Brand new cabinet systems ready for Industry 4.0

Hannover Messe 2019 was once again the ideal time for quite a few companies to present innovative solutions to the public. For example, Rittal showed its new compact and small enclosures AX and KX there. Both innovations offer easier and faster assembly as well as increased flexibility and security. For this, Rittal has redeveloped its AE in line with the requirements of Industry 4.0. This launch underlines the digital transformation of a standardized product that has been manufactured for more than 50 years.

The digitization and automation of the Industry 4.0 era are creating new challenges in cabinet systems. With the increasing number of sensors and actuators in machines, the amount of components and cables implemented in control cabinets is growing. In addition, the digital age is increasingly being felt in workshops and workshops, creating an increasing need for automation, flexibility and product availability.

Rittal offers an extensive range of enclosure systems, including the new compact and small enclosures AX and KX.

Digital chain 'from customer to customer'

From engineering through ordering to automation, Rittal provides continuous support along the entire value chain of control and switchgear technology. Their digital twin delivers high-quality data for the entire design and production process. QR codes allow very precise identification and assignment of all components. With the launch of AX and KX, the new compact and small enclosures are now an integral part of this approach. The Rittal Configuration System (RiCS) allows quick and easy configuration of enclosures, accessories and modifications. In addition, an automatic check ensures that incorrect configurations are avoided. Users can then easily download the data and request a price estimate. At the same time, the configuration data can be imported into EPLAN, making it perfect for use in the further engineering process, with all possible modifications. The result: significant time savings.

Simpler, faster, more flexible and safer

The two newcomers AX and KX from Rittal offer customers a number of improved functions with tangible added value. For example, there is clear time savings, from delivery to the installation itself. In addition, more space is available compared to their predecessors. Thanks to the new modular design of the cabinets, optimized cut-outs and larger gland plates, on average one third more space is available for cables. Finally, safety is given top priority at Rittal. After all, the components retain their protection class when integrated into the AX and KX. In short, the new features make the compact enclosures more robust and guarantee higher stability and greater security, even under dynamic loads.

Thanks to the cabinets' new modular design, optimized cutouts and larger gland plates, there is on average one-third more space available for cables.

Versatility trumps

The new products provide an answer to many different needs. If terminal boxes and bus enclosures are to house only a few components, the small KX enclosures measuring 150 mm x 150 mm x 80 mm are particularly suitable. The compact AX enclosures are available in depths between 120 and 400 mm and have a maximum size of 1,000 mm x 1,400 mm. All models are available in both painted sheet steel and stainless steel. Despite the expansion of application possibilities, the total number of components and accessories - and consequently the complexity - has been greatly reduced.