Transporting in all spatial planes
Moving and positioning hovering supports
There are already various technologies for moving objects whilst hovering. However, with the amazing properties of superconductors – such as the stable hover gap – totally new processes are conceivable in all spatial planes and directions.
SupraDrive: linear movement with high dynamics
In the case of the SupraDrive, a hovering transporting slide is moved with high dynamics and accurately positioned. Three cyrostats with superconductors on both sides of the travel section allow it to hover a few millimetres above the surface. The drive from the Multi-Carrier-System MCS®, which is fitted between the cryostats, takes care of the motion and positioning.
Alongside the jerk-free acceleration and the almost wear-free dynamic motion, this concept has the advantage that all drive components can be installed under a cover. This makes it very easy to clean the system, even without interrupting the transport process. As the slide hovers, it cannot be hindered or contaminated by dirt on the surface of the system.
Easy cleaning whilst operating
The concept can be used in areas where facilities have to be frequently cleaned or cleaned during operation – for example in laboratory automation, medical technology, the food and pharmaceutical industries and packaging technology.
Integrated products from Festo
SupraCarrier: bearing and moving on hovering rollers
Two cryostats with superconductors are fitted on an electric axis, above each of which two magnetic transport rollers hover. A flat workpiece carrier lies on the rollers. The axis is used to move the superconducting elements in a horizontal direction. Between them and the hovering rollers is a cover with openings, through which the rollers disappear by lowering the cryostats; the workpiece carrier then rests on the cover.
Potential use in a flat working space
Such hovering transport rollers can be used to move flat, non-ferromagnetic products of any size. The transport unit is free of lubricants and very easy to clean – the cover protects the automation modules from contamination and the passive rollers can easily be removed and cleaned separately from the installation. Added to this, there are other positive properties of superconductor technology: the application is almost maintenance-free, very robust, works silently and the air gap has an insulating effect.
Integrated products from Festo
SupraHandling 2.0: linear motion in three spatial planes without contact
In the case of SupraHandling 2.0, a superconductor slide hovers along two magnetic rails without contact and yet steadily. At the same time, the whole system can be rotated about its longitudinal axis by up to 180°. This means that the slide glides horizontally on the ground, vertically on the wall and suspended overhead.
Small plastic vials are also transported on the slide. Their mounting system is flexibly designed. Even if there is a change of plane, they always remain vertical with the opening facing upwards.
Energy-saving transport
Besides movement in all spatial planes, the SupraHandling 2.0 demonstrates how to transport objects without friction loss. The cooling system for the three superconductors alone requires 36 W altogether.
Integrated products from Festo
SupraLinearMotion: frictionless, linear gliding using gravity
Festo makes the properties of the technology come alive with the rocker design: a person takes a seat on the superconductive slide, which hovers at a defined distance above a magnetic rail thanks to the integrated cooling.
In order to drive it, the rocker is actively taken off balance. It tilts and the passenger glides without friction and noise over the magnetic rail – purely thanks to the action of gravitational force, carried by the superconductor.
Integrated products from Festo
SupraHandling: unlimited positioning in the plane without contact
The developers also put gravitational force to work for them in the second exhibit. The SupraHandling system, an X/Y-table for moving objects in the X and Y direction, works on the principle of the one-dimensional rocker.
The gantry, which comprises four magnetic rails, two superconductive slides and a workpiece holder, is mounted on the base plate of the handling system. The controller and two drives are attached underneath the base plate. The two drives can, independently from each other, slightly tilt the base plate in the X and Y direction. This enables the two slides to move and hover over the magnetic rails as another example of contactless movement.
