Festo at Automate 2019: OEM productivity-boosting solutions

Festo is showing electric and pneumatic motion-automation solutions at Automate 2019 April 8 to 11 at McCormick Place in Chicago — Booth 8151. Productivity-enhancing solutions include company-wide component interoperability and online tools for designing subassemblies that slash OEM engineering overhead and reduce delivery time.

With the Festo Handling Guide Online, engineers can design single-axis or 2D or even 3D Cartesian robots and receive CAD files in as little as 20 minutes. The robots are delivered either as subassemblies or as kits. Seamlessly and automatically, the new Festo Motion Control Package (FMCP) designs the robot’s control panel utilizing data generated from the Handling Guide Online session. After delivery, it requires just a few hours to add power to the control panel and configure the robot’s motion profile. Festo presents an active demo of a Cartesian robot and FMCP panel at its Automate booth.

Festo displays for the first time the new DGST pneumatic mini slide. The slide and yoke plate on this compact component represent a single unit. This eliminates the problems associated with yokes vibrating loose from slides. The DGST features high feed forces, symmetrical mounting interfaces, and precise and resilient roller bearing guides. The DGST can be operated without additional cushioning devices, which contributes to the component’s small footprint.

The new DHEF adaptive gripper offers maximum flexibility while needing minimal engineering. The adaptive gripper can hold a range of shapes, unaligned objects, and several objects at once. The DHEF is suitable for human/machine interaction.

The new, low-cost linear axes ELGC and mini slide EGSC electric actuators are used for applications where compact dimensions are essential. These axes can be combined into space-saving handling systems that fit seamlessly into assembly, test and inspection, small parts handling, and desk top applications. They offer an optimal ratio between installation space and working space. The axes and mini slide feature a common system approach, platform architecture, and adapter-less connections.

Specify a Cartesian robot in as little as 20 minutes and have it delivered as a drop-in assembly or as a parts kit in a single box with unique part number. While the robot is being manufactured by Festo, OEMs continue their design work, using a complete set of assembly CAD drawings.

The configurable YJKP servo press kit for electrical press-fitting and joining can be tailored to the needs of the user, guaranteeing a flexible design and reducing investment costs. At Automate, Festo demonstrates the ease of use and versatility of the servo press kit’s software – this solution’s differentiating feature.

Festo shows three different electric drives in a gripping, picking, and placing application. A similar configuration could be used for capping and decapping small vials or for stopping and separating workpiece carriers on a transfer system.

The Festo Motion Control Package control cabinet arrives fully wired and ready to be installed. This image shows the Full Edition cabinet that houses up to six drives. The Festo Motion Control Package Compact Edition houses three drives.

Festo displays a selection of electric drives and linear actuators, IO-Link fieldbus solutions, grippers, compact valves and valve terminals, and the new line of NFPA cylinders from its Fabco-Air business unit.

“Every aspect of Festo motion automation technology is driven toward the goal of engineering productivity for customers and the sales channel,” said district sales manager Chip Arnold. “We encourage attendees to stop by booth 8151 and learn more about the latest innovations.”

For more information, visit festo.us.

Festo is a leading manufacturer of pneumatic and electromechanical systems, components, and controls for process and industrial automation. For more than 40 years, Festo Corp. has continuously elevated the state of manufacturing with innovations and optimized motion control solutions that deliver higher performing, more profitable automated manufacturing and processing equipment.