Motion Control & Drives


Format change at the push of a button

May 2018 Motion Control & Drives

Fast and straightforward format changes on just one machine are at the top of the wish list of many packaging machine manufacturers and their customers. Innovations from Festo make these wishes a reality. Enter the new Festo Motion Terminal and the Multi-Carrier-System (MCS).

The ability to automate the production or packaging of custom products right down to batches of one, will really set manufacturers of packaging machines apart from the competition. This is exactly what can be achieved using the MCS and Festo Motion Terminal.

Multi-Carrier-System

This flexible modular transport system can be adapted to different formats via software at the push of a button. Different box sizes and the matching number of products are set directly in the MCS using the freely positionable carriers. The products can be individually transported, grouped or synchronously packaged on the carriers.

The MCS is flexible to install and operate. It is easy to integrate into existing logistics thanks to the infeed and outfeed of carriers without additional transfer points. Acceleration, speed, grouping and synchronous motion can be freely defined, even in the closed recirculating system of the carriers. The modular MCS is used only where it is needed by the process – within a station or in parallel with the process flow. Return transport of the recirculating carriers is ensured by an inexpensive servo-controlled belt drive.

Digital pneumatics

With the Festo Motion Terminal, pneumatic functions can be controlled via apps for the first time, without having to change or modify the hardware. From simple directional control valve functions to complex motion tasks, applications can be easily standardised.

The brand new Festo Motion Terminal VTEM catapults pneumatics into the age of Industrie 4.0 with apps that can replace more than 50 individual components. All this is made possible by the latest developments in piezo technology and software. Thanks to the fast activation of new functions via motion app licences, machine developers can create a basic machine type and then select the relevant apps to equip it with different functions and features as requested by the customer.

For more information contact Kershia Beharie, Festo, 086 003 3786, [email protected], www.festo.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

More movement on the market
Motion Control & Drives
If you want to move something, you have to be able to control the movement. When positioning in the nanometre range everything matters and requires high performance motion control. Six years ago, Aerotech therefore set itself the goal of revolutionising the market for precision motion and machine control systems.

Read more...
Highly customisable robotic hand
Motion Control & Drives
NSK and the German Aerospace Centre are developing a robotic hand system that will help automate manual tasks. The concept centres on a customisable robot hand comprising individually configurable finger modules, an industry first.

Read more...
Electrically-operated diaphragm pumping solutions
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG has extended its range of Ingersoll Rand ARO fluid handling products to include the new EVO series electric diaphragm pumps, designed to enhance energy efficiency and improve fluid handling productivity.

Read more...
Surface drill rigs for Navachab in Namibia
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc South Africa recently delivered five of six FlexiROC drilling machines to key customer, Navachab Gold Mine.

Read more...
Grease degradation diagnosis technology
Motion Control & Drives
NSK is developing a world-first: a high-accuracy way of rapidly and accurately diagnosing the remaining life of lubricant grease. The company will provide the solution as a mobile app, enabling users to perform the onsite analysis of lubricant condition in bearings and linear motion systems.

Read more...
New compact VFDs with higher power ratings
Motion Control & Drives
Invertek Drives has revealed the extension of its industry-leading Optidrive Coolvert variable frequency drive with the launch of two new compact frame sizes with higher power ratings.

Read more...
Asset reliability care field dominated by WearCheck
Wearcheck Motion Control & Drives
Condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck has solidified its position as a leading player in the asset reliability care sector.

Read more...
Revolutionising manufacturing: the impact of machine learning in robotics
Motion Control & Drives
The integration of machine learning (ML) into robotics has the potential to revolutionise many industries, in particular the manufacturing sector. Yaskawa South Africa is at the forefront of embracing this transformative technology to optimise innovation and propel the manufacturing industry forward.

Read more...
Chain hoist friction clutch tester
WIKA Instruments Motion Control & Drives
WIKA’s FRKPS chain hoist test set is a reliable and efficient way to test the friction clutch on your chain hoist.

Read more...
Redefining Industrial Automation with the new Festo Valve Terminal
Festo South Africa Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Festo recently introduced its latest innovation in the form of the Valve Terminal VTUX. This invention marks the beginning of a new era in valve terminals, with its features making it an impressive solution for the future.

Read more...