Automated throughout

Fibro Läpple Technology (FLT), based in Haßmersheim, around 20 kilometers north of Heilbronn, develops and builds automated production systems for the automotive industry and numerous other sectors. FLT has developed a new modular axis and gantry system for transport and handling tasks such as machine or press loading, which can be used to implement various sizes of highly dynamic gantry robots and axes. Travel speeds of up to 4.5 meters per second and accelerations of up to six meters per square second are achieved as standard. Handling weights of up to over one thousand kilograms place high demands on the drive mechanics.

FLT is once again relying on powerful drive technology from SEW-Eurodrive for its new modular portal system. In a further step, the innovative Movi-C modular automation system is now also being used. With this new platform in conjunction with the modular gear unit and motor kits, SEW-Eurodrive offers a completely integrated product portfolio for machine and system automation. The Movisuite engineering software combines the mechanical, electromechanical, electronic and software-based technology modules in one functional unit.

Intuitive control

In the past, FLT used a standard industrial controller for its gantry solutions and combined it with drive components from SEW-Eurodrive. "However, we have repeatedly found that the industrial control system we previously used for the automation of our machines and gantries was oversized, too expensive and far too complex. Many of our customers have therefore asked us for alternative solutions that offer all the necessary functions at attractive prices and are very quick and easy to commission. SEW-Eurodrive has fulfilled this catalog of requirements for us with the Movi-C modular automation system and the newly developed Movisuite engineering software. We therefore made the decision to rely on SEW not only for the drives, but also for the control technology in the future," explains Boris Bind, Development and Design Manager at FLT.

Thanks to Movi-C, an executable system has been created for FLT's new modular portal system in close cooperation with SEW-Eurodrive. The latest servo technology with synchronous geared motors is used for the axes. SEW's Robot Language SRL, a software module that is integrated into Movisuite, was used to control the three gantry axes.

"The collaboration during the development phase worked really well," says Boris Bind happily. "We discussed technical details together and then quickly decided to move forward with the project."

Simple programming

In addition to commissioning, Movisuite significantly simplifies the programming of complex movements of multiple axes thanks to functionalities such as automatic code generation. Whereas there used to be a whole range of software tools, some with different user interfaces, the introduction of Movisuite means that all software functions relating to drives and controls - including the configuration of functional safety technology - can be accessed with a uniform look and feel.

Literally everything can be found here, from the commissioning tools for hardware and drives to the control and safety technology to the visualization of the entire processes and application modules such as the "Robot Language SRL" module, which FLT used to program the axis movements.

User-friendly engineering software

SEW-Eurodrive has invested a lot of energy in making Movuite easy to use. The software has been optimized according to the latest findings for maximum user-friendliness and has a modern, clearly structured interface. The user can see all drives with their controllers, control components and operating data in a clear structure tree. These components can be dragged and dropped into the network to be configured so that configurations can be created and settings made within a very short time.

"With Movisuite, SEW provides us with control software that offers us everything we need in machine automation. There is no longer any separation between drive technology and control technology, and the entire software is really user-friendly," confirm Guido Hoffmann and Thomas Heiß, who are responsible for electrical control technology at FLT. "Movisuite is so clearly structured and intuitive that even an occasional user can program an application in no time at all. Seven lines of code are enough to set an axis in motion, even without extensive training. This is a huge advantage for our customers, as they want to work with the application as quickly as possible instead of having to deal with the specific features of the software."

Good and cost-optimized

"Compared to other control solutions, where numerous functions that are not required also have to be purchased, Movisuite means significant savings for us," says Boris Bind. "Added to this is the reduced programming and commissioning effort, which is also reflected in the total cost of automating a machine. At SEW-Eurodrive, we not only have one of the broadest product ranges on the market and powerful and fast software, but also a significant cost advantage - and all this with dedicated support that really focuses on our requirements."

Heiko Füller/

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