Festo introduces Handling Guide Online

Oct. 7, 2016 – Festo says an engineer can design an electric robotic handling system for a machine or process in “as little as five minutes” with the help of its Handling Guide Online (HGO).

 
According to the company, it has simplified the design process for systems like slides and gantries by modularizing components based on an analysis of more than 700 different project applications. The web-based HGO, using data keyed in by the customer, draws on this pre-defined, standardized content, to create the “optimal solution” for his or her application. Rather than having to select and size individual components, the customer is prompted by the HGO to provide data describing the application requirement. Then he or she adds data such as the weight of the payload to be moved, the type of axis (electric or pneumatic), working stroke, motor position, etc. When the design is completed, the customer can download the CAD model and data sheet for immediate use, without charge. Festo then sends the customer a net quote for the device. Since Festo has centralized production of electric handling systems at a single plant in Germany, it says it can deliver the finished product in “as little as three weeks” and “at a lower cost.” The HGO can be accessed at www.festo.ca/HGO.