New Product: H-Portal from Festo allows fast handling of solar wafers

Product Briefing Outline: Festo has introduced the high-speed H-Portal for the fast handling of solar wafers. Key features of the gantry with its recirculating toothed belts are the dynamic response of 50m/s², a fast speed of 5m/s in the working space and a repeat accuracy of +/- 0.1mm. The high-speed handling is claimed to have the best delay response in a space-saving working area. The functional principle of the gantry is supported by reliable series components such as two stationary servo motors at the end of the axis. This lightweight composition is said to guarantee a long system service life.

Problem: Solar wafers have to be transported frequently and with high speed during their handling in the production area. Handling is a critical step that can often result in breakages due to the thinness and fragility of the wafers.

Solution: The planar surface gantry with an optional z-axis is designed to be extremely flat and, compared to other similar pickers, optimizes its working space use. The acceleration and delay values of the H-Portal provide a high level of dynamic response where other Cartesian Portal solutions fail, according to the company. The H-Portal is a cost-saving alternative to robot systems with delta kinematics.

Applications: Solar cell and wafer transport in the photovoltaics, flat panel and electronic industries.

Platform: The high-speed H-Portal consists of a lift-turn-unit (z-axis); a traverse, multi-axis controller CMXR; servo motors EMMS-100 and two tooth belt axes EGC 120. All components are from one source, including the axis mechanics, electric drive, vacuum solutions and controllers, the SBOx compact vision system and the basic steel frame.

Availability: Currently available on request.