Beckhoff XPlanar Review: Specs and Uses of the Levitating Planar Motor System
Updated: 7 days ago
The Beckhoff XPlanar is a transport system in which movers float above a surface of motor tiles and travel freely in any direction. The manufacturer does not publish a price. This review covers its specifications, features and uses.
Quick Verdict
XPlanar replaces conveyors, turntables and lift stations with flat tiles and floating movers. Each mover is positioned in six degrees of freedom: it travels in X and Y at up to 3 m/s, lifts by about 5 mm, tilts by 5 degrees and rotates fully about its vertical axis, at up to 600 rpm. A mover carries up to 4.2 kg, and coupled movers more than 20 kg. Repeat accuracy within a tile is ±5 µm or better. With no mechanical contact there is no wear and no abrasion, which suits clean and hygienic production. Tiles come in three sizes and movers in seven. Acceleration is not stated on the page, and payload falls when movers pass between tiles in two directions.
Beckhoff XPlanar at a Glance
Degrees of freedom: Six
Speed: Up to 3 m/s
Payload per mover: Up to 4.2 kg; more than 20 kg coupled
Repeat accuracy: ±5 µm or better in x, y, z
Position resolution: 1 µm
Price: on request
Beckhoff XPlanar Technical Specifications
The table below lists what the manufacturer states.
Specification | Beckhoff XPlanar |
Manufacturer | Beckhoff Automation |
Degrees of freedom | Six |
Speed | Up to 3 m/s |
Payload per mover | Up to 4.2 kg; more than 20 kg coupled |
Repeat accuracy | ±5 µm or better in x, y, z |
Position resolution | 1 µm |
Tilt | 5 degrees |
Rotation | 360 degrees about Z; up to 600 rpm |
Lift | About 5 mm |
Tile sizes | 240 x 240, 160 x 320 and 320 x 320 mm |
Mover sizes | 7 sizes |
Repeat accuracy applies within one tile under stated temperature conditions. Acceleration is not stated on the page.
Design and Build Quality
Tiles can be arranged in any floor plan, including tracks, islands and waiting zones. Beckhoff states space savings of up to 50% with a suitable combination of tiles and movers.
Software and Integration
TwinCAT
The system is controlled from Beckhoff's TwinCAT automation software.
Free Routing
Each mover follows its own path, so products can overtake, buffer and be sorted without mechanics.
Beckhoff XPlanar Applications and Use Cases
Pharmaceutical and Laboratory Filling
Contact-free transport without particles.
Assembly of Small Products
Each product visits only the stations it needs.
Food and Cosmetics
Easy cleaning with no moving parts in the track.
Beckhoff XPlanar Price and Value
Beckhoff does not publish a price for the Beckhoff XPlanar; it is quoted on request.
For the company behind the product, read the Beckhoff Automation Company Profile: History, Ownership, Figures and Technology.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Six degrees of freedom
No wear or abrasion
±5 µm repeat accuracy
Free two-dimensional routing
Tilting and rotating movers
Cons
4.2 kg per mover
Lower payload across tile joints in two directions
Acceleration not stated
High system complexity
No published price
Who Should Buy the Beckhoff XPlanar?
It fits machine builders in pharma, laboratory, food and electronics who need flexible, clean product transport.
Beckhoff XPlanar FAQ
How much does the Beckhoff XPlanar cost?
Beckhoff does not publish a price for the Beckhoff XPlanar; it is quoted on request.
What is the Beckhoff XPlanar?
A planar motor system with magnetically levitating movers.
How fast is the Beckhoff XPlanar?
Up to 3 m/s.
How much can an XPlanar mover carry?
Up to 4.2 kg; coupled movers carry more than 20 kg.
How accurate is the Beckhoff XPlanar?
Repeat accuracy of ±5 µm or better within a tile.
Can XPlanar movers rotate?
Yes, 360 degrees about the vertical axis, up to 600 rpm.
Can XPlanar movers tilt?
Yes, by 5 degrees.
What software controls XPlanar?
Beckhoff's TwinCAT.
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
