YOUR STAR

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Technology Today
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To ‘think ‚ or to have
it done for you
Sat navs for the workplace
Do you still remember what it was
like, driving without a navigation sys-
tem? Fortunately, it’s something we no
longer need to deal with. Just think
how much time could have previously
been saved and confusion avoided if
there had been a navigation system to
show the way. Many navigation sys-
tems have now become a part of our
day-to-day working lives. We call them
“technology aids” or “engineering
software/tools”. So how useful are
they in practice?
To answer this question we need to
have a closer look at their application.
Let’s take Festo for example. Festo
designs and develops a whole series
of these efficiency and productivity
tools. They enable users to focus on
their core tasks, to use their creativity
where it is needed, and to make
standard operations just that – stand-
ard.
Will Engineers roles become
redundant?
Not at all! We need to remember that
software tools will deliver results
based on how well they are applied to
the specific task at hand. Engineering
specialists, like drivers, still need to
effectively manage the input criteria
and output data. Without a doubt,
automation specialist knowledge will
always be needed, but once these
software efficiency aids are well
understood, the time saving and pro-
ductivity benefits to industry profes-
sionals are incredible.
Comment
We talk about sat navs and other
essential technology aids
Rising Stars - VUVG
and VUVS ‘S’ series
valve variants
Looking for an individual valve that
gives you just what you need?
The recently launched selection of
Compact VUVG and Robust VUVS
valve variants with ‘focused features’,
provide an excellent alternative for a
huge variety of standard applications.
Excellent performance, the usual
Festo quality, and an outstanding
price! What more could you want?
Great news! Success can now be planned.
Engineering tools and software support are growing in importance
Networking via the Internet is revolutionising the working world of engineers.
Esslingen, Germany – These days
companies have less and less time
available, whether for development,
commissioning or for modernising an
installation. Optimising your pro-
cesses to stay competitive is the order
of the day. To do that, using the Inter-
net and being able to find relevant
data quickly and easily, is absolutely
crucial. Festo knows this and offers a
wide range of intelligent software and
engineering tools (also see the insert
on Services/Software tools). “In an
ideal situation, these tools comple-
ment one another, interact with one
another and map the entire value
chain,” says Festo project manager
Dirk Wahlmann, describing the bene-
fits of these new electronic aids. “So
it’s no great surprise that they are
often used.”
2.4 million downloads per month
The Festo Support Portal (a software
tool that provides automation special-
ists with an array of support informa-
tion) has over 2.4 million downloads
per month. “Of course, you will also
need the right hardware to be able to
effectively use these tools” says Wahl-
mann. It isn’t just the design engineer
who benefits from using software and
engineering tools; these tools act as a
lifeline for purchasing and mainte-
nance personnel as well. The Festo
OnlineShop also offers many useful
functions such as order tracking,
downloading of delivery notes and
invoices, while the product key is use-
ful for maintenance. According to
Wahlmann, linking the entire process
is the whole point of using software
tools and their ultimate advantage. “If
you want to save more time, if you
want greater efficiency, then use them
consistently,” he says.
Core product range and software
tools – the perfect match
Another important point that needs to
be made here is that synergy is only
possible if hardware and software
complement one another. The best
example of this is the Festo range of
core products and their software
tools. They are a perfect fit and help to
streamline and optimise processes,
make design work more efficient and
speed up product selection. But the
biggest advantage of all is that it frees
up time to focus on the essentials.
Who could say no to that?
The VUVS – already
a shining star
Small in size,
big in capability
The VUVS is the star among solenoid valves Less is more with one-way flow control valve VFOF
Sometimes it is the little things that
make the biggest difference, and the
one-way flow control valve VFOF is
certainly a case in point. Although it
may not yet be a star, its impressive
technical data makes it deserving of
closer attention. Thanks to integrated
multiple functions (one-way flow con-
trol valve, piloted non-return valve
and manual exhaust) it takes up a lot
less space – 50% to be precise!
That, and the fact that it has fewer
components, makes it more energy-
efficient, plus simplifies the purchas-
ing process, assembly and commis-
sioning. The VFOF can also be com-
bined with numerous products in Fes-
to’s core product range, such as the
many variants of the twin-piston semi-
rotary drive (DRRD) or the standard
cylinder range (DSBC). The bottom
line is that it is now possible to imple-
ment solutions that previously
seemed impossible. Small but power-
ful – the VFOF.
The VFOF on a standard cylinder DSBC.
The VUVS is the star amongst solenoid
valves.
Partners in performance!
3 of the 7 sizes of
DRVS.
Semi-rotary drive DRVS and position sensor SRBS
Small, smart and inexpensive. These
three attributes are, in a nutshell, the
benefits of the new semi-rotary drive
DRVS and its perfectly matched part-
ner, the position sensor SRBS. This
winning combination solves the prob-
lems that previously beset the con-
nection of drives and sensors. The
product design is extremely compact,
commissioning is very simple and the
price is sensational! Available in seven
different sizes these innovative rotary
devices can even be used in dirty envi-
ronments. This star is sure to turn
heads!
The VUVS solenoid valve is yet
another shining star that you’ve prob-
ably already met. So what exactly are
its capabilities?
It is sturdy and offers high flow rates.
It can be used virtually anywhere. It is
cost effective and has a comprehen-
sive range of accessories. It is easy to
mount, whether as a ready-to-install
individual valve with silencers, fittings
and coils, or as a pre-assembled unit
on a manifold rail - VTUS. Assembly
and commissioning are easy because
the solenoid coils can be adjusted
quickly and at any angle.
Any other benefits? The VUVS is ideal
for use in the vacuum and low-pres-
sure range. There are ATEX variants,
coils with different voltages, and much
more.
Experts agree that the VUVS is ‘The
valve’ and is already a shining star.