Festo’s Simplified Motion Series: Electric Drives That Prove Less is More

EIN Festo motion 400

Nov 15, 2019

Festo has created the Simplified Motion Series of electric drives for jobs requiring very simple motion or positioning, with the added bonus of being exceedingly easy to commission. These all-in-one units are alternatives for users looking for pneumatics-like simplicity – with all the necessary components and modules, including the motor and controller incorporated into the one unit, with no external controller, control cabling, or control cabinet.

Festo really puts the simple into Simplified Motion Series with fast, easy commissioning, perfect for users who don’t want to go through the often complex commissioning process required to get traditional electric drive systems up and running.  All five of the drives comprising the Simplified Motion Series employ the “plug and work” principle. All parameters can be manually adjusted directly on the drive without any special expertise, software, a computer or other accessories. Digital I/O and IO-Link are included as standard. With digital I/O, the drive’s speed and force, end positioning and cushioning can be set via touch commands right on the on-board controller. The process is remarkably simple and intuitive. Additional, extended functions are available using I/O Link, like remote setting of motion parametres, or copy and backup for parametre transfers between the drive and a computer.

The cost-effective Simplified Motion Series is optimized for performing simple movements between two mechanical end positions with special movement characteristics such as gently cushioned retracting into the end position and simplified press-fitting and clamping functions. The five drives were designed with the unique one-size-down assembly system, which means they can be easily paired in various combinations.

  1. ELGS spindle and toothed belt axis slides: The extremely compact spindle variant (ELGS-BS) comes in three sizes for a payload of up to 20 kg. at a max stroke length of 800 mm. The tooth belt variant (ELGS-TB) is ideal as a main axis in a handling system; it’s available in two sizes for up to 1.3 m/s at a max stroke of 2,000 mm. These slides can be mounted with each other or with an EGSS mini-slide.
  2. EGSS mini slide: This resilient mini slide provides smooth spindle operations for vertical Z movement or individual guided linear movements in every mounting position. The internal linear guide absorbs transverse loads and provides very good resistence to torsion at high torques. It comes in three sizes with a max stroke of 200 mm.
  3. EPCS Electric cylinder: The EPCS performs single linear movements, witth a smooth y running ball screw drive that allows precise, rapid positioning. It’s ideally suited for applications such as positioning, clamping distribution, sorting or ejection, and in handling systems as a simple Z axis. It comes in three sizes with a max stroke of 500 mm.
  4. ELGE toothed belt axis: This design is ideal for very simple tasks with low requirements for mechanical load, dynamic response and precision – where the user wants a particularly attractively priced option for high running performance of 5000 km.
  5. ERMS rotary drive: For simple swivel tasks as well as for increased mechanical loads. It has a rotary plate with sturdy, precise and backlash-free ball bearings so it can absorb transverse loads and torques. It comes in two sizes, each with a swivel angle of 90 and 180. With the standardized mounting interface, it can be connected directly to a number of Festo mini-slides including the EGSS.

Go HERE for more information

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Maximizing Excel: Practical Use Cases for Preconstruction

    Maximizing Excel: Practical Use Cases for Preconstruction

    November 8, 2024 By Melvin Newman Excel is a powerful and flexible tool that can enhance efficiency in electrical construction estimating.  Spreadsheets, like those in Excel, consist of a grid of “cells” where each cell can hold various types of data. Originating from mainframe computers in the 1960s and later developed for Apple computers in… Read More…

  • The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    November 4, 2024 The total value of building permits in Canada decreased by $858.1 million (-7.0%) to $11.5 billion in August, following a strong July during which construction intentions rose sharply (+20.8%). The residential and non-residential sectors contributed to the decrease in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits decreased 7.6% in… Read More…

  • A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    November 4, 2024 Investment in building construction edged up 0.2% to $21.0 billion in August, after a 1.6% decrease in July. The residential sector edged down (-0.1%) to $14.6 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 1.0% to $6.4 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 7.2% in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction was… Read More…

  • When a Familiar Door Closes

    When a Familiar Door Closes

    November 4, 2024 By Keith Sones, seasoned utility industry executive Most of the articles I’ve written have been based on personal experiences, many of them occurring decades ago, which eventually translate into helpful life lessons. The years allow the events to marinate in a savoury stew of time and reflection, clarity never coming immediately, or even… Read More…


Changing Scene