Editor's Choice


Pushing technological boundaries with Festo Electric Automation solutions

Third Quarter 2024 Editor's Choice

In the ever-evolving landscape of Industrial Automation, Festo Electric Automation solutions are at the forefront of a revolution, fundamentally reshaping production paradigms. As a global leader in automation, Festo focuses on intelligent connectivity to reduce costs, save time, and increase efficiency and convenience for customers. By consistently integrating state-of-the-art technologies and innovative approaches, Festo ensures their products remain ahead of the curve.

“Our journey to becoming leaders in Electric Automation has been driven by a deep-seated desire to meet the evolving technological demands of modern industries. We understand that success today relies not just on meeting standards, but on setting them,” said Marcus Gericke, Electric Automation Business Unit Manager at Festo South Africa. This commitment to advancing the industry is exemplified by products like the Servo Drive CMMT-AS, Servo Drive CMMT-ST, CPX-AP Remote IO, and VTUX-A-P-APA; each renowned for their unique features.

Achieving efficiency with the Servo Drives CMMT-ST

A significant advancement in Festo’s Electric Automation product lineup is the Servo Drive CMMT-ST, an ultra-compact, low-voltage controller known for its economic efficiency and space-saving design. Its compact footprint optimises space inside control cabinets, and operates on the existing 24 V DC network, delivering a maximum continuous output of 150 W without needing an extra power supply unit. This streamlined approach cuts costs, simplifies installation, and reduces cooling needs.

Moreover, the CMMT-ST integrates seamlessly into various industrial environments, offering robust performance and flexibility. Its efficient operation within existing infrastructure emphasises its practicality, enabling businesses to boost productivity with minimal investment. Whether for precision engineering or complex automation needs, the CMMT-ST sets a new standard in compact, efficient control technology.

The compact and powerful CMMT-AS

The CMMT-AS, the CMMT-ST’s counterpart, is a state-of-the-art compact servo drive engineered for dynamic motion control, including precise point-to-point and interpolating operations. It excels in demanding applications across packaging machines, assembly lines, and the electronics industry. This servo drive integrates with major controller manufacturers’ fieldbuses, facilitating straightforward incorporation into existing application programs. It enhances operational agility and supports streamlined automation processes through advanced fieldbus integration. Its robust design and high-performance capabilities ensure reliability and precision, crucial for industries requiring intricate motion control solutions.

CPX-AP Remote IO – automation platform for real-time performance

The Festo CPX-AP modular remote I/O system represents a cutting-edge solution, designed to streamline your network topology and simplify cabling complexities, significantly reducing project engineering and commissioning efforts. This versatile technology allows for flexible and decentralised configurations, enabling near real-time communication capabilities that optimise performance across various applications. By integrating remote I/O with valve terminals like the VTUX-A-P-APA within the automation platform, it enhances operational efficiency while lowering installation components and maintenance costs.

The CPX-AP’s unparalleled flexibility and scalability make it indispensable in adapting to the evolving needs of modern industrial environments. Its robust communication system supports high-speed data transmission and processing, ensuring reliable connectivity over extended distances. Whether used in automotive manufacturing, electronics production, or logistics automation, the CPX-AP empowers factories to achieve enhanced productivity.

Adaptable Valve Terminal VTUX-A-P-APA for the future

The Valve Terminal VTUX-A-P-APA introduces pioneering advancements in materials, modularity, and communication standards. As the successor to the renowned CPV, MPA-L/S, and VTUG series, it stands out with its high flow rate, and serves as an ideal platform for digitalised production environments. The VTUX modules are internally communicative, allowing for flexible arrangement according to specific requirements, providing maximum design freedom for valve terminal configurations.

Whether employing multipin or fieldbus technology, this valve terminal aligns seamlessly with machine control architectures, ensuring universal compatibility. With advanced AP communication technology, connections remain straightforward and reliable, even across extensive distances, facilitating rationalised operations akin to having all system components centralised in one location.

“These focus products from Festo South Africa’s Electric Automation sector stand apart prominently from competitors through a unique blend of technological innovations, customisation capabilities, efficiency-driven designs, and robust customer support,” concludes Gericke. This unique blend establishes Festo as a respected global supplier with extensive experience, driving impactful advancements in production worldwide.

For more info on Festo products, visit www.festo.co.za, email them on marketing.za@festo.com or call them on 08600 FESTO (33786). 


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Perfect balance for every race
Horne Technologies Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
It goes without saying that success in Formula 1 requires a top driver. However, their chance of achieving a place on the podium depends on the car, which in turn depends on three essential factors: engine, tyres and aerodynamics. To find the optimum balance, the racing teams test models of their bolides in the wind tunnel. At Sauber, the adjustable components are moved on the model and in the test chamber using FAULHABER motors.

Read more...
MeerKAT radio telescope array
Editor's Choice News & events
Leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory practice, Zutari is continuing its involvement with the world-leading MeerKAT radio telescope array, where it has played a leading role since the project first broke ground.

Read more...
Top 10 emerging technologies
Editor's Choice
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified ten technologies likely to make a significant positive impact in the next three to five years. These are detailed in the ‘Top 10 Emerging Technologies’ report, which explains each technology’s potential for addressing global challenges and the factors that will shape the future and revolutionise connectivity still further.

Read more...
Electrifying the future
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
A revolution is underway, transforming the way we power compact construction machines and heavy-duty mobile machinery. This is the electrification of equipment, a movement propelled by the need for environmental sustainability, lower emissions, reduced noise levels, and the pursuit of a cleaner, greener future.

Read more...
How to clean compressed air effectively
Editor's Choice
SO-Reliability Partners has taken another step in bringing to market highly effective solutions to combat contamination in all its forms. The locally designed and patented Air Wizard inline water trap is proudly manufactured in South Africa. It has been SABS tested for the separation of water, oily fluids, rust and solid particulates from pneumatic compressed air or gas lines.

Read more...
New Black Bruin hydraulic motors for heavy-duty applications
Axiom Hydraulics Editor's Choice Hydraulic systems & components
Axiom Hydraulics and Black Bruin have been working together since the late 1990s, serving southern Africa’s fluid power, mining, industrial, agriculture and marine industries. Now Black Bruin is extending its rotating shaft motor portfolio. With a patent pending design, the new X-series is engineered to enhance the performance of both new and existing machinery in terms of durability, serviceability and cost-effectiveness.

Read more...
Quality gearboxes for agriculture
SEW-EURODRIVE Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Offering a complete gear solution for centre pivot irrigation systems, SEW-EURODRIVE brings its quality products and support as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) closer to South Africa’s farming sector.

Read more...
Robotic solution for adhesive tape application with flexible control
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Robotics & Mechatronics
In industry, even elaborate processes, such as the application of adhesive tape to parts with varying geometries are automated. Innovative Automation has developed a platform with Beckhoff control technology and a remote feeding module, which increases productivity and enables flexible customisation for different requirements.

Read more...
The information explosion
Editor's Choice Other technologies
The world has a data storage problem. There’s an explosion in the volume of data being generated and stored, and it’s rising exponentially. Fortunately, organisations are beginning to test new storage technologies like DNA storage, glass storage, neuromorphic computing, and extreme parallelism in order to keep up.

Read more...
Reflecting 30 years of growth
WEG Africa Editor's Choice News & events
Starting out in 1994 to serve the metropolitan area with a range of low-voltage electric motors, WEG Africa’s Cape Town branch has grown. Testament to this is the fact that it has again outgrown its premises, and last year relocated to larger, well-equipped facilities in Richmond Business Park.

Read more...