PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY FILE PRECISE AND COMPACT HANDLING GANTRY LAUNCHED


New from Festo is the EXCM Mini H Handler, a compact and reliable off-the-shelf handling gantry which offers precise, fast, positioning. The gantry features a parallel kinematic system which results in improved energy efficiency. Here, motors act directly on the load via a common recirculating tooth belt, and by sharing the load in this way, the robotics can achieve higher dynamics. EXCM therefore realises positioning speeds of up to 0.5m/s with less cost, energy usage and vibration, the company claims. The Mini H Handler’s closed-loop servo controller can drive the end


SUPPORT ARMS NOW


HAVE AUTOMATIC POTENTIAL EQUALISATION


Automatic potential equalisation is now standard with Rittal’s new CP 60/120/180 support arm system, without any extra work and additional costs to users. Where previously the focus has


been on the mechanical structure of support arm systems, cable installations within support arm systems often had no passive internal safety devices. Active protective measures were also absent. Now, all the rotating elements have


‘sliding contacts’ to ensure a reliable electrical contact throughout the entire system. In addition, edge protection elements made of plastic, which can simply be clipped onto the inner section between extrusions and corner pieces, prevent cables from becoming pinched or chafed. The support arm system is suitable for load ranges up to 180kg.


Rittal T: 01709 704000 www.rittal.co.uk


effector rapidly and accurately to any X-Y co-ordinate position. There are two products


available. The EXCM-10 offers its kinematic benefits in a basic package, while the EXCM-30 supports a payload of up to 3kg, and high precision, with a


maximum acceleration of 10m/s2 , maximum speed of 0.5m/s and repetition


accuracy of ±0.05mm with ball bearing guidance. The gantries are available with six X-axis fixed stroke lengths up to 700mm and a Y-axis stroke up to 360mm. The Handlers start from A4 size


and are easy to install and control. The controller can be driven from any PLC or PC device using digital I/O, Ethernet TCP/IP or CAN bus network. With network-connected devices, users can directly program the Mini H Handler with familiar parameters – X and Y Cartesian co-ordinates, vector speed, acceleration and deceleration. In addition, all devices can run Festo’s free downloadable Festo Configuration Tool (FCT). According to the company, the


Handlers are suitable for desktop applications, including those found in electronics, light assembly and medlab.


Festo T: 01252 775000 www.festo.co.uk


CLEAN ROOM BALL TRANSFER UNITS


Enter 229 LEAD CRYSTAL BATTERIES


Now available in the UK through Harland Simon UPS is a range of clean, high performance, industrial Lead Crystal batteries. The Betta Batteries can be used wherever traditional Lead Acid


and Lead Gel batteries are currently used – including powering electric powered vehicles, within Uninterruptable Power Supply Units (UPS), for back up and operating power systems, and in renewable energy and telecommunications applications. Available in two to 12 volt versions, the batteries contain no


toxic fluids, cadmium or antimony, are up to 99% recyclable and are ISO 14001 certified. They have an operating temperature range from -40°C to + 65°C, have a three year factory guarantee, are said to charge twice as fast as conventional alternatives, and can be 100% discharged daily and fully recovered.


Harland Simon UPS www.leadcrystalbattery.co.uk Enter 231


The ISB range of ball transfers from R. A. Rodriguez allow the smooth and effortless movement of loads in any direction. Suitable for use in cleanroom applications, the devices comprise a large, tempered ball bearing which sits on 100 to 200 smaller balls with minimal frictional resistance. They are available as pressed and moulded units for light loads and precision machined for heavy loads. The border line between the two is 500kg. The electrically conductive ISC Series,


meanwhile, is manufactured from advanced composites – including scratch-free DuPont Vespel, PBI and PEEK for handling glass substrates – and has been developed specifically for clean room and hygienic production. Several variations are available within


the ISC range offering different design or performance characteristics, with the choice of the best ISC ball transfer for the job determined by the characteristics needed, its operating environment, the materials the unit will come into contact with, and the travel distance and speed required. All ISC types are ‘ball up’ units with


the exception of IPK which is an all resin ‘ball down’ version that acts as a type of caster. Completing the range are air ball lifters for alignment and positioning of heavy equipment in clean rooms.


R.A.Rodriguez T: 01462 670044 www.rarodriguez.co.uk


Enter 232 ENERGY CHAIN SYSTEM IS NOW ENCLOSED Enter 230


The micro fizz 10 aluminium guide system from igus is said to meet demands for a larger cable and hose capacity, compared to the existing MF06 and MF08 systems. The system is enclosed on three sides, with the


moving end located below and the channel covered from the top, preventing tools, dirt or even rain and snow from falling inside. As a result, this is suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor applications. The benefits offered by this enclosed design mean it is already proving to be an ideal solution for a variety of applications – ranging from sliding doors to camera and studio equipment. Thanks to the integrated spring element,


32 APRIL 2014 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS


the polymer energy chain is captive in the guide system whilst still having low friction and maintenance-free properties. Other features include a low friction carriage and mounting brackets for easy joining and fixing of the system.


igus www.igus.co.uk Enter 233


/ DESIGNSOLUTIONS


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