New motion control package by Festo simplifies setup and integration

The Festo Motion Control Package comes pre-assembled and pre-tested for exceptionally fast integration and setup of a Festo Cartesian handling system within an OEM’s machine or production system.

With the Festo Motion Control Package, or FMCP, machine and system designers have two solutions in one product – an optimized motion-control kit for running a Festo robotic handling system, combined with easy integration and setup of the system through the user’s PLC, regardless of the brand. This new technological breakthrough makes motion-control setup and integration faster and easier.

The FMCP enables original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to run Festo robots immediately just by connecting power, Ethernet, IO, and quick-connecting cabling to gantry motors, then filling in key motion parameters with the function block.

Ready-to-install solution for motion control

Festo offers the FMCP as an upgrade on its Handling Guide Online configuration tool, or HGO, for streamlining design of Cartesian robots. Introduced in 2016, the HGO enables engineers to specify a single-, two-, or three-dimensional Cartesian robot by inputting basic application data like load, cycle time, load voltage, and workspace size; this results in a CAD drawing for the robot in only 20 minutes and quotes typically within two days. It also gives OEMs the option of ordering a gantry, either fully assembled and pre-tested or disassembled.

The FMCP takes the HGO to a new level: it is a complete solution comprising a robotic motion controller, cabinet, components, wiring, and fast connection. OEMs can order it during the same configuration process, and it arrives fully wired and ready for installation.

Another advantage of the FMCP is that it can coordinate motion of up to six axes for precision Cartesian robotic applications like pick and place. It provides kinematics for H-portal, T-portal, 2D and 3D Festo standard gantry systems, and its software function blocks allow users to configure Cartesian motion control applications at the PLC. No special programming knowledge is necessary: OEMs can learn basic motion via a webserver or IOS/Android app.

Finally, the FMCP is a solution for end-of-arm tooling. It can control eight external digital inputs and eight digital outputs available in the standard function block with its IO-Link connection.

For a closer look, watch the video below:

For more information, contact Festo.

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