Posted to News on 28th Mar 2014, 09:40
EXCM Mini H Handler for dynamic, precision positioning
Festo is launching the Mini H Handler that is claimed to offer a new high standard in precise, fast positioning for compact applications. It is described as the world's first production, off-the-shelf handling gantry to feature kinematic technology, which significantly reduces its lifetime costs. The new H Handler systems are attractively priced, while operating expenses are reduced through faster throughput, improved energy efficiency and reduced downtime. They are based on Festo's proven X-Y gantry technology that is based on two motors driving a single toothed belt in an H-shaped configuration. However, the new products are smaller, and are supplied as complete ready-to-install assemblies complete with servo motors and controller. Being a standard 'catalogue' product, the EXCM Mini H Handler (also referred to as the Planar Surface Gantry EXCM) is available to order online, with seven-day delivery. Pricing is said to be very attractive, particularly when taking into account the overheads associated with specifying, purchasing and assembling separate axes to create an X-Y positioner.
Nigel Dawson, the product manager at Festo GB, says: "The EXCM mini handlers are incredibly easy to integrate. We supply the systems fully assembled and tested, leaving users free to focus on their core profit-generating activities rather than automation design details. With a single part number, users can benefit from our simple procurement process and reduce their process costs."
Starting from approximately A4 size, the handlers have with a good ratio of working area to total footprint. Installation height is also minimised, as both motors lie in the same plane and there is no need for one axis to be stacked on top of the other. With its compact dimensions, the EXCM Mini H Handlers are suitable for desktop applications, such as those found in electronics, light assembly, and medlab. Their robustness and reliability increases uptime; as neither motor moves, no energy chain is required, which eliminates drag and cable failure - traditionally causes of downtime.
Standard products
Festo's Mini H Handler range currently comprises two products; the EXCM-10 and the EXCM-30. The EXCM-10 offers its kinematic benefits in a basic package, while the EXCM-30 supports a higher payload of up to 3kg and high precision, with a maximum acceleration of 10m/s2, maximum speed of 0.5m/s and repetition accuracy of +/-0.05mm with ball bearing guidance. The gantries are available with six X-axis fixed stroke lengths up to 700mm and a Y-axis stroke up to 360mm.
The EXCM is easy to install and control. The controller can be driven from any PLC or PC device using digital I/O, Ethernet TCP/IP or CAN bus network. With network-connected devices, users can directly program the Mini H Handler with familiar parameters - X and Y Cartesian co-ordinates, vector speed, acceleration and deceleration. In addition, all devices can run Festo's free downloadable Festo Configuration Tool (FCT). This enables a sequence of up to 32 positioning steps to be set up and downloaded to a lookup table stored within the controller.
Follow the link for more information about the Mini H Handler.
