While developing the machine, Van de Ven came into contact with Festo. "They helped me to select and integrate the different areas right from the start. Turning and cutting is the most exciting part. To see how we could achieve this by using Festo components, we sent some rose twigs and their holders to the Festo development centre in Delft. A week later I received a video from the team with the latest results. I was surprised at much progress they had made in a week! We then started to build a test module with Festo components and invited our customers to see it for themselves."
Van de Ven wants to source as many components as possible from a single source. "Wherever possible, I use Festo. Otherwise there is a risk that suppliers will blame each other if something doesn't work. And it is the end customer who suffers as a result. The modules now include linear guides and pneumatics from Festo, plus a PLC, an HMI and valve terminals. We have now retrofitted a complete machine with our newly developed modules and put it into operation. Each module has its own PLC, as this computing power is required for image processing. We used an HMI and new valve terminals for the main controller. As the machine was being developed, product development at Festo continued as usual, which meant we were able to switch to the latest HMI. It was surprisingly easy to transfer the work carried out in the previous generation up to that point to the new generation. The platform has become much faster and we have retained the overall structure." Van de Ven found the support from Festo very valuable during the process. "Festo takes into account the need for a specific solution. Why use a stepper motor when you can also control a function using pneumatics?"
According to Van de Ven, the greatest added value is the time saved. "We save hours of work, so the purchase price is recouped very quickly." But Holt and Van de Ven also want to mention the data communication. The new Festo automation platform CPX-AP-A offers various communication options for fast and error-free IO between components and with extended diagnostic functions. Holt: "If a cable breaks somewhere, for example in one of the sensors, the breakage point is visible right away." And it's very simple, he explains: "All tags are read into the VTUX, you just have to assign them." Van de Ven uses 9 of the new valve terminals per machine. For each rose cutting module there is one terminal at the top, one at the bottom and one on the main device.
The speed is often decisive for the required force and stroke. Because the work is carried out in a dirty and dusty environment, cylinder contamination is also a consideration. The VTUX has an IP 67 rating, which is an important and decisive factor in the operating conditions for this application.
Van de Ven was one of the first VTUX customers in November 2023. "When Festo develops something like this, I don't want to use it straight away. But I've been to the factory in Esslingen and when you see how thoroughly and extensively everything is tested there, I have complete confidence in the Festo team." And the collaboration with Holt is also running very smoothly. "I show them what I need and Jeroen shows me the options. We went through the whole machine together; we then decided together what we wanted to do and he came back with the answers and more information. We want the machine to still be operational in ten years' time, so the end-of-life expectation is important, and Jeroen thinks about the new developments with us." Holt nods in agreement. "Thinking together is really crucial. I know the whole process and we start from a basic idea with unresolved questions. I like doing it that way."
It is plain to see that Van de Ven is satisfied. "We have written our own algorithm to speed up the entire process. To do this, we needed more computing power than in the old system. And we more than succeeded. We also wanted to separate two unique processes that run simultaneously. That is why we have two queues, each with its own core in the PLC. The cycle time is and remains crucial. We are now at four milliseconds and have set our sights on two."