Festo chose the Mtec 2009 event back in March to mark the UK debut of its new intelligent multi-axis control module for electric drives - the CPX-CMXX. This highly integrated plug-in unit can be used with the company’s existing CPX multifunctional control terminals, and is particularly easy to configure and set up. The module dramatically reduces the system wiring burden, making it a particularly elegant ‘drop-in’ control system for single and multiple axis drives. Festo believes these attributes will undoubtedly prove popular with OEMs and system integrators seeking to reduce their time to market.
The CPX-CMXX is ideal for parts handling and positioning applications such as pick-and-place, palletising, machine loading and unloading, inspection/measuring, and labelling. The module can operate autonomously or in response to signals from a host controller. It features a built-in PLC-compatible interface, is able to store and execute simple individual axis movements, and can also co-ordinate the movement of two groups of axes, each containing up to four axes.
There are 1,024 position sets available for each of the two groups of axes; these can be linked and executed in sequence, or multiple sets can be executed in synchronism, which provides considerable control flexibility. The module communicates with the various drive modules via CANopen, using the standard fieldbus FHPP handling and positioning profile.
All configuration, parameterisation and commissioning tasks are carried out using Festo’s highly intuitive Windows-based FCT software. The motion control sequences can be programmed, but they can also be set up using parameterisation or teach-in, without the need for connection to a host controller. The module is equipped with a standard Ethernet 10/100BaseT interface for parameterisation, as well as a service interface for a Festo CPX-MMI handheld terminal. Front panel LEDs indicate program status and provide local diagnostic feedback, and a preliminary test of the entire system can be performed without a host controller.
The CPX multifunctional terminals provide machine builders with a very flexible, modular approach to control, condition monitoring and diagnostics. The terminals can form part of centralised, decentralised or hybrid control schemes, and are compatible with all major fieldbus systems, as well as industrial Ethernet. Individual modules can be changed at will, enabling systems to be reconfigured or expanded without altering the wiring.
Festo produces a wide range of CPX-compatible modules, including intelligent analogue I/O units for temperature sensing and signal detection, PNP and NPN digital input units, M12 and M8 connection blocks, and two types of position transducers for use with pneumatic actuators.