Posted to News on 18th Mar 2015, 16:32
Festo's Handling Guide Online: configure multi-axis systems fast
Festo has developed a new tool for configuring ready-to-install handling systems in less than 20 minutes. Furthermore, the Handling Guide Online (HGO) significantly reduces total design, assembly and delivery times compared with previous methods, from around 40 days to just 16 days for a standard handling system.
This new online tool is a faster and more cost-effective option for design engineers looking to configure multi-axis handling systems, and is suitable for design engineers specifying systems for applications such as pick-and-place, palletisers, end-of-line packaging, assembling and laser cutting.
Nigel Dawson, product manager at Festo, says: "In the past, engineers would have to go through a lengthy request for quotation, layout and quotation process when looking to order handling systems. We recognised the need for a modern way of specifying systems, which makes the whole design and procurement simpler, and developed this unique online software to make ordering and configuring handling systems a quick and easy experience."
The HGO uses three steps. First the engineer chooses between four Cartesian system options; single-axis systems, 2D linear gantry, 2D gantry and 3D gantry (see below). Then the user enters the specific application data into the tool, such as the load and stroke length. The system then calculates the most appropriate handling system for those needs and displays the options in price order.
Comprehensive datasheets, a powerful animation and complete CAD model are all available for download in a matter of minutes in all common data formats. The last step enables the engineer to further configure the selected system, with additional options in accordance with their own requirements - for example, the safety options, sensors and length of cabling. HGO truly makes the entire process as simple as possible, even calculating automatically specifications such as the length of the cable chains.
When the handling system is manufactured by Festo it is tested prior to despatch. And when it is delivered, it comes complete with commissioning files so that it is ready to install and use with only the bare minimum of engineering effort required.
Visibility on part availability
Nigel Dawson continues: "In the final design, the HGO details exactly which parts make up the system and includes online links to the individual components. As a result, users can easily order spare parts and have visibility on part availability and delivery times - in many cases this is next day. HGO enables engineers specifying systems at their machine concept and quotation stage to very quickly have a fixed price, enabling them to be 100 per cent sure of their performance and costs in this area. Ultimately this means they can be more competitive."
Festo can pass significant price savings onto its customers, quotes are immediate, and using HGO eliminates the costs and time spent following up requests for information or quotes. In addition, to support the supply of the system, Festo has built a dedicated European production facility for handling systems, applying automation techniques to the assembly and, therefore, further reducing the cost of these systems. This is an additional benefit to machine builders who can, in turn, share cost savings with their customers.
Join a webinar on 22 May 2015 at 09:00 BST to learn more about the Handling Guide Online. Nigel Dawson will show design engineers how they can use the power of the new Festo HGO to take their idea for a new mechanical handling system to a fully worked-up and costed design in just 15 minutes. For details on how to join go to www.festo.co.uk/hgowebinar. For more information about HGO and handling systems, go to www.festo.co.uk/hgo.
