W
hen you think about
industrial machines, you
probably visualise a world
of cylinders, drives, axes
and gripper arms. These machines can
be combined with sensors, cameras,
intelligent valve terminals and controllers
to create a motion control system. This
system 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
production 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
generally 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
development, logistics, installation,
commissioning 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
automation solution for every application.
Just one interface
With fluid and motion control from a single
source, companies need just one
interface for ordering, invoicing and
logistics. Along with the usual motion
control components, Festo also offers a
range of media valves for cooling and
lubricating, cleaning and washing,
sterilising, dispensing 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
washing 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
provides 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
performance. Development and
implementation 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
combinations with machine
requirements including motion control,
safety engineering 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.
To download see