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B&R

B&R is a global supplier of industrial automation systems used to control, synchronize, and monitor machine and factory automation environments. A member of the ABB Group, B&R (Bernecker + Rainer Industrie-Elektronik GmbH) is widely deployed in machine-building and manufacturing environments where deterministic control, integrated motion, and system consistency are required. B&R automation platforms are commonly implemented in machine and production systems that rely on tightly integrated PLC, motion, safety, and visualization architectures. PLC Direct supplies B&R PLCs and automation hardware used in existing B&R-based systems. Our B&R collection supports customers sourcing replacement parts, legacy components, and installed-base hardware to maintain and extend the life of B&R PLC systems already in operation.

Why Choose B&R Automation Solutions

B&R is recognized for its unified automation architecture that integrates PLC control, motion control, safety, and visualization within a single engineering and runtime environment. Rather than separating control domains, B&R designs automation platforms intended to operate cohesively across machine and factory automation systems.

B&R systems and automation components are commonly used in:

Machine-building and OEM manufacturing environments
Discrete manufacturing and industrial production
Motion-intensive applications requiring synchronized control
Robotics and mechatronic systems
Factory automation systems with distributed control architectures

This level of adoption reflects B&R’s emphasis on deterministic performance, modular system design, and long-term platform continuity across B&R automation PLC environments.

B&R Products and Solutions

B&R organizes its automation portfolio around modular product families designed to support different performance, environmental, and system architecture requirements while maintaining a consistent control framework. The B&R collection at PLC Direct focuses on hardware used in installed B&R systems, supporting maintenance and lifecycle continuity rather than new system deployment.

B&R Product Families

B&R product families commonly supported include:

X20 System: PLCs, I/O, controllers, and control hardware used in machine and line automation with POWERLINK communication and modular embedded controllers
X90 System: PLC and I/O components designed for mobile and harsh-environment automation
Power Panel: Integrated PLC and HMI devices used in compact machine designs
B&R Industrial PCs: Control platforms used for high-performance automation and visualization
APROL: Scalable process control system components for distributed and plant-level automation supporting up to 64 runtime servers
ACOPOS servo drives and motion controllers for synchronized multi-axis applications

These platforms are often deployed as part of integrated B&R controller architectures within coordinated machine and factory automation systems.

B&R Products Available on PLC Direct

Products available through PLC Direct’s B&R collection include:
B&R PLC units and controllers across X20 and other families
X20 I/O modules and automation system components
Industrial PCs and integrated control panels
ACOPOS servo drives and motion control hardware
Automation accessories and supporting hardware

These products are typically sourced for repair, replacement, or lifecycle support of existing BR automation PLC installations.

Lifecycle Support for B&R Systems

PLC Direct supports B&R automation systems by supplying inventory-backed B&R industrial automation hardware used across multiple stages of the system lifecycle. Our focus is on helping customers maintain operational continuity within existing B&R automation environments.

Support coverage includes:

B&R automation hardware used in currently operating systems.
Components commonly found in earlier and legacy B&R installations.
Select discontinued B&R products, subject to availability.

Additional support may include:

Inventory-backed availability
Assistance with product identification and compatibility verification
Sourcing support for hard-to-find B&R automation components
1-year PLC Direct warranty on purchased products.

PLC Direct supplies B&R industrial automation hardware for replacement and maintenance purposes and does not provide system design, programming, or integration services.

Frequently Asked Questions

B&R develops industrial automation systems for machine and factory environments that require integrated control, motion, safety, and visualization. B&R platforms are commonly used in machine-building, manufacturing, and production systems that rely on coordinated, deterministic automation behavior.

B&R PLC software, such as Automation Studio, is used for programming and configuration across different B&R hardware setups. It supports development and system configuration within machine and factory automation environments, helping streamline development and maintain consistency across automation systems.

B&R automation modules are hardware components used within B&R systems to support control, I/O, motion, and related automation functions. These modules are selected based on system architecture and application requirements and are commonly used in both compact machine designs and larger distributed automation systems.

PLC Direct supplies B&R automation hardware used in existing installations, including replacement components and installed-base products, independently. This supports maintenance and lifecycle needs for customers working with B&R-based machine and factory automation environments.

Yes. B&R automation platforms are commonly used in applications that involve synchronized motion, coordinated machine control, and process-oriented automation, including CNC equipment, robotics, and related industrial systems.