New Simplified Motion Series by Festo is an engineering breakthrough

The solutions of the Simplified Motion Series from Festo at a glance.

Festo Canada’s game-changing Simplified Motion Series (SMS) was a star attraction at Pack Expo in Las Vegas. This series of all-in-one integrated-drive electric axes bridges the gap between pneumatic and servo motion and features IO-Link control, a boon to cost-efficient, multi-position applications. The space-saving SMS is a conceptual breakthrough blending the simplicity of pneumatics with the advantages of electric automation at an attractive price point. The user can commission two-position functionality through onboard buttons, requiring no particular expertise or extra software.

Variable positioning along axis length

This series integrates proven ball screw axes, toothed belt axes, mini slides, electric cylinders, piston rod, and rotary actuators with an onboard servo drive. Positioning along the axis length is infinitely variable with control through IO-Link. This way, the SMS is a cost-efficient alternative to more complex and expensive traditional servo motion. The low cost and simple setup enable applications like material handling, using electric motion in mobile scenarios, and others that used to be too expensive for electrics.

The SMS is applicable to positioning, indexing, clamping, feeding, and cut-to-length tasks in which electric automation adds value and proficiency. It streamlines ordering, inventory, and replacement as it integrates components into one unit with an individual part number. IO-Link allows technicians to adjust infinitely variable positions, speed, and other movement parameters remotely. Functions for parameter transfer and read functions of essential process parameters can be copied and backed up.

Each unit includes both Digital I/O and IO-Link control; with the former, two positions are available: home, and a configurable end point. The PLC setup for Digital I/O is identical to programming a digital pneumatic valve with two digital outputs and two digital inputs. This similarity simplifies PLC programming, lowers the amount of I/O usually needed for servo-controlled motion and makes installation of single and multiple units faster. Proximity sensors are unnecessary due to integrated position feedback.

To maintain the similarity between simple electric motion and pneumatics, Festo made commissioning based on the drive buttons. Key commissioning parameters include speed for the extend and retract movement, force of the axis in the “out” position, and settling the reference end position.

To learn more, contact Festo.

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