With the help of handling systems and industrial robots, workpiece handling – for example gripping, positioning, stacking, grouping or indexing – can be largely automated. Handling systems therefore ensure the smooth and efficient flow of materials in fully automated processes. Manufacturing companies can save money and significantly increase productivity by investing in a handling system. Automation technology is closely interrelated with robotics and handling, and covers the programming and control required for handling workpieces. Festo is a global leader in automation: from project planning to production and integration, we use our expertise to support you during the entire process.
We offer handling systems for a huge range of applications in handling and assembly technology, from standard solutions for all common automation technology applications through to individual solutions for your own very specific requirements. In addition to the digital networking of entire plants, self-learning systems and automation solutions based around robots are playing an increasingly important role in production. Our product range therefore includes pneumatic handling systems with the appropriate control systems as well as Cartesian robots and parallel kinematic system robots.
Our pneumatic systems are ready-to-install handling modules for repositioning, feeding and removing small parts in extremely confined spaces. The movement is force-guided via a slotted link and enables very short cycle times. Depending on the handling system, either a C- or L-shaped movement is carried out. The movements in the Y and Z direction are variable within a range of 40 mm. The handling modules are designed to be used with electric, servo-pneumatic or pneumatic drives. Pre-assembled modules with an attached drive are also available. The interface to the workpiece allows various gripper types from Festo to be adapted.
Ready-to-install Cartesian robots are based on Festo linear and slide drives or parallel kinematic systems and allow multi-dimensional movements. A precise solution is available for every application, from extremely small to sturdy and highly dynamic handling systems. Linear, planar surface and three-dimensional gantries enable free positioning within a linear range up to a three-dimensional space. Matching stepper and servo motors, motor controllers and an integrated energy supply concept provide a reliable, ready-to-install solution. Supported by innovative software solutions for engineering and configuration, the handling systems can be designed online and put into operation efficiently in just a few minutes based on your application data.
Our delta robots with parallel kinematics are also ready-to-install systems. They are used for freely positioning parts in three-dimensional workspaces. The industrial robots provide excellent precision in movement and positioning as well as exceptionally high dynamic response. The kinematics are based on a parallel kinematic drive concept with three fixed motors that are mounted on a pyramid-shaped mechanical structure consisting of linear axes and carbon fibre-reinforced rods. The highly rigid mechanical design and low moving mass make the parallel kinematic system up to three times faster than comparable Cartesian systems. The robot is suspended from the top of the structure so that access to and usage of the workspace can be maximised, while also contributing to a reduction of the overall footprint.
We offer control systems that are suitable for handling systems and robots all from a single source, and that are tested and ready to connect. They can significantly reduce commissioning and integration costs, regardless of whether they are systems for simple control tasks or complex controllers for highly dynamic movements. The Festo control systems with their user-friendly and maintenance-friendly design complete the ready-to-connect solution packages for all handling systems. Safety-related electric components and control technology from Festo provide you with the security that safety measures are implemented in compliance with the Machinery Directive.
Our accessories for handling systems and industrial robots are comprehensive. In addition to front units, adapter plates, profile columns, support profiles and adjustment units, we offer basic components, adapters, multi-axis components and drive-specific accessories for our handling units.
Handling systems are all devices that move an object towards a specific position and rotate it until it is in the correct position. They carry out functions similar to those of the human hand and have visual perception. Handling systems are therefore used for precise workpiece and tool positioning and are intended to relieve people of monotonous and physically heavy work. Handling technology replaces hands with tools, grippers, levers, holders and the like.
Handling technology plays an important part in manufacturing and assembly tasks, and its application is distinctly different from other applications. Handling is about more than just transporting a workpiece; it's about automatically moving or manipulating it. For example, when a workpiece needs to be turned, tilted or positioned.
Nowadays many manufacturing companies are forced to further optimise and automate their production processes because of growing competitive pressures and the ever increasing trend to automate production processes. That is why handling systems are used since they reduce error rates and increase production speed and efficiency. This primarily affects sectors such as machine building and the automotive industry, but also medical technology, the pharmaceutical industry and the electronics industry. The keys to greater efficiency, profitability, competitiveness and especially higher profits are maximum utilisation of machine running times, reduction of error rates and minimisation of unproductive downtime.