Now you can design Cartesian robots in minutes
Festo has extended the capabilities of its Handling Guide Online (HGO) to include 3D cantilever systems in addition to linear, planar surface and 3D handling systems. These improvements mean that design engineers can now plan extremely compact or extremely dynamic Cartesian robots in a matter of minutes using the HGO’s intuitive configuration and ordering software. They can also benefit from the complete documentation package, including circuit diagram service from Eplan and commissioning files.
The Handling Guide Online is free to use and has been developed by Festo to enable design engineers to create ready-to-install handling systems in record time, whether they are 2D or 3D gantries and now 3D cantilever systems. This smart and intuitive tool can be used to configure and create new system solutions without disrupting the value chain. This has been made possible through the integration of the configuration and ordering platform with Festo’s online product catalogue. As a result, HGO users are just a few mouse clicks away from the right standard handling system, including CAD model. The individual steps including RFQ, layout, quotation and CAD design, which previously may have taken 10 to 15 days, can now be done in just a few minutes using the Handling Guide Online.
Festo’s HGO also cuts assembly and delivery times from a typical two months to just a few weeks. New standard products are also shortening set-up, parameterisation and commissioning times. Machine and system builders are therefore able to reduce their time to market for integrated handling systems by around 70%. Thanks to this engineering tool, design engineers have more time and space for creativity when planning and project engineering their companies’ core areas of technological expertise.
At the end of the design process a single click transmits the order to Festo. The handling experts from Festo deliver a ready-to-install system, including all user documentation in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive, directly to the machine or plant in no time at all.
Error-free documentation
Festo’s Schematic Solution software enables HGO users to save valuable engineering time by creating all the necessary documentation on their behalf. Generally, creating an Eplan project can take several hours and, depending on the complexity, can be prone to input errors. Schematic Solution automates many of the process steps, freeing up time for creative tasks whilst creating complete, error-free project documentation. The electrical circuit and pneumatic diagrams can be purchased as an Eplan project via Schematic Solution in the Festo App World.
Data is only entered once and is then managed consistently throughout the entire process, resulting in an Eplan project with a unique system ID for each individual handling system. Error-free documentation for the configured handling system with a mechatronic image of the configured motors and drives, such as EMMT-AS motors and CMMT-AS servo drives, is generated at the click of a key. Thanks to the integration of the documentation, configuring handling systems using Festo’s HGO is not only more reliable, but also less expensive because of the valuable time savings.
Festo also makes commissioning faster. The commissioning files are custom created based on the user input and the calculated system, which are loaded directly via the Festo Automation Suite into the motor controller. The commissioning file contains the set of values specifically for the particular handling system, consisting of axis dimensions, motor characteristics, feed constants and dynamic data. The controller settings are automatically calculated on the basis of the payload, the dead weight and the system dynamics entered by the user.
With the Handling Guide Online, Festo is driving digitalisation, supporting its customers to enter the age of Industry 4.0. As an automation expert Festo is combining its extensive knowledge of industrial applications with the latest developments in information technology to realise online applications for industrial automation. Festo is also using digital communication to support its customers throughout the Digital Customer Journey. This digital journey guides customers reliably and comprehensively through the Festo portfolio, from information procurement and configuration through ordering and delivery to commissioning and maintenance and on to technical training offered by Festo Didactic.
Visit the Festo website for more information
