Cartesian handling system configured in just 20 minutes

Cartesian handling system design has traditionally been a lengthy process, as you painstakingly configured each axis through hours of trawling through component specifications, batted ideas back and forth with suppliers, waited for quotations, and made the inevitable amends when your anticipated dynamics defied the laws of physics. Then of course there was the lengthy wait for your supplier of choice to deliver your finished Cartesian handling system.

Now there is a new online Cartesian handling system configuration tool which promises to take all the pain out of the process and provide you with a finished Cartesian handling system design within 20 minutes (and in a demo, your Robotics Update team saw a Cartesian handling system designed and configured in just five minutes).

The Handling Guide Online configuration too has been developed by Festo to simply Cartesian handling system design, while also significantly shortening assembly and delivery times compared with previous methods. Using Festo’s HGO portal for your Cartesian handling system, the company says you can reduce concept-to-completion times from around two months to just three weeks for a standard handling system.

Festo says the new online tool is a faster and more cost effective option for design engineers looking to configure a Cartesian handling system, and is ideal for design engineers specifying systems for applications such as palletisers, end-of-line packaging, assembling and laser cutting.

“In the past, engineers would have to go through a lengthy request for quotation, layout and quotation process when looking to order a Cartesian handling system,” begins Nigel Dawson, product manager at Festo. “We recognised the need for a modern way of specifying the handling system, which makes the whole design and procurement simpler and developed this unique online software to make ordering and configuring a Cartesian handling system a quick and easy experience.”

Three steps to a finished Cartesian handling system

The HGO uses three steps. First the engineer chooses between four Cartesian handling system options; single-axis systems, 2D linear gantry, 2D gantry and 3D gantry. 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 Cartesian handling system for those needs.

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 allows 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.

“In the final design, the HGO details exactly which parts make up the Cartesian handling system and includes online links to the individual components,” says Dawson. “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 a Cartesian handling system at their machine concept and quotation stage to very quickly have a fixed price, enabling them to be 100% sure of their performance and costs in this area. Ultimately this means they can be more competitive.”

Festo says can it pass significant price savings onto its customers, quotes are immediate, and using HGO eliminates the costs and time spent following up requests. In addition, to support the supply of the Cartesian handling system, Festo has built a European production facility for handling systems, applying automation techniques to the assembly, 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.

Demonstration webinar

Join a webinar on 22nd May at 9am BST to learn more about the Handling Guide Online. Festo’s 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 visit: www.festo.co.uk/hgowebinar.

Visit the Festo website for more information on Cartesian handling system solutions.

See all stories for Festo