Feature

Compact gantry for fast, precision positioning

Festo has introduced a compact gantry for precise, fast positioning. It is believed to be the world’s first production, off-the-shelf handling gantry to feature kinematic technology.

20/04/2014 10:59:50

The EXCM Mini H Handler’s parallel kinematic system is more energy efficient than traditional Cartesian positioning systems in which one motor must transport the weight of the other.

Instead, two motors act directly on the load via a common recirculating tooth belt. By sharing the load in this way, the robotics can achieve higher dynamics, and EXCM realises positioning speeds of up to 0.5m/s with less cost, energy usage and vibration.

The Mini H Handler’s closed-loop servo controller can drive the end effector rapidly and accurately to any X-Y co-ordinate position.

The Handlers start from just A4 size with a good ratio of working area to total footprint. Installation height is also minimised, as both motors lie in the same plane.

There are two products in the series: the EXCM-10 and the EXCM-30. The EXCM-10 offers its kinematic benefits in a basic package, while the EXCM-30 supports a higher payload of up to 3kg, and high precision, with a maximum acceleration of 10m/s/s, maximum speed of 0.5m/s and repetition accuracy of ±0.05mm with ball bearing guidance. The gantries are available with six X-axis fixed stroke lengths up to 700mm and a Y-axis stroke up to 360mm.

The controller can be driven from any PLC or PC device using digital I/O, Ethernet TCP/IP or CAN bus network.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.