Festo Mechatronics extends Pacepacker portfolio

The Mechatronics range comprises pneumatic, electrical, mechanical, control and sensory components, models and systems which can be configured to provide pick and place solutions, tailored to the end user. 

Typical life expectancies are in excess of 5 million metres of travel. 

The T Gantry, H Gantry and Tripod models with intuitive technology can be integrated with other machinery and software, reducing concerns over teething problems, compatibility, effectiveness and costs, said the firm.

All are low in vibration due to the reduced initial moving mass, tooth-belt drive arrangements and controllers that also provide functionality and efficiency.

Integration made easier ​ 

T-Gantry is a continuous toothed-belt with a pitch slide module for fast picking, spreading and separating (over 90 picks per minute). 

Its corresponding control package ensures point-to-point or path-controlled motion in the vertical and horizontal plane. Its minimal moving mass ensures low vibration and cost savings due to reduced mounting frame requirements, said Pacepacker.

H-Gantry has an additional axis of movement than the T-Gantry, which enables 3D capability.  Designed for handling items at high speed (up to 70 picks per minute), it covers a rectangular 3D working space. 

Tripod is a high-speed handling unit (up to 150 packs per minute) with robot functionality for free movement in 3D space.  Its rigid pyramid structure requires less structural mounting, but ensures optimum path and position accuracy with reduced vibrations. 

This enables it to handle a higher pay load, moving 5kg at speed.

It is suitable for use with a camera system for position and rotary orientation sensing, the Tripod is aimed at pick and place, small parts handling and loading installations.

The optional dry food P8 version, incorporates stainless steel covers, FDA-approved grease and materials and is ideal for packaging food stuffs at high speed, said Pacepacker.

Pick and place robots​

Pacepacker also has its DeltaPac pick and place robotic options which have the added advantage of being IP65 rated, making them suitable for hygienic environments where the rating is required. 

Their stainless steel, wash-down specification makes them ideal for corrosive and acidic environments.   

Pacepacker is an integrator for a number of robotic equipment manufacturers, enabling it to offer an extensive portfolio of solutions able to meet all project specifications. 

Applications usually range from one to six axes with pick-up devices for handling one or multiple products at a time (complete or part layers). 

Typical uses include projects in the food, bottling, FMCG and pet food sectors.