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

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

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.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

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.

Read Next

July 3, 2025
Renewable energy curtailment in Brazil is set to reach 8% across the country, and be as high as 11% in the north-east, by 2035.
July 3, 2025
Spanish IPP Zelestra has secured a €235 million (US$277 million) increase to its sustainability-linked loan, bringing the total to €770 million.
July 3, 2025
US tracker manufacturer GameChange Solar has introduced the Genius Tracker TF, a new terrain-following solar tracker system designed to deliver “the industry’s lowest grading requirement on challenging terrain.” 
Premium
July 3, 2025
Meeting the UK’s solar targets will not simply require the installation of new capacity, but investment in grid infrastructure and training.
July 3, 2025
TotalEnergies has expanded its renewables assets in the Caribbean, sold a stake in projects in Portugal and begun construction on two PV parks in Spain.
July 3, 2025
Malaysian engineering and infrastructure giant Gamuda has expanded its presence in the Australian renewables sector by partnering with Tasmanian landowners to build a 1.2GW portfolio, which includes solar PV.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK