Page 24 - trends in automation 1.2013

W hen you think about in­
dustrial machines, you prob­
ably visualise a world of
cylinders, drives, axes and
gripper arms. These machines can be
combined with sensors, cameras, intelli-
gent valve terminals and controllers to
create a motion control system. This sys-
tem produces and transports a specific
quantity of discrete – in other words
countable – elements in a given period
of time. This is how the machine looks
on the surface. However, if you view the
machine as a complete system, another
world opens up – that of continuous
elements, the fluids. Only when motion
and fluid control come together does
the machine really manage to do what it
is supposed to.
Controlled movement
Fluids work at two different levels in
machines. On the one hand they are the
finished product, while on the other
they are used to ensure optimum system
operation, e.g. as a coolant in extruders.
Like the motion control system for pro-
duction engineering, the fluid control
system uses media valves to control the
circulation of liquids or granulates as
well as pressure and temperature. For
plant and machine builders, this still
means extra work, as the systems gener­
ally have to be procured separately.
This increases the number of variables
such as speed, precision, weight, cycle
rates and temperature, which in turn
leads to greater complexity in develop-
ment, logistics, installation, commis­
sioning and maintenance. That costs time
and money.
Reduced complexity
Festo combines production and fluid
engineering on the basis of motion
and fluid control function integration.
Complexity is reduced and the work
of machine builders is made more
efficient. Engineering expertise and
a suitable range of fluid and motion
control components means the best auto-
mation solution for every application.
Just one interface
With fluid and motion control from a single
source, companies need just one inter-
face for ordering, invoicing and logistics.
Along with the usual motion control com-
ponents, Festo also offers a range of
media valves for cooling and lubricating,
cleaning and washing, sterilising, dispens-
ing and mixing. For example, the media
valve VZQA ensures reliable dispensing
and mixing for long periods without flow
resistance or blockages in powder and
granulate filling machines. The cooling
systems of industrial cooling applications
and production machines remain cool
and lubricated at all times thanks to the
media valve VZWM. The angle seat valve
VZXF in stainless steel design ensures
reliable sterilising. The 2-way or 3-way ball
valve actuator unit VZBA optimises wash-
ing and cleaning in cleaning machines in
semiconductor manufacturing processes,
for example.
Increased efficiency
A core element for Festo is the interaction
between motion and fluid control on
the basis of decentralised intelligence in
the machine. The automation platform
CPX is an essential component as it pro-
vides control functions wherever they
are needed. Together with motion and
fluid control, it forms a ready-to-install
solution that makes the work of design
engineers and operators much easier.
Individual elements from all three areas
can be integrated in existing machines
to achieve a lasting improvement in per-
formance. Development and implementa-
tion are supported by user-friendly
engineering tools with free CAD models
from Festo.
Brochure
Combining saves time and cuts costs
Media valves in machines dispense,
mix, cool, lubricate and wash, keep
processes running and ensure smooth
production. The brochure “Expertise
from a single source – Media valves in
factory automation” shows how they
can be used even more efficiently.
The brochure focuses on topics such
as time-saving and cost-saving com­
binations with machine requirements
including motion control, safety en­
gineering and drive, assembly and
handling functions. The Festo brochure
provides a valuable insight into the
practical application of media valves and
helps you choose the right products.