Festo’s Cold-Rated Electric Linear Axis Targets Deep-Freeze Environments

Festo is focusing on tough automated material handling environments with its new ELGA-TB electric axis, made for linear motion in cold-chain and deep-freeze logistics. Its design lets machine builders handle motion in cold settings without needing heated enclosures or large drive systems.

Festo’s ELGA-TB actuator is designed for high-speed linear motion in demanding industrial handling applications. Image used courtesy of Festo

Designing Linear Motion for Sub-Zero Environments

Instead of a ball screw, Festo uses a toothed-belt drive for cold-chain automation. This setup reaches speeds up to 10 m/s, accelerates up to 50 m/s², has a repetition accuracy of ±0.08 mm, and offers strokes up to 8,500 mm, with longer options available.

The ELGA-TB line also comes with different belt materials, such as chloroprene rubber, polyurethane with steel cords, and uncoated polyurethane for FDA-compliant uses. A steel cover strip shields the internal guide and toothed-belt, and accessible lubrication connections make maintenance easier. Festo also provides a sealing-air connection at both ends of the axis.

The ELGA-TB-RF roller bearing version operates in temperatures from -30°C to 40°C and can deliver up to 1,300 N of feed force, depending on its size. The ELGA-TB-KF, which uses a recirculating ball bearing guide, can provide up to 2,000 N. This gives machine builders the option to choose higher speed or higher load, depending on their application.

Position Feedback Compensates for Drive Elasticity

Festo’s ELGA-TB series can be equipped with an optional displacement encoder. This encoder measures the slide’s position directly so that the motor controller can detect and correct any drivetrain elasticity. For the RF version, the encoder offers 2.5 µm or 10 µm resolution and supports travel speeds up to 4 m/s. It outputs a 5 V TTL signal with A/A and B/B channels plus a reference signal.

Festo’s unified software and networking allow electric motion and pneumatic systems to be easily designed, connected, and controlled in one platform. Image used courtesy of Festo

Integrating Electric Motion and Pneumatics

Electric axes provide precise long-stroke positioning and fast movement, while pneumatics are still useful for tasks like sorting, clamping, and vacuum picking. Festo says the new ELGA-TB setup lets pneumatic and electric devices work together in one control system.

The CPX-AP remote I/O platform and multiprotocol interfaces connect pneumatic parts to the same network as electric motion systems. This means users do not need separate control setups for different automation types, and everything can communicate with the main PLC. Festo also offers the Festo Automation Suite for designing, sizing, and setting up the automation system.

A Motion Platform for Demanding Logistics Environments

The ELGA-TB is made to work as part of a bigger handling system. It can be combined with servos, stepper motors, guide axes, adapters, semi-rotary drives, and grippers to create a multi-axis handling and assembly setup.

As more companies need strong motion solutions for tough logistics environments, modular options like ELGA-TB’s range of belt materials, guide types, optional position feedback, and flexible motor choices are becoming more important for automated cold-storage and logistics systems.