This overview of vertical motion shows two parallel Festo EGC electric linear ball screw actuators. The motors are synchronized via soft motion and a three-position Festo ADN cylinder and FENG guide for the vacuum pad.Faster Startup
Unlike the sweep method, which required I/O points to be individually wired (meaning 30 to 40 cables to install and maintain), a CANopen-based Fieldbus system simplified control. All inputs of the new system are brought back to a programmable controller by a single cable. The end result? Cost of wire installation dropped 20% to 25%. CANopen also offers superior diagnostic capabilities for quickly pinpointing various I/O issues.
Productivity Payoff
The new retort magnetic head basket unloading system is easier to maintain, too. This system improved the end user’s packaging line productivity by 30% and reduced rejects by 20%, improving overall throughput.
The key aspects of this application of interest to the food and beverage industry will be the impact of cost-effective CANopen Fieldbus and the latest advances in servo-controlled motion on reduced wiring; faster, more trouble-free installation; and lower maintenance. Above all else, it’s a real-world example of how to boost productivity and quality.