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Motion module handles up to eight axes

11 March, 2009

Festo has launched an intelligent multi-axis control module for electric drives which, it claims, will reduce the need for wiring. The CPX-CMXX module plugs into the company’s CPX control terminals where it can operate autonomously, or respond to signals from a host controller via its PLC-compatible interface.

The module (shown on the left above) can store and execute simple single-axis movements, or co-ordinate the movement of two groups of axes, each containing up to four axes. For each group, 1,024 position sets are available. These sets can either be linked and executed in sequence, or multiple sets can be executed in synchrony. The module communicates with the various drive modules via CANopen.

The module is configured using Festo’s FCT software tool. Motion control sequences can either be programmed or set up using parameterisation or teach-in, without needing a connection to a host controller.

Festo expects the CPX-CMXX to be used for parts handling and positioning applications, such as pick-and-place, palletising, machine loading and unloading, inspection and measuring, and labelling.