wire manually.
WIDE VARIETY OF IO MODULES
Cube67 IO-Modules based can be used to collect additional IO-Signals.
QUALITY CONTROL
Using cameras as virtual sensors fulfills a lot of tasks at the same time. Detection and inspection of material can be done much easier and much more precisely compared to conventional sensors. And it only needs two standard cables.
HYBRID CABLE FOR POWER AND COMMUNICATION
You only need one hybrid cable to bring 24V DC power and the CAN communication to all devices. Can an installation concept be more easy?
FLEXIBILIZING YOUR PRODUCTION
The strength of the magnetic field can be adjusted to grip components of varying sizes and material type. No need to manually convert each clamp for a different thickness – just change the parameters in the to changeover to another model.
ENERGY SAVING
Magnetic pins and grippers only consume energy while they turn a magnet in the inside to set up the magnetic field. Once the magnetic field is set up theres no more energy needed. And even in case of a breakdown it will hold without any safety risk.
NOTHING IN THE WAY
Magnetic gripping technology simplifies the way things are done. Components are held by a magnetic field. The magnets are much smaller than standard clamps and they don‘t change their form. This reduces the risk of collisions with parts on the robot. Nothing is ever „in the way“ and the timing can get faster.
Basic Electric Solution
Electric linear actuators can be a first step to replace pneumatic pins using the same digital IO signals to move. They can be seamlessly combined with servo driven clamps.
ENERGY SAVING AND SUSTAINABLE
The small servomotor saves up to 90% energy compared to pneumatic systems. Once it reached its final position it is locked. No movement – no energy consumption. The motors can be refurbished for several life-cycles by replacing the worn-out mechanics.
DO IT YOUR WAY
The motors can be controlled either via DIO-Signals or can be integrated into various bus systems via Fieldbus Interface. This leaves all control options open to the plant manufacturers and operators and gives you the freedom of choice.
ELECTRIC DRIVE TECHNOLOGY
  • Avoid energy waste of compressed air systems
  • Increase flexibility: Adaption to different materials can be done just by changing the parameters in the software
  • Increase quality and avoid rejects by recognizing if the right material has been inserted
DRIVE TECHNOLOGY IN MINIMUM SPACE
Electric Linear Actuators are a perfect replacement for pneumatic actuators in conventional pinpackages. The small size results in space savings of up to 80%. Included positioning sensors save you even more space.
QUALITY CONTROL
Using cameras as virtual sensors fulfills a lot of tasks at the same time. Detection and inspection of material can be done much easier and much more precisely compared to conventional sensors. And it only needs two standard cables.
DAISY CHAIN POWER AND COMMUNICATION
The use of integrated Drives with EtherCAT communication and 48V DC power supply allows you to daisy chain power + communication through the whole system. Plugged, what else? This saves a lot of cables, time and money in the installation process.
MODULAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM
Due to the modular structure, Vario-X can be used in different ways. For example as an additional power supply station. Robust, cabinet free, powerful adapting to your needs.
Smart + Magnetic Solution
The combination of magnetic and electric fixturing technology can lead to great synergies. It saves space in critical situations and can be installed with a very slim installation concept.
MODULAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM
Due to the modular structure, Vario-X can be used in different ways. For example as an additional power supply station. Robust, cabinet free, powerful adapting to your needs.
DAISY CHAIN POWER AND COMMUNICATION
The use of integrated Drives with EtherCAT communication and 48V DC power supply allows you to daisy chain power + communication through the whole system. Plugged, what else? This saves a lot of cables, time and money in the installation process.
HYBRID CABLE FOR POWER AND COMMUNICATION
You only need one hybrid cable to bring 24V DC power and the CAN communication to all devices. Can an installation concept be more easy?
QUALITY CONTROL
Using cameras as virtual sensors fulfills a lot of tasks at the same time. Detection and inspection of material can be done much easier and much more precisely compared to conventional sensors. And it only needs two standard cables.
FITS INTO THE SMALLEST SPACE
Sometimes there is just no room for a conventional clamp because of possible collisions with other parts of the fixture. This is where magnetig grippers and pins come in to hold components just with a magnetic field. They are much smaller and they don‘t change their form – perfect for narrow spaces.
Machine Vision
Modular, scalable and standardized plug & play solutions for machine vision cameras reduce installation time and let you easily adapt your system
SIMPLE
Modular, scalable and flexible plug & play solutions reduce installation time and let you easily adapt your system.
STANDARDIZED + INDEPENDENT
Traditional installation solutions for machine vision components are often difficult to wire and offer only limited diagnostic functionality. The Murrelektronik installation concept is an easy way to integrate cameras of numerous manufacturers with standard plug connectors with full diagnostic functionaliy.
SUSTAINABLE
The decentralized installation of the communication devices and power supply significantly reduces cable runs.
EFFICIENT
Our machine vision products are not tailored to specific applications. Universal modules minimize inventory efforts.
MURR Elektronik
Front View
Rear View
Auto-X Fixture

Automation Concept

• Smart Solution (Servomotors) (EC)

• Magnetic Solution (CAN)

• Basic Electric Solution (EC + DIO)

• Smart + Magnetic Solution (EC + CAN)

Vario-X System

• Automation- and Power-System

• Power- and IO-System

• Compact Robot-System

Fixturing functions

• Smart Clamps + Pins

• Electric Clamps + Pins

• Magnetic Grippers + Pins

Machine Vision