Multiple functions in a small workspace

Opening sample vessels and pipetting liquid samples in the same workspace saves space in laboratories. This can now be achieved with the three-dimensional gantry EXCL from Festo, which has a small footprint for table-top devices and PCB-based motion control.

The three-dimensional gantry EXCL from Festo reduces purchasing, design and assembly costs for automated sample handling and liquid dosing in laboratory equipment. It is therefore ideal for analytical processes where sample vessels are to be opened and liquid samples need to be pipetted in the same workspace. The optional second Z-axis even enables two front ends, such as the rotary gripper module EHMD or the pipetting head DHOE, to be moved independently of each other.

Cooperation saves time and costs
The three-dimensional gantry is perfectly suitable for desktop systems without a control cabinet, applications with low requirements for dynamic movement, such as preparing or analysing samples using the liquid handling solutions for dispensing and pipetting from Festo. It forms an ideal unit for life sciences and laboratory automation environments. Many device manufacturers benefit from a quicker time to market by working with Festo early on in the development process, so that 3D gantries such as the EXCL can be included in the system design from the beginning. This saves you time, effort and risk compared to developing and assembling gantries in-house. Regional service centers from Festo around the world are also available to offer you support with the 3D gantry EXCL.

The three-dimensional gantry with stepper motors and optional motion controller can be easily integrated in desktop systems. The maintenance-free system is tested and documented. The motion controller of the EXCL can be addressed via G-code. This means that the higher-level controller can simply send the target coordinates for the front ends, so that no complex configurations are necessary. In addition, the motion controller panel can be easily mounted in the unit and does not require a control cabinet. Festo supplies the EXCL as a kit with pre-assembled axes, ensuring quick and easy assembly.

The EXCL can accommodate two independently transversable Z-axes. With dual independent axes, one axis can handle samples while the other manages liquids, or one axis decaps and caps sample vials while the other handles liquid. Not only do independently transferable Z-axes boost performance, but they also eliminate the need for two standalone devices, reducing footprint and costs. And the EXCL saves integration time when both applications reside in the same footprint. The EXCL’s printed circuit board controller mounts within the device. No special control cabinet is required.

Festo Life Science personnel work with device manufacturers from inception, which bring products to market faster, with less engineering overhead and risk. Components for the gantry, including extrusions, are available off the shelf, easing supply chain and support worries common with custom components. Festo’s global economies of scale give OEMs cost advantages compared to designing and assembling their own gantries.

Festo ships the EXCL as a kit, ensuring fast, trouble-free assembly. Gantries come with a unique part number for each OEM, which lowers procurement time and simplifies reordering. Festo supports EXCL globally through its network of regional service centers.