Electrical switching & drive systems & components


Festo gets to the heart of the matter with the Process and Electric Automation campaign

Third Quarter 2021 Electrical switching & drive systems & components

Festo, a leading global automation supplier, is encapsulating the fist-sized powerhouse that sustains life in the human body with their latest campaign themed ‘heart of absolute automation’. The task of a heart is to pump enough blood to deliver a continuous supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the brain and other vital organs – the same philosophy is realised at Festo.

The company supplies customers with a comprehensive range of complete solutions from components all the way to commissioning that aid in sustaining their business. For the first time, they are offering customers the benefits of Electric and Process Automation in a campaign that integrates both sectors. The company believes that the combination of these two industry sectors and their distinguished Pneumatic Automation solutions will bring their customers to the ‘heart of absolute automation’.

Blood moves through many tubes called arteries and veins, which together are termed blood vessels. Through their Process Automation solutions, Festo helps their customers discover the best vessels to control and transfer their media from point A to B, as in the human body anatomy. For proper functioning of the heart, the conduction system consists of cardiac muscles that connect the brain to the heart. The same analogy is applied in Festo Electric Automation solutions as they also offer seamless functioning from components which play the role of the heart to the cloud which serves as the brain of the application.

Electric Automation solutions that cover the complete spectrum

“When customers are faced with cost reductions, looking at individual component costs is not enough. Machine builders and end-users need to look at the overall benefits achieved by automation providers”, said Marcus Gericke, the head of Electric Automation at Festo. These providers need to cover the complete spectrum of automation equipment and maintain the flexibility to integrate into almost every higher-level controller, he added. As in the conduction system, seamless connectivity aims to make different and complex interfaces simple and easy to handle. Using Festo solutions is more reliable and reduces the required time for implementation. In the conduction system of the heart, nodes generate an electrical signal that controls the contracting of the upper heart. At Festo, the Automation System CPX-E serves as the node in automation as it controls the functions for handling technology.

Automation System CPX-E

The automation system CPX-E is a high-performance motion control and PLC automation system that comprises of individual function modules that allow a very flexible system structure. Depending on the combination, the automation system CPX-E can be configured and used purely as a remote I/O system or as a complete control system. In addition to comprehensive PLC functions right up to multiple axis applications with interpolation, the CPX-E can be easily integrated into existing host systems. This is made possible by the EtherCAT master interface, the integrated PROFINET or EtherNet/IP slave interface. The OPC UA client and server functions ensure easy integration and interoperability in Industry 4.0 host environments with cloud and digitalisation concepts.

World-leading Process Automation solutions

“At Festo, we offer our customers holistic solutions that are imperative within the process industry,” said Russell Schwulst, head of Process Automation. Whether you need a simple process valve or a complete solution comprising process valves, linear and rotary actuators, pinch valves, remote I/O, and PLC - we can deliver, he added. Products, solutions, expertise, and passion define the Festo Process Automation offering. In the heart, blood vessels take blood to every part of the body to ensure proper functioning. The same concept applies to Festo Process Automation solutions. They have a complete range of products that control and ensure that media travels effortlessly to all parts of the machine. This means that they can find the ideal solution for their customer’s process requirements without shoehorning a solution to fit your application because of a limited product range. An example of their product is the Angle Seat VZXA.

Angle Seat Valve VZXA

The VZXA easily adapts to the task in hand thanks to its range of variants, thus maximising flexibility and minimising the effort involved in designing your application. The carefully thought-out product architecture means valve bodies and actuators can be freely combined. The modular product concept makes it easier to modify and maintain systems without removing the entire valve. Different actuators and valve bodies can be combined for easy integration into the application. Individual, function-tested modules simplify replacement in the case of expansion or maintenance. This unique interface between the actuator and the valve body means that the actuator can be replaced without opening the piping. In addition, the patented seal system prevents the operating medium from leaking out. This will be achieved by helping customers easily achieve maximised productivity and enhance competitiveness in the industry.

Festo is more than just pneumatics. They also provide quality Process and Electric Automation solutions. The company is uniquely positioned to be a complete automation solutions partner. Their objective is to provide innovative solutions to solve the most challenging automation problems. Furthermore, they continue to advance industrial automation with proven innovations, customised design solutions, and exceptional service.


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