REDWIRE SupraCube levitation module by Festo offers no-contact object handling

April 15, 2021 REDWIRE is news you can use from leading suppliers. Powered by FRASERS.

Posted by Festo Inc


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levitation module

The SupraCube is a compact unit that enables a higher level of flexibility.

Festo Canada has been introducing innovative new technology this week at Hannover Messe 2021 – including the SupraCube levitation module. Using the latest superconducting technology, this is a compact, standalone unit that offers maximum flexibility to users – with a SupraMotion concept in which the superconductor can be separated from the electrical cooler and operate autonomously for as long as two hours. Its compact technology enables no-contact object movement and handling.

A new level of flexibility

This no-contact quality makes the module perfect for sectors with high cleanliness standards, like laboratory automation, biotechnology, and semiconductor production. The SupraCube reaches a new level of flexibility with its magnetic levitation technology. Until now, products for magnetic levitation suffered from unwieldy dimensions, which hinders applications that need compact, lightweight, reliable, and robust solutions. With the SupraCube, Festo reduces magnetic levitation to a passive magnetic base unit with a coupled levitation carrier.

The modular design of the SupraCube allows cooling of the superconductor to -210 degrees Celsius before the cooling unit automatically switches off and the unit decouples from it for up to two hours. Then the user can mount the levitation module on the end of a robot arm, connect it in parallel with other SupraCubes on a transport system, or use it in a safety lab. The stable floating connection between the magnetic carrier and superconductor enables distances of at least ten millimetres, more than sufficient for partitions enclosing sterile work environments.

This levitation module allows a docking station to power other modules sequentially to ensure seamless availability. The unit is fully autonomous, neither consuming energy or needing computing power. The sophisticated insulation maintains superconductivity even during two hours of downtime. Levitation occurs without heating surfaces, eliminated damage to heat-sensitive items.

With this non-contact, no-friction form of superconducting levitation, Festo provides an elegant, practical solution for many of the challenges in high-technology sectors – semiconductors, batteries, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, medical devices, and laboratory automation. By minimizing all types of impurities, the SupraCube will help establish a clean, health, and sustainable future for high-end products and technologies.

To learn more, contact Festo.


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Posted by Festo Inc


Innovate today for a new tomorrow   For nearly a hundred years Festo has provided proven Industry Leadership, Super... Read more

Contact supplier