Automation specialist Festo has announced two sets of new marshallers featuring a toggle action to provide feed separation and improved product flow control on conveyor lines. The new units, (Festo type: HPV) are designed to permit simple mounting of 'fingers' - customised for the specific application running down the line - to intercede in the linear production flow. The marshaller pair operates in tandem to 'gate' the products.

Key among the distinctive features of the new HPV devices are simple, space saving design and compact installation.

The benefit to systems integrators is a reduction in the number of components required to achieve the control functionality: typical marshalling subsystems demand separate cylinders and valves.

In contrast, the Festo HPV solution requires just one connection to a single valve for the simplest of activation.

'It's one more subsystem you don't need to design and less components to configure in order to make your machine work,' says Nigel Dawson, Product manager at Festo.

'The HPV units operate with standard sensors and include integrated interlocked movements for improved production line control and for safety, especially in pick and place applications,' he explains.

HPV units also withstand high sideload forces, and so are able to halt heavy items flowing down a line.

In addition, Festo can supply anti-corrosion stainless steel fingers for harsh environments.