Controlled Pneumatics

Innovation

Mass flow controllers for efficient gas control

Mass flow controllers (MFC) are crucial for precisely and stably controlling gas flows, regardless of pressure and other external influencing variables. They are especially indispensable in semiconductor production and medical technology. But what are the measuring principles? What advantages does piezo technology offer? And which trends will determine the future? Werner Alber, an expert in mass flow control at Festo, provides practical insights into current developments, innovative technologies and proven approaches to process optimisation.

Innovation

Efficient pressure and flow regulators

Pressure and flow rate are crucial parameters in pneumatic automation. While the pressure refers to the force with which the compressed air acts on components, the flow rate determines the speed at which pneumatic actuators move. But how can these variables be optimised? And which new technologies enable efficient, precise and intelligent closed-loop control? Ulrich Sixt, expert in Controlled Pneumatics at Festo, answers these questions. In the interview, he talks about the importance of pressure and flow control, modern solutions for precise closed-loop control and the advantages of intelligent control loops in automation.

Highlights

Controlled Pneumatics: new opportunities

Pressure, flow rate and movement can now be controlled very precisely, and with exactly the energy actually required. Controlled Pneumatics is the combination of proportional technology, sensor technology and control algorithms, and not only improves automation processes that are already known. It also opens up new opportunities, especially for controlling pressure and flow rate. Piezo valves, which enable very precise control, also play a role.