FEATURE Smart factories & AI
ANTICIPATING AUTOMATION TRENDS
Steve Sands, of Festo, charts the rise of the valve terminal and how this technology continues to evolve to meet changing automation requirements
P
neumatic valve terminals are key to the performance of many automated machines. They interface between the electronics
– the software and controls providing the intelligence – and the actuators and sensors driving the motion and sending feedback. The technology has evolved through several iterations, but Festo believed that there was scope to create a new type of valve terminal that would address the challenges machine builders are likely to face in the next Festo’s largest ever cross-function design team was briefed to undertake a ground-up rethink. Based on feedback from machine builders, it was clear that any radically new valve terminals needed to address both the mechanics/pneumatics and the electrical connectivity within a single platform. The development team therefore focused
on creating a design that spanned from high-volume, low-cost, basic functionality to highly featured, technology rich options that addressed specialist requirements in sectors previously seen as niche. The new prototype was dubbed VTUX, or Valve Terminal in the future to ensure the VTUX’s continued relevance in ever-changing automation environments. Software tools were developed by comparing theoretical CAE models with thousands of hours of real-life pneumatic lab results to hone the accuracy of the software predictions and to provide the system developers with a powerful CAE software tool kit. This enabled optimisation of production costs and CO2 usage during manufacture, while balancing these aspects rates in less space, increase operational life expectancy and identify ways to improve Customer cost savings are possible
through rationalisation of components. On the latest Festo 10mm wide solenoid enabling the customer to specify the higher
24 November 2024 | Automation
diameter actuators or faster cycle rates. Conversely, smaller diameter tubing can be selected where this is of the terminal and unnecessary air consumption.
Electrical optimisation is another this is usually a matter of cost, speed of integration with the control architecture, and ease of commissioning and diagnostics. For the end-user, OEE (Overall Equipment measurement of machine performance and reliability. It therefore made sense to reduce solenoid power drain overall, reducing the size and current capacity of panel mounted power supplies, and to minimise valve actuation times.
Quick and easy connection Ease of connectivity is the third major design addresses. How machine builders connect between the control system and the machine level sensors and actuators is critical: it is where the biggest savings or the biggest losses are made. Ideally, they can simply integrate between standard control hardware, navigate the specialities of their application, and connect to motors and drives quickly and easily. simultaneous development of the valve terminal and an electrical connectivity product range, called Festo AP (Automation Festo AP supplies a lower cost but fast and powerful means of connection for the last few metres on a machine. It doesn’t compete with the likes of IO-link or Ethernet technologies but seamlessly collaborates with them to provide cross protocol connectivity and transparency. This is achieved by supplying simple intuitive user function blocks and integrated documentation (online and digital for Festo AP addresses the needs of both serial and special purpose machine builders. Users can swap the PLC they are using to
ANTICIPATING AUTOMATION TRENDS
cabinet level components common. This makes it cheaper and easier to support a range of machines and creates an ideal platform based on common technology and components. The AP system is a hybrid approach, delivering interconnecting modular and and powerful communication backplane. Addressing the key factors of performance, of robust digital RIO components that can combination with pneumatic valve solutions. module as a header, which is networked to a broad range of input, output, and pneumatic solenoid valve manifold options. Festo AP and its components can be to address and completely visible within the PLC controls. The Festo Automation Suite software is free of charge. Module connections are made using pre-formed plug-in cables, again saving time and cost. IO-Link is also incorporated within the system.
New components and features are being added to Festo’s range every month, so this is a story of continuous evolution.
Festo
www.festo.com/gb/en/
automationmagazine.co.uk
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