Posted to News on 28th Sep 2017, 15:22
New EMCA integrated positioning drive from Festo
Festo is launching the EMCA integrated positioning drive to offer machine builders and engineers all the connectivity they need to meet the demands of modern manufacturing environments.
The EMCA is an all-in-one motor and drive that is designed for easy integration into any machine or system where rotational movement is required. By using the EMCA in combination with other Festo automation products, engineers can build a range of automation systems, from gear units to electro-mechanical axes and complete handing systems, including high-speed robotics.
Applications for the EMCA unit include materials transport and conveying, printing, packaging and labelling, as well as textiles and electronics manufacturing. But regardless of the application, the EMCA will fit seamlessly into existing manufacturing systems and has the connectivity to support the factories of the future. Current models of the EMCA positioning drive can already communicate via an I/O Interface, Canopen and Ethernet I/P. Variants for ProfiNet, EtherCat and ModBusTCP are scheduled for release in early 2018.
Brushless DC motor
The EMCA consists of a maintenance-free and wear-resistant brushless DC motor with integrated power and control electronics. The integrated drive system is compact, avoids long motor cables, improves electromagnetic compatibility and reduces installation workload and space requirements, while built-in monitoring functions ensure safety and reliability.
The EMCA uses a 24 DC input and senses absolute position using a single-turn encoder as standard, or optionally via a multi-turn displacement encoder with buffering. Other options include an integrated holding brake and a range of external gear units. Freely downloadable Festo Configuration Tool (FCT) software makes parameterisation and commissioning quick and easy via an Ethernet interface, with 64 freely programmable position sets.
Available in two motor lengths and power classes, the EMCA can deliver peak torque of up to 0.91Nm, has a maximum rotational speed of 3500rpm and can offers a peak power output of up to 200W. The motor housing provides IP54 protection as standard, with IP65 available as an option for direct installation in the system. The EMCA also supports the safety function safe torque off (STO).
The EMCA is said to be easy to mount and set up, offers protection against water and dirt, and combines a maintenance-free, wear-resistant DC motor with integrated power and control electronics, all within a rugged, compact housing. Its compact and high-performance design has been recognised with a Product Design Award from the iF Design Awards.
For more information on how to build the EMCA integrated drive into your system, go to www.festo.com/emca.
