Festo recently launched the EGC electric drive range that it says defines a new performance paradigm for the motion control industry and features a radically new profile design. Not only do the new axes perform better than previous generation counterparts, they also cost less. During its extensive R&D programme aimed at improving the performance and service life of its electro-mechanical drives, Festo looked to Italian maestro Leonardo da Vinci’s Cupola arch for inspiration.
“The main body of every EGC axis is constructed from extruded aluminium, with a unique computer optimised cross sectional shape incorporating an internal arch-like structure. This feature provides the drives’ unprecedented rigidity and load bearing capabilities with very low mass,” explains Festo product manager, Ernst Smith.
Feed forces as high as 3000 N and speeds of up to 5 m/s, as well as new levels of acceleration and torque resistance, make them ideal for use in gantry-type materials handling, supplying and transporting systems.
The moving carriage is fitted with the latest high performance caged ball bearings and the fully sealed bearing cassette has grease pockets for optimal lubrication. Festo also offers a number of optional guide scrapers and grease feed adapters for use with centralised lubrication systems. The top face of the aluminium carriage is fitted with helicoils and centring holes to facilitate fast and accurate load mounting.
A choice of toothed belt or ballscrew drive mechanisms – with numerous variants in both categories – makes it easy to choose an actuator optimally matched to application needs. “Unlike most competitive products, the axes’ stainless steel guide rail is mounted externally, allowing the moving carriage to accommodate large cantilever and offset loads that apply very high moments of torque to the carriage,” says Smith.
The toothed belt version of the EGC axis is available with a choice of 50, 70, 80, 120 and 185 mm wide profiles, and the three largest models can be supplied with standard stroke lengths of up to 8,5 m. Different models within this range are capable of generating feed forces as high as 2500 N and of handling speeds up to 5 m/s and acceleration rates up to 50 m/s².
Another advantage of the EGC-toothed belt versions’ external guide arrangement is that it needs smaller belt pulleys, often removing the need for a gearbox. The unique cover opening and securing mechanism enable belt replacing without dismantling the axis, speeding up maintenance and lowering service costs.
“The ballscrew version of the EGC axes is particularly useful in short cycle time applications that demand high feed forces and very accurate and repeatable positioning. The spindle is designed for low noise, and the body of the axis is fitted with a non-metallic, clip-in cover band to guard against the ingress of contaminants,” concludes Smith.
The new EGC axes are easy to install. A hollow drive pinion, plus a new design of elastomer motor coupling featuring an expanding shaft, ensures simple, backlash-free connection.
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