Beckhoff Announces EP7041 EtherCAT® Motion Box for Stepper Motor Control

MOTION CONTROL: Beckhoff Automation has introduced the EP7041 EtherCAT® Motion Box. Using the EP7041 stepper motor box, small EtherCAT motion applications can now be implemented directly in the field without a protective control cabinet.

Ideal for harsh environments, the compact EtherCAT module in protection class IP 67 allows the connection of Beckhoff stepper motors up to 50V dc and 5A. An integrated incremental encoder connection on the EP7041 permits the implementation of a single servo axis with the compact IP 67 module.

In its compact housing, which measures just 5 x 1.2 x 1 inch (126 x 30 x 26.5 mm), the EP7041 contains an encoder connection, two digital inputs for limit switches and a digital output for a brake. This way, all signals from a motor are combined in one compact box. In addition to the modules designed for 5A, there is also a 1.5A version (EP7041-1002) for the control of lower power stepper motors. By entering just a few parameters, the EP7041 EtherCAT Box can be adapted to suit the motor and the application.

A clear highlight of the stepper motor module is the 64-fold micro-stepping, which ensures a very smooth and precise motor rotation. These dynamic stepper motor modules are particularly well-suited for use in the feed axes of handling and processing machines as well as in assembly technology. Beckhoff offers a corresponding range of stepper motors with standstill torques ranging from 0.38 to 5Nm.

-Edited by Kelsey Anderson