|

Festo Features Electric Automation Innovations at ProMat 2023

March 16, 2023

 Festo features electric automation innovations at ProMat 2023

Festo is highlighting several of its latest innovations in electric automation, including its unique Simplified Motion Series (SMS) at ProMat, the North American supply chain exhibition, held this year from March 20-23 in Chicago.

Electric automation with the simplicity of pneumatics

These machine-mounted SMS axes are an innovative engineering and manufacturing breakthrough, comparable in cost and ease of installation with pneumatics, while offering added advantages like low energy consumption and the data generation characteristics of servo electrics. SMS axes feature a motor with integrated servo drive and IO-Link. No other supplier offers simple electric axes with comparable capabilities, advantages, and such a low price.

Festo’s decentralized I/O integrates into the host PLC

CPX-AP-I decentralized I/O seamlessly integrates with Ethernet communications networks from Rockwell, Beckhoff, Siemens, and other leading PLC manufacturers to create unique customer solutions. CPX-AP-I modules accommodate over 80 digital and analog input blocks, valve manifolds, and IO-Link master modules for extensive control and data acquisition capabilities per interface. CPX-AP-I allows over 150 feet distance between modules, which is advantageous for Intralogistics systems covering sizeable areas.

Productivity tools for electric automation

Festo engineering productivity tools for electric automation motion include SMS solutions finder, Electric Motion Sizing for error free sizing of linear and rotary electromechanical systems, Festo Automation Suite for simplified commissioning, Festo configuration tool for the CMMT-ST motor controller, and PARTdatamanager – all CAD data in 2D/3D for 33,000 products. These tools are free and accessible online. 

At ProMat, Festo features the Handling Guide Online (HGO) productivity tool for configuring 1D, 2D, and 3D linear planer motion systems. With HGO, engineers using operational parameters such as speed, torque, size, and load can specify a gantry robot in as little as 20 minutes and receive a CAD file, quote, parts list, and delivery information at the end of the design session. The HGO tool ensures components are appropriately sized for the application and interoperate. Gantries arrive as easy-to-assemble kits with a unique customer part number.

Gantry robots for small footprint pick-and-place applications 

Also featured at ProMat, the EXCT linear gantry is rated at 90 picks/minute with an accuracy of + .004 inches (0.1 mm). Linear gantries, like EXCT, are specified using Handling Guide Online. These units excel at fast, flexible positioning, a low profile and low center of gravity – ideal attributes for smaller workspaces.

The ProMat demo pairs the EXCT with a Festo Motion Control Package (FMCP) designed control panel. The Motion Control Package auto-configures control panels based on HGO generated data. Festo ships these control panels fully assembled with components mounted and wired. OEMs simply connect power and communications cabling to the robot and use function block programming to teach the pick-and-place motion.

Through partnership with Festo, OEMS simplify their design and acquisition process for faster time to market; rationalize inventory for lower carrying costs; reduce risk because of interoperable, high-quality components; and improve customer support through Festo global logistics. 

With Festo electric automation motion solutions, they not only gain design symmetry and a sleek, high-tech look for their Intralogistics systems, they can also manufacture more compact, flexible, and high-performance solutions.

More Information

Festo

Related Story

Festo Didactic at the Forefront of Developing Canada’s Future Work Force

With Canadian manufacturing suffering from a growing labour shortage, the participation of industry in skills development is emerging as a vital component in hiring and retention. The needs are stark: The Canadian Exporters and Manufacturers Association says almost 40% of its members have jobs they can’t fill. Five years from now, 60% expect to be short-staffed, especially when it comes to skilled trades. Statistics Canada forecasts the country’s labour force growth rate will remain below 0.2% for the rest of the decade, below replacement levels.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Cobot Welding Solutions – How Experienced Welders Feel

    March 28, 2023 Electromate received some feedback when meeting with experienced welders who were initially resistant to the idea of using a cobot welder. After all, they’d spent years perfecting their welding techniques, and were confident in their ability to produce high-quality welds without any assistance. However, after some experience, they often come to appreciate… Read More…

  • Everything You Need to Know About Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) by Automate

    March 23, 2023 The pressure to automate has never been stronger. Even though barriers to entry have lessened in recent years, figuring out where and how to start can still feel daunting. So it’s no surprise that recent years have seen a sharp increase in Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS). In fact, ABI Research predicted that there will be 1.3… Read More…


Featured Article

Guillevin Greentech Delivers Custom Solutions & Reliable Inventory

Guillevin Greentech Delivers Custom Solutions & Reliable Inventory with Decentralized Model
Guillevin Greentech is a distributor of clean energy solutions for commercial, residential, off-grid, grid-connected and hybrid projects

Guillevin Greentech is one of Canada’s largest distributors of renewable energy solutions. Established in 2016, this division of Guillevin offers Canadians everything they need to achieve their green tech goals through years of expertise, experience and service, as well as the company’s access to reliable inventory. We sat down with experts Ndiaga Mbaye, renewable energy specialist and Viviane Lapointe, external sales representative to discuss Guillevin’s Greentech division, their custom design solutions for solar or EV installations, and their thoughts on the future of green technologies.

Read more


Products

  • Additional FATH T-slotted Rail Hardware Components from AutomationDirect

    March 29, 2023 AutomationDirect has added more FATH hardware components to their selection of T-slotted rail products. These components easily install in SureFrame rails, as well as many other brands, and include roll-in T-slot nuts with spring loaded ball, slide-in T-slot nuts, screw and miter connectors, 1- and 2-slot pivot joints, extended swivel bases, foot consoles, leveling… Read More…

  • AutomationDirect releases new Atlas 300V Type AWM Wire

    March 28, 2023 AutomationDirect The new 300V Atlas Type AWM (appliance wire material) wire is commonly used for appliance wiring, control cabinets, and machine tool applications. This new wire meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA Standard 79 requirements and is made in the USA. Atlas Type AWM wire consist of a tinned copper… Read More…