August 10, 2011 — The Festo DSMI-B servo pneumatic swivel module, soft stop CMPX module, and free positioning CMAX module represent combine the best features of both pneumatics and electronic control in terms of speed, load capacity, precision, and low cost. Compared with standard pneumatics, servo pneumatic solutions are up to 30 percent faster and use up to 30 percent less air. Servo pneumatic drives can also be freely positioned, making them up to 50 percent more economical than electrical solutions, as well as being more compact, light, and sturdy.
Savings from eliminating shock absorbers
With the DSMI-B, shock absorbers will no longer be needed on swivel modules, thus reducing purchasing, operational, and maintenance costs. At the same time, the DSMI-B offers flexible and compact solutions for a wide range of handling tasks in combination with the electrical terminal CPX and the CMPX or CMAX modules. The sturdy semi-rotary vane drive with integrated measuring system can be used both as a soft-stop axis and for free positioning. The DSMI-B is designed for mass moments of inertia of up to 2,050.3 Pound inch2 (6,000 kgcm²).
The DSMI-B demonstrates these strengths in a Festo laboratory ball-throwing demonstration. A ball held in the swivel arm of the DSMI-B is catapulted upwards in an even curve using a short stroke cylinder. As the ball travels through the air, the arm swivels 180° in just 0.5 seconds, brakes without vibrating, and catches the ball.
Soft stop function – CMPX
Rapid rotary and swivel movements at angles of up to 270° are simplicity itself for the compact module DSMI-B. The electronic end-position controller CMPX gently brakes the swivel drive in its end positions, even at very high speed. With this soft stop function, loads of up to 300 kg can be moved highly dynamically. The soft stop reduces cycle times by around 30 percent while diminishing noise, and permits virtually vibration-free movement to the mechanical end positions. The system can also be used to perform movements to two additional, user-definable intermediate positions without a fixed stop.
Freely positioned – CMAX
The possibilities of the DSMI-B are not limited to soft stop, however; free positioning is also possible. In order to achieve this, the swivel module DSMI-B is combined with the servo pneumatic positioning module CMAX. Like the end-position controller CMPX, the CMAX is one of the intelligent modules of the electrical terminal CPX and is designed for simple servo pneumatic control of pneumatic drives. Free positioning with servo pneumatics is particularly advantageous where the loads to be moved typically exceed 22 pounds (10 kg).
Using the CMAX, drives can be positioned precisely to within .008 inches (0.2 mm) and their force controlled accurately to 5 percent.
Integrates with Festo CPX
The end-position soft stop controller CMPX and freely positioned CMAX controller are easily integrated into the electrical terminal CPX, a versatile modular automation platform for valves and electrical control functions. In addition to positioning modules, other functions such as PLC control, electrical I/O, and pneumatics, in combination with the valve terminal MPA, can be integrated into the CPX for an all-in-one platform for machine OEMs.
