Digital I/O ensures pneumatic-like control, while I/O-Link adds infinitely variable positioning along the axis.
Islamdia, New York-September 27, 2021-Festo will exhibit its innovative Simplified Motion Series (SMS) at the Las Vegas Packaging Show from September 27 to 29, booth number SL-6132. 2021 In 2012, the new function of these integrated integrated drive shafts is IO-Link control, which can be used for cost-effective multi-position applications. SMS represents an engineering breakthrough that combines the simplicity of pneumatics with the advantages of electrical automation. SMS uses proven ball screw shafts, toothed belt shafts, mini sliders, electric cylinders, piston rods and rotary actuators, and integrates them with on-board servo drives. The user can debug the two-digit function through the on-board button, no additional software is required. When using IO-Link (standard function of SMS axis) for control, the positioning along the length of the axis is infinitely variable. When used like this, the SMS axis provides a cost-effective alternative to more expensive and complex traditional servo movements. Compared with traditional servo motion solutions, the low cost and simple installation such as pneumatics open the door to applications that previously prohibited the use of electrical costs, including conveyor material handling, and the application of electric motion in mobile applications. Through IO-Link, technicians can remotely adjust motion parameters, including infinitely variable positions and speeds. They can also copy and backup parameter transfer functions and read basic process parameters.
SMS actuators are used in positioning, indexing, clamping, feeding and fixed-length cutting tasks, in which electrical automation increases proficiency and value. Since all components are integrated into a single unit with a unique part number, the ordering, inventory, and replacement process can be simplified. This series of units includes: ELGS-BS ball screw, ELGS-TB toothed belt shaft, EGSS micro slide, EPCS electric cylinder, EPCE compact electric cylinder, ERMS rotary drive, ELGE toothed belt shaft. Festo has used 50 years of knowledge in simple motion based on pneumatics and applied it to electric motion to achieve the same ease of use. SMS opens the door to creative new solutions that benefit from the flexibility of low-cost and easy-to-tune electric motion. Digital I/O (DIO) and IO-Link control are standard configurations of each unit. With DIO control, there are two positions available-origin and configurable endpoint. As mentioned above, IO-Link provides flexible positioning along the axis, just like a traditional electromechanical axis. The PLC settings for DIO control are the same as programming a digital pneumatic valve with two digital outputs and two digital inputs. One digital output causes the shaft to extend, and the other retracts it. The digital input indicates when the shaft reaches the extended or retracted position, just like the function of a proximity switch on a pneumatic actuator. This similarity to pneumatic valves simplifies PLC programming, reduces the amount of I/O normally required for servo-controlled movements, and speeds up the installation of single and multiple units. Integrated position feedback eliminates the need for proximity sensors. Since the electronic components and modules are on the integrated drive, these actuators can be installed on the machine. No external servo drives are installed in the control panel, which means that the control panel overhead associated with these electric drives is minimal. Festo wanted to maintain the similarities between simple electric motion and pneumatic motion, so there was no need for software to teach motion. Commissioning is based on buttons located on the drive. The key debugging parameters include:
The SMS axis provides kinematic characteristics, which simplifies the commissioning of cushion retraction, press-fitting and clamping functions. The simple electrical connection is achieved through an M12 plug design with 4-pin power supply and 8-pin logic. With this new series of electric actuators, engineers can now choose pneumatic or electric actuators for their machines, and have basic equivalence in terms of cost and installation expenses. Each type of drive has its own movement and force distribution, as well as other operating factors, providing engineers with a wider range of solutions to meet their design challenges. In terms of simple linear and rotational motion capabilities, the new Simplified Motion series axis represents an important opportunity for original equipment manufacturers. For more information about the Simplified Motion series, please call 800-993-3786.
Festo is a leading manufacturer of pneumatic and electromechanical systems, components, and process and industrial automation controls. For more than 40 years, Festo has continuously improved its manufacturing level through innovative and optimized motion control solutions, providing automated manufacturing and processing equipment with higher performance and higher profits.
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