Cost-effective, compact handling of fragile small parts

In future, it will be possible to perform many handling tasks previously reserved for SCARA robots more cost-effectively, compactly and easily using the rotary lifting module EHMB from Festo. This applies particularly to fragile small parts. The rotary lifting module has similar movement patterns to a SCARA robot for loading and unloading processes.

In a handling system for delicate small parts such as CDs or wafers, the electric handling unit HSW-AE from Festo takes data media from a storage station, rotates them 90° and forwards them to the arm of the rotary lifting module EHMB. This then sorts the CDs into different stacks with very rapid rotations and places them there. Linear and rotary movements have been implemented in a single unit for the first time.

Fast positioning times
Both axes are independent of each other and are freely programmable. The EHMB is characterised by its high dynamics: a rotation of 180° with a load of around one kilogram can be achieved within just 0.25 seconds. This significantly reduces positioning times and thereby increases machine output.

Electrics and pneumatics can be combined
The rotation axis is always actuated electrically. For the stroke axis there are two drive variants: pneumatic with a cylinder DNC, and electrical with a cylinder DNCE. Stepper and servo motors can be used as a drive for the rotary module. The system can thus be designed to meet the requirements of the application and productivity can be increased as needed, providing users with a very flexible solution that can be optimally adapted to their needs. If using electric axes, all positions are freely programmable and retooling is possible through a simple software modification. Compressed air tubes and electrical cables can also be channelled through the very large hollow axle of the EHMB that has an internal diameter of 14 to 21 mm, depending on its size, so that the cables for complex handling units can be laid quickly and easily.

Quick and clean pick & place
The electric handling module HSW-AE used in the application is a rapid pick & place module for handling small parts at a 90° angle. With cycle times of up to 0.6 seconds, the ready-to-install solution is the fastest 90° handling device currently on the market, offering smooth motion sequence through its electrical drive variant. The speed and positions are freely definable, which make the unit particularly flexible. A teach-in procedure makes the HSW-AE very easy to commission.

In addition to pick & place processes, the handling module HSW-AE can also be used for simple labelling of flat parts or palletising of small parts. It is therefore often used in the electronics, packaging and medical engineering industries, as well as the precision mechanical and automotive industries. The rotary lifting module EHMB and handling module HSW-AE form a successful combination that is ideal for rapidly processing fragile small parts.