Technology-neutral selection of electric and pneumatic drives
Users often make the choice of drive technology—pneumatic or electric—on the basis of experience alone. However, in order to identify the most energy-efficient customer solution in the field of automation, a technology-neutral comparison is required.
With the engineering software PositioningDrives, users require just a few key data in order to arrive at the right solution. Which electro-mechanical linear actuator best meets requirements? All that is needed is the input of position values, the payload and the installation position, and the software will suggest an optimized solution.
A common dimensioning process for mechanical drive and transmission components and motors prevents a duplication of safety factors, which would result in over-dimensioned electric drive systems and a waste of energy. Calculations have shown that with consistent use of Positioning Drives for dimensioning, energy costs can be reduced by up to 70%.
Correct dimensioning
A similar Festo dimensioning software program helps users select the right-sized pneumatic drive. Excessively large cylinders consume air unnecessarily, while cylinders that are too small need to be operated at the maximum permissible pressure. High system pressures waste money. Air consumption can also be reduced through the use of single-acting cylinders wherever possible.
When Festo dimensioning software is used for pneumatic dimensioning, simulations take the place of costly real-life testing of the entire pneumatic control chain. If a parameter is changed, the program automatically adapts all the other parameters. When users configure a pneumatic control chain, the program ensures that all the system components are the optimum size. This makes it possible to reduce pressure losses, pressure levels and tubing size. In the planning of the pneumatic system, short electric cables and compressed air lines help save energy.
A further factor in choosing a drive technology is that electrical systems can be overloaded for a short time only, while pneumatic systems can be overloaded over a longer period. It is therefore usually possible to use smaller sized components.
Hygienically safe pneumatic drives suitable for food/beverage use
Hauppage, N.Y.—Self-adjusting cushioning PPS from Festo Corp. means an end to time consuming adjustments when setting the correct cushioning with hygienic pneumatic cylinders. The cushioning system, available as an option with the Clean Design cylinder DSBF and the stainless-steel round cylinder CRDSNU, makes commissioning easier and also saves time. The system also makes it possible to achieve dynamic yet gentle cushioning at the end positions of a cylinder without manual intervention.
Saving time
Previously, users had to adjust the pneumatic end-position cushioning integrated into the cylinder manually, which had a negative impact on cycle times and noise levels. What is more, manual adjustment of cushioning took time, making the commissioning of installations a lengthy process, particularly those which included a large number of drives that required cushioning.
Festo’s self-adjusting cushioning PPS now ensures that the cushioning is always set correctly without needing any manual work on the part of the user, even if parameters such as friction and pressure change. It also reduces the acceleration forces acting on machine components and work pieces. This in turn reduces wear and minimizes time-consuming vibration. Furthermore, self-adjusting cushioning is less expensive and more robust than shock absorbers. Thanks to PPS, there is no need for an adjusting screw. This makes the cylinder easier to clean.
The right seal every time
The sealing materials and lubricating grease used have FDA approval for use with food. The modular sealing system means the right seal for every application: FDA-compliant standard seals for a long service life, FDA-compliant seals for grease-free operation, and variants for high temperatures up to 248° F (120° C) and low temperatures, down to -40° F (-40° C).
Rigid and precise
The guided drive DGRF with its compact design combines precision with torsional rigidity. Thanks to its smooth surfaces, large radii, and unique ease of cleaning, dirt deposits and corrosion are a thing of the past with this cylinder. Its precision guide will make it a popular choice for many applications in the food, beverage, and packaging industries, wherever high force and accuracy are required. There is also an optional variant for grease-free operation in applications subject to intensive cleaning.
Easy-to-clean accessories
Suitable proximity sensors are available that are resistant to cleaning agents, heat, and mold. The cylinder sensor SMT-C1, for example, can be mounted directly on both the DGRF and DSBF, using the sensor rail.
The tubing/fitting combination PLN/NPQP can be assembled quickly and easily and ensures long-term trouble-free operation, even in corrosive environments subject to intensive cleaning. The fitting NPQP is thus a practical alternative to costly stainless-steel fittings.
Rapid rotation with electronically controlled pneumatics
Hauppauge, N.Y.—The Festo DSMI-B servo pneumatic swivel module, soft stop CMPX module, and free positioning CMAX module represent a new generation in electronically controlled pneumatic actuation that combines the best features of both pneumatics and electronic control in terms of speed, load capacity, precision, and low cost.
Compared with standard pneumatics, servo pneumatic solutions are up to 30% faster and use up to 30% less air. Servo pneumatic drives can also be freely positioned, making them up to 50% more economical than electrical solutions, as well as being more compact, light, and sturdy.
Savings from eliminating shock absorbers
With the DSMI-B, shock absorbers will no longer be needed on swivel modules, thus reducing purchasing, operational, and maintenance costs. At the same time, the DSMI-B offers flexible and compact solutions for a wide range of handling tasks in combination with the electrical terminal CPX and the CMPX or CMAX modules.
The sturdy semi-rotary vane drive with integrated measuring system can be used both as a soft-stop axis and for free positioning. The DSMI-B is designed for mass moments of inertia of up to 2050.3 lb-in.² (6,000 kgcm²). The DSMI-B demonstrates these strengths in a Festo laboratory ball-throwing demonstration. A ball held in the swivel arm of the DSMI-B is catapulted upwards in an even curve using a short stroke cylinder. As the ball travels through the air, the arm swivels 180° in just 0.5 seconds, brakes without vibrating, and catches the ball.
Soft stop function – CMPX
Rapid rotary and swivel movements at angles of up to 270° are simplicity itself for the compact module DSMI-B. The electronic end-position controller CMPX gently brakes the swivel drive in its end positions, even at very high speed. With this soft stop function, loads of up to 300 kg can be moved highly dynamically. The soft stop reduces cycle times by around 30% while diminishing noise, and permits virtually vibration-free movement to the mechanical end positions. The system can also be used to perform movements to two additional, user-definable intermediate positions without a fixed stop.
Freely positioned – CMAX
The possibilities of the DSMI-B are not limited to soft stop, however; free positioning is also possible. In order to achieve this, the swivel module DSMI-B is combined with the servo pneumatic positioning module CMAX. Like the end-position controller CMPX, the CMAX is one of the intelligent modules of the electrical terminal CPX and is designed for simple servo pneumatic control of pneumatic drives. Free positioning with servo pneumatics is particularly advantageous where the loads to be moved typically exceed 22 lb (10 kg). Using the CMAX, drives can be positioned precisely to within .008 inches (0.2 mm) and their force controlled accurately to 5%.
Integrates with Festo CPX
The end-position soft stop controller CMPX and freely positioned CMAX controller are easily integrated into the electrical terminal CPX, a versatile modular automation platform for valves and electrical control functions. In addition to positioning modules, other functions such as PLC control, electrical I/O, and pneumatics, in combination with the valve terminal MPA, can be integrated into the CPX for an all-in-one platform for machine OEMs.
Festo’s FluidDraw Professional software for drawing circuit diagrams
May 11, 2011 by pheney
Filed under Industry News
Hauppauge, N.Y.—FluidDraw Professional software from Festo enables planners and developers to draw integrated circuit plans quickly and cost-effectively. The intelligent software solution permits user-friendly creation of clear structures, even with complex systems, and now also supports electrical circuit diagrams.
FluidDraw Professional supports all stages in the chain, from the initial idea through to planning and designing the system and machine. It makes drawing pneumatic and electrical circuit diagrams quick and intuitive. Based on the proven functions of FluidDraw S5, the new software solution is therefore in the vanguard of cost-effective and user-friendly circuit diagram programs.
FluidDraw Professional makes it easier to plan complete systems and implement individual components. The new FluidDraw Professional documents and manages complex integrated circuit diagrams in a very simple way. Users access the Festo product database and their own imported databases, benefit from intelligent evaluation functions and create assembly drawings in a flash. The software links electric and pneumatic symbols wherever this makes sense for integrated system documentation.
Festo Engineering Tools
The software is embedded in the Festo Engineering Tools system, which supports users electronically and progressively through all the stages from planning to selection, design and ordering, and helps save time and costs.
FluidDraw Professional offers a fundamental competitive advantage for planners and developers by automatically listing the electrical elements of pneumatic components. FluidDraw Professional also continuously updates the contactor overview for relays and contactors. This eliminates worrying about forgotten connections.
Better structures
The integrated software solution offers a significant advantage by linking symbols and bill of materials (BOMs) items intelligently, as well as on the screen. For greater flexibility and customization, all of the columns in the BOMs can be arranged as required. User-friendliness is increased by different options such as cumulative or item BOMs. Added to this are practical evaluation functions such as terminal and cable plans as well as cable lists for electrical circuits. The new FluidDraw Professional features a floating navigation window so that planners and developers always have the best overview.
Festo launches push for greater compressed air efficiency
April 22, 2011 by pheney
Filed under Air Preparation, Featured
Compressed air preparation is not exactly a hot topic for plant operators. As a result, carelessly maintained compressed air systems waste energy and result in premature wearing of high-quality pneumatic valves and drives. Festo is now launching a push for greater compressed air efficiency.
Once it gets into the service units, this contaminated compressed air results in faster wearing of seals, oiled-up valves in the control section and dirty silencers. This decreases the availability of the machines and the service life of the pneumatic components and systems and increases the energy costs due to leakage and maintenance effort.
Help is available in the form of diagnostic tools, safety functions to ISO and ready-to-install system solutions that Festo combines in a customised and energy-efficient package as appropriate to the requirements of the compressed air systems. Even a few small tricks can together increase the efficiency of the system. These include switching off the air supply when the machines are at rest, when shifts end or during breaks. If greater pressure is needed at specific points in the compressed air network, it is often enough to use a pressure booster at this point instead of operating the entire network with a higher working pressure.
It’s all about the design
Installing a decentralised compressed air preparation system directly at the system reduces the risk of components being contaminated. Users should clarify the following questions when designing a decentralised compressed air preparation system:
• What is the maximum flow rate required?
• What connection sizes are required?
• Do all consuming devices need the same compressed air quality?
• What compressed air quality does the compressor actually provide?
Sensors add intelligence
Intelligent service units such as the MS series from Festo integrate flow and pressure sensors that detect unnecessary consumption in good time and enable preventative maintenance. They can also be remotely adjusted and monitored. In addition, they indicate the degree of contamination of the filters so that maintenance intervals can be scheduled. Also on board the MS series: the MS6-SV for safe pressurising and exhausting.
Pre-assembled solutions for compressed air preparation save users a lot of time and money. These individual solutions with their one part number simplify the design and purchasing process and are supplied ready to install directly at the system.
Don’t forget accessories
Compressed air system accessories such as tubing and fittings also deserve attention: tubing materials appropriate to the environment prevent chemical, physical and microbial damage. When it comes to tubing, it is important to have the correct lengths and diameters to minimise pressure losses as well as to cut them to length using suitable tools. Fittings with modern sealing rings and support functions ensure leak-proof and reusable screw connections.
Vacuum generator prevents machine downtime
With its integrated air-saving function, the OVEM vacuum generator from Festo is an energy-efficient solution. The OVEM vacuum generators are available with four venturi nozzle sizes for a wide performance spectrum and offer metric and inch connection types for added convenience to users. A vacuum sensor adds diagnostic preventive maintenance features to the vacuum system and therefore greatly reduces the risk of machine downtime.
Continuous status monitoring of the entire vacuum system is made possible with an integral sensor and also visible by an LCD with additional bar graphs. If a leak develops, either gradually or abruptly, or in the event that vacuum evacuation time becomes longer, the situation is detected automatically by the vacuum generator. This is how the OVEM vacuum generator facilitates preventive maintenance and enables users to prevent potential machine downtime.
Preventive maintenance
The OVEM vacuum generator provides this added level of reliability by continuously measuring vacuum and comparing it to a user specified reference value. The user sets threshold values by means of a teach-in procedure in order to ensure that specified vacuum evacuation times and system cycle times are not exceeded. Cycle time is the characteristic value of overriding importance, determining the speed at which handling operations are executed and thus regulating system productivity.
Saving time
The vacuum generator and the ejector pulse are controlled by two integrated solenoid valves. Short distances and the resultant short cycle times ensure quick and reliable placing of the work piece. The ejector pulse can be regulated with a flow control screw. All control and display components are located in the front panel. High priority has also been given to ease of maintenance of the OVEM vacuum generator with the integrated filter effortlessly purifying process air. An inspection window is included in the front panel for monitoring and for timely indication of maintenance. The vacuum generator is thus nearly maintenance-free.
Festo US introduces Huss as new CEO
April 13, 2011 by pheney
Filed under Industry News
Festo has anounced that Richard J. Huss is the new CEO of Festo U.S.
Huss comes to Festo U.S. from Bosch Rexroth, where for the past 10 years he was VP and General Manager. He joined Bosch Rexroth (formerly Indramat Division) in 1985 following five years with Getty’s servo motors and drives. In addition to management expertise in the technology industry, Huss has extensive experience in partnering with distributors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide innovative automation solutions to end users in a host of industries. Huss holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Hampshire.
VUVG valves are powerful, have space-saving design
The VUVG line of valves from Festo are particularly suitable for use in automation applications where cost-effective, small-scale, technologically universal solutions with high flow rates are required, as is the case in the electronics, solar, textile and packaging industries, and in special machine construction. The compact dimensions and low weight of the aluminium housing also make the valves suitable for use in the front-end area, e.g. mounted directly on a robot arm.
More performance, less space
The new valve range sets new standards in terms of the “footprint” compared to valves currently on the market. The “footprint” value describes the size-to-performance ratio. In 90 percent of all applications, a smaller size valve compared to existing valves can often be used. VUVG valves of the same size achieve greater dynamics and up to 100 percent more flow for faster cycle times.
Two valves in one
Another cost-reducing factor is the integration of 2 x 3/2-way valves in one valve housing. One VUVG valve is therefore sufficient for operating two single-acting cylinders. This reduces the required installation space by half.
Patented cartridge sealing principle
The high power density of the VUVG valve is the result of the patented cartridge sealing principle from Festo. Its unique seal profile enables vacuum operation, very high flow rates and long life. The cartridge principle enables neatly separated two-pressure operation. With the VUVG, there is no overlapping between the air ducts, as is common with other valves.
Easy installation and mounting
A variable electrical connection concept reduces the complexity of ordering and warehousing for all users who require a valve with variable electrics. The patented electronics box can be replaced with just one click. The valve housing remains the same, only the connection option is changed. An astonishing range of variants can be fitted, regardless of the connection options; whether M8 or stranded wire, everything is compatible. And lastly, ordering is simplicity itself thanks to the clearly structured order code.
EU commission president visits Festo
January 24, 2011 by pheney
Filed under Industry News
President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and European Commissioner Günther Oettinger visited Festo, in Esslingen a.N., Germany, during Barroso’s visit to the German state of Baden-Württemberg. His visit focused on success factors for strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and facilitating sustainable and ecological growth. These include Festo Didactic’s global concepts for technical education, cutting-edge manufacturing concepts for the factories of the future and completely new approaches in the field of energy efficiency with the aid of bionics. The EU’s main research fields and their implementation in public-private partnerships and cross-company networks are becoming an increasingly decisive factor for sustainable growth.
“Only those who invest in the future today will be able to successfully compete in future. This applies to both companies and business locations such as the EU,” said Dr. Eberhard Veit, Chairman of the Management Board of Festo AG, to Barroso and the other guests.
Veit went on to emphasize that efficient and productive approaches—as well as often completely new manufacturing technologies—were required in the EU as enablers for the successful market implementation of new research results and key technologies, such as biotechnology.
“With the aid of cutting-edge technologies, we aim to make our facilities more productive and achieve future success together with our lead customers,” said Dr. Veit.
“We highlight opportunities for increased productivity, helping companies and business locations become more competitive,” added Dr. Ansgar Kriwet, Member of the Management Board Region and Sales Europe.
Dr. Theodor Niehaus, Managing Director of Festo Didactic, stressed that education was the key to the future.
“Education and skills training also need business to take a sustained initiative,” Niehaus said. “Festo can draw on its expertise in over 200 sectors to provide training for skilled employees. Companies and universities in the EU and around the world rely on Festo’s modern training solutions with cutting-edge practical components to enhance their competitive standing. They know that innovation and productivity begin with training.”
Dr. Peter Post, Head of Research at Festo and Speaker of Manufuture Europe, said that research excellence strengthened the EU’s locations and underlined the significance of the EU initiative Manufuture in this respect.
“Within the framework of the European Manufuture initiative, Festo is working on application-oriented concepts for the manufacturing technology of the future,” Post said. The engineering industry is one of the largest employers in Europe and a guarantee for growth and prosperity in the EU. We can only rise to the challenges of the future if we invest enough research funds in this sector and if companies cooperate across borders.”
Electric Cylinder Is Based On `Inside-out` Linear Motor
Festo has launched a novel short-stroke electric cylinder with a patented tubular linear motor and end-position controller that provides highly dynamic movements. The ADNE-LAS cylinders, thought to be the first of their type, can replace solenoid actuators. They are said to be especially suitable for applications demanding fast, controllable movements, such as ejecting faulty parts from high-throughput test stations.
The cylinder`s patented linear motor uses high-flux annular magnets on the actuator rod, surrounded by special windings on the stator coil. This effectively turns conventional linear motor design inside out. (In most linear motors, the fixed stator contains the permanent magnets and the moving element contains the coil windings.)
The new design is said to offer several significant advantages, including a low moving mass and the avoidance of flexible cabling to the moving parts. The cylinders have no external magnetic field and can be used in environments, such as machine tools, where swarf may be present.
Initially, the IP65-protected cylinders are available in two sizes – with 32mm and 40mm profiles and peak thrust force ratings of 35N and 52N – and in four stroke lengths from 15–45mm. Positioning repeatability is said to be ±0.5mm.
The cylinders can use the same mounting accessories as other similarly-sized Festo products, making it easy to mix and match different drive technologies. Although the cylinders use closed-loop control to ensure positioning accuracy, there are no servo parameters to set up – users simply teach the controller the two end-positions for the piston rod.
Festo has also produced a controller to partner the ADNE-LAS cylinders. The CMFL controller accepts feedback from the cylinder’s built-in magnetic encoders and maintains its drive output signal until the piston rod has reached the desired end-position. Unlike a solenoid actuator, the cylinders have a high power density and produce a constant force throughout their stroke – like a pneumatic actuator, though with lower force levels. Self-adaptive loop gain control decelerates the actuator movement as it nears the end of its stroke, providing automatic end-position cushioning.
The CMFL controls the movement of the piston rod in both directions and can store four different movement patterns, any of which can be selected and initiated via digital inputs. The controller also produces a “motion complete” output signal when the piston rod reaches its end-position.
The combination of controller and cylinder can handle stroke cycles (movements in and out) at up to 20Hz for up to 10 minutes without interruption. The system operates from a 48V DC SELV (safety extra-low voltage) source, and can also be run from 24V DC, with suitable de-rating.
Loading ...