Complete control system for handling and assembly

The right controller is now available for all handling and assembly applications with interfaces to components such as drive controllers or valve terminals. For point to point movements, pre-calculated positions or complete path control, the new control system from Festo is scalable and modular. And it is an integral part of the mechatronic modular handling system.

The control module CPX-CM-HPP provides access to the new world of control systems. It enables the Festo electric axes to be controlled via all the fieldbus nodes available in CPX. Up to four individual electric axes can be connected via a CAN bus interface. As a result, the electric drives are compatible with all industrial communication interfaces. The FHPP (Festo Handling and Positioning Profile) connection is used here, integrating the electric drives in the CPX system. The access module can control the axes individually and independently of one other. The CPX-CMXX multi-axis interface is available for additional functions.

Embedded control with FED-CEC
The integration of the controller in the display and control units FED saves space. With the integrated CANopen-Master interface, the valve terminals and electric drives from Festo can be connected directly to the FED-CEC display. The display communicates via the Ethernet interface with other controllers from the manufacturer of automation technology, which are also programmed in CoDeSys.

Synchronous movement with multi-axis interface
To achieve this, Festo is launching the multi-axis interface CPX-CMXX, which can execute both simple, individual axis movements and coordinated movements of several electric drives. The Festo configuration tool FCT enables users to configure two axis groups with a maximum of four axes per group without the need for time-consuming programming. With the “synchronous movement” configuration, the axes simultaneously reach the target position.

The PLC-based motion controller CECX-X-M1 is now available for coordinated multi-axis movements with interpolations and thus simple path applications. It enables users to program machines and systems individually with extensive PLC functionality. The motion controller is integrated in the overall concept of the modular controller CECX, which is the new fieldbus master controller from Festo for complete systems and machines. Thanks to the Softmotion function integrated in the CoDeSys programming and runtime system, the areas of application range from single-axis positioning movements through to CNC path interpolations with 2.5D.

Robot controller provides freedom
The highlight of the new control system from Festo is the motion controller with robotic functions CMXR-C1. It makes three-dimensional dreams come true for challenging requirements in handling technology. Spatial path applications are possible with three-dimensional interpolation within a Cartesian space. The robotic controller CMXR permits multi-axis applications with five or even six spatial degrees of freedom. The controller is the basis for setting up Cartesian systems, from three-dimensional gantries to complex tripod kinematics.

The controller interpolates and positions all axes that can trace contours on a centre line, as needed for gluing, laser welding or water jet cutting. However, it can also spatially position the gantry robot tool. The point of the tool is always guided along the programmed path, even if the tool orientation changes.

Short cycles – fast engineering
If the gripper is to remove a part from a mould, its specific path can be determined with the X, Y and Z positions and the orientation of the tool. As a result, the course of the path is harmonious. With additional functions such as the overlap of programmed positions, the path becomes smooth, thus putting less strain on the mechanical parts. This also optimises cycle times, as well as ramp shapes for acceleration and constant path speeds.

Design times are significantly reduced with the Festo configuration tool FCT and the Festo programming language, Teach Language FT, thus allowing users to concentrate on application development.