Packaging machines as an example feature the CPX automation platform from Festo as controller. It integrates all pneumatic and electrical control chains, thereby opening up completely new horizons for machine and plant planners for the layout of their production lines. They now have more space and greater flexibility for integrating other plant components into the production line. This development project comprising – different from the standard product – the high-speed handling system EXPT with CPX and the new „integrated drive” EMCA is now building on the trend. The robotic solution delivering more than 100 picks per minute with delta kinematics permits free movement in three dimensions. The CPX automation platform integrates the entire electropneumatic control chain via a codesys controller: From the I/O signal and simple electrical and pneumatic movements through to transformation of the tripod models using automatic calibration. What makes this revolutionary is the robotic controller with CPX. Originally designed as a valve terminal with remote I/O, Festo is making a quantum leap with regard to decentralised automation in the machine. Thanks to protection to IP65/67, the controller and the tripod manage without a control cabinet for the first time ever.

Also crucial for this development project are the electrical drives EMCA with integrated maintenance-free EC motors to IP54/65. The brushless DC motors with absolute position recording, integrated regulator, power electronics, absolute encoders – and the option of absolute multiturn encoders as well as integrated holding brakes and fieldbus interfaces – together with the CPX do away with the need for a control cabinet.

The handling system EXPT is a standard product from Festo and characterised above all by a high dynamic response due to a low moving mass and high rigidity thanks to its pyramid-shaped, closed structure. This is created using three double rods, which ensure that the flange plate is always in a horizontal position. Axes and motors are fixed.

The tripod kinematics take handling technology requirements such as short cycle times, dynamic response, function integration, fast plug and work, low acquisition and operating costs as well as faster time to market into account. The design of the tripod offers better accessibility in the working space than conventional cartesian or scara robots. pb