Process and factory automation are growing together. So-called hybrid industries, ie, companies using products from the areas of process automation as well as factory automation, require suppliers who can provide more than just components. The Rothaus brewery in the Black Forest is a classic example for a hybrid industry company. It uses products from Festo and Endress+Hauser both for its bottling systems and for its brewing process.
For the beer fermenting tank, for example, Festo supplies CPV fieldbus valve terminals which control stainless steel ball-valve drives, while inductive sensors monitor the end positions of the drives. Measuring instruments and hygienically designed sensors from Endress+Hauser facilitate the automation of the brewing process. The integration of the control system takes place via Profibus-PAI-DP. This goes to show that, in order to move into a goal-scoring position, it is sometimes necessary to pass the ball to others. The more work suppliers can take over in the area of plant engineering, and the more areas can be automated, the easier it becomes for the brewery to concentrate on its core business of brewing and bottling beer. Festo and Endress+Hauser are at the forefront of the automation technology trend towards system solutions.
Thanks to a strong network of international subsidiaries and production facilities, both companies can quickly and globally supply customers and also respond to individual customer requests, which may vary from country to country, on a regional level. Automation products and the corresponding services for higher speeds, increased reliability, shorter cycle rates and enhanced precision are therefore available without delay and can be rapidly integrated into systems. The result: system availability and product quality are increased, while the costs are reduced. These automation technology suppliers also live up to the demand for continued miniaturisation of their products and for the simultaneous integration of more functions into one product.
Condition monitoring, particularly, has only really become possible through continuing integration. Festo has refined its automation technology with supplementary software solutions. This makes it possible to commission the products virtually instantaneously. Downloadable software supports planning and construction, catalogue solutions on the Internet make it easier to purchase the automation technology.
Automation to go
At Festo, the concept of a system provides for the delivery of a completely preassembled, individual handling solution to the customer by means of a single part number or project number. Tested in advance, with all design data and circuit diagrams as well as a comprehensive guarantee of function and price, the ready-to-install handling solution shortens the journey from the concept to the machine and reduces interfaces. Once fully assembled and tested, the ready-to-install system is delivered directly to the machine.
Complete solutions relieve the burden on specialised staff, and design complexity and costs are kept low. Ready-to-install handling systems assist the procurement process and reduce the process costs.
With the mechatronically function-optimised 3D-CAD multi-axis modular system from Festo, designers are given creative freedom and can save time and costs: more than 100 freely combinable and harmonised electric and pneumatic components are available for gripping, joining, turning and accurate 3D positioning. Protective trunking, integration hose, sensors and valve terminals are included in the scope of delivery and construction of finished handling solutions.
Besides the assembly, the installation is also included in the scope of services for handling solutions. At the same time, users can access Festo's wide and detailed catalogue range for each handling solution, not just for drive units, but also for powerful valves, valve terminals or service units, with which they can plan and combine customised handling solutions. Gripping and suction are integral parts of the handling solution.
Working to the motto "If you are not going forwards, you are going backwards", the company has been continuously expanding its multi-axis modular system. For example, with the precise electromechanical mini slide SLTE as a counterpart to the pneumatic slide SLT or with the electric handling axis HME as a counterpart to the pneumatic axis HMP. With repetition accuracy within ±30 µm, the axis shows its full potential in the area of precision mechanics with narrow tolerances.
For more information contact Heimo Spreng, national sales manager, Festo, +27 (0) 11 971 5500, [email protected], www.festo.com
| Tel: | 08600 FESTO (33786) |
| Fax: | +27 11 974 2157 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.festo.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Festo |
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