Since you mentioned price sensitivity, you might think about IO - both current and future needs.
Ethercat drives generally have onboard IO available which can be used as general purpose, but these aren't directly expandable without adding more drives. Nor can drive onboard IO drive high-power outputs directly - you'll likely need some relays (or similar) to turn on pumps, air cylinders, etc.
If you need more IO than the drives offer you'll need to add an IO module, such as a Beckhoff or other vendor. Or go with non-realtime IO based on some USB solution.
I haven't priced Ethercat IO modules, but I suspect they are more expensive per IO point than Mesa. It might be instructive to set up a spreadsheet with all your current and future IO requirements and price out an Ethercat solution vs. Mesa.
Or perhaps both Ethercat and Mesa - this is also an option.
Another consideration is your (future) ATC - have you thought about how to control it? Will it be a 'dumb' motor using a geneva mechanism, or a servo-controlled thing with a reudcer? Or something else?
Reason I bring this up is that it might be helpful to find an example of an LCNC configuration which matches your intended hardware...are there any examples of an ATC using Ethercat available, or will you need to break new ground? Same goes for your possible laser.
It all gets rather complicated, doesn't it?
