Controlled Pneumatics digitizes pneumatics
By combining innovative proportional technology, powerful sensors, and intelligent control algorithms, Controlled Pneumatics creates a closed loop.
Sensors continuously record the actual value, compare it with the setpoint value via the controller, and automatically adjust the valve. As a result, the pressure and flow rate remain stable, even with load changes, external disturbance variables, and fluctuating inlet pressure.
The dynamic, precise, and efficient control thus significantly expands the application possibilities of pneumatics. The result: maximum precision, high process reliability, and sustainable energy efficiency.
With Controlled Pneumatics, there is now a solution for almost all your requirements.
"If you want to control processes with precision, stability, and energy-efficiency, you need Controlled Pneumatics. The combination of proportional valves, sensors, and intelligent algorithms makes it possible to control pressure, flow, and movement highly dynamically and precisely. Thanks to a wide range of communication interfaces, you can integrate Controlled Pneumatics easily and seamlessly into your machines and systems. The result: noticeably more power, greater flexibility, and better energy efficiency."
Marco Schilling
Head of Product Management Controlled Pneumatics
Festo SE & Co. KG
FAQs Controlled Pneumatics
What is a pressure regulator?
A pressure regulator is used to keep the pressure in a pneumatic system constant, regardless of fluctuations in the inlet pressure or varying loads. In Controlled Pneumatics, pressure control is digital and highly precise, so that only the required compressed air is used. This saves energy, reduces wear, and ensures optimum process control.
What is a flow regulator?
A flow controller controls the amount of compressed air flowing and thus directly influences the speed of pneumatic actuators such as cylinders or grippers. In Controlled Pneumatics, this control is automated and infinitely variable, enabling smooth movement sequences and precise adaptation to the respective process requirements. This not only optimizes performance, but also reduces compressed air consumption.
What does closed loop mean in pneumatics?
The closed control loop is a technological approach in which sensors continuously measure the actual pressure or flow rate and compare it with the setpoint. Deviations are corrected automatically, allowing Controlled Pneumatics to guarantee consistent process quality and maximum repeat accuracy. This reduces manual readjustments while making processes more efficient and error-resistant.
What is a proportional valve?
A proportional valve is a valve that can adjust the pressure or flow not only in binary terms (open/closed), but also continuously and in real time. This is done via an electrical signal that precisely regulates the opening of the valve. In Controlled Pneumatics, proportional valves enable highly precise control that allows flexible, energy-efficient, and adaptive process management.
How does a piezo valve work?
A piezo valve uses piezoelectric materials to regulate pressure or flow with minimal energy input. It only requires power to switch over, after which it remains in position and consumes no further energy. This makes it particularly efficient and wear-free. Controlled Pneumatics uses piezo valves for maximum precision, fast response times, and durable solutions.
What is the Festo Motion Terminal VTEM?
The Festo Motion Terminal VTEM is the first standardized platform that can control various functions via software apps – from pressure and flow control to complex motion control. This enables flexible adaptation to different applications, quick changeovers and savings of up to 70% in compressed air and energy.
How does Controlled Pneumatics reduce energy consumption?
Controlled Pneumatics uses sensors, digital control circuits, and proportional valves to adjust the pressure and flow rate exactly to momentary requirements. This means that only the amount of compressed air actually required is used, resulting in up to 60% less compressed air being needed. At the same time, component wear is reduced, which lowers maintenance costs and increases the service life of the system.
What does adaptive pressure and flow control mean?
Adaptive control means that the pressure and flow rate adapt dynamically and in real time to changing process requirements. In Controlled Pneumatics, sensor values are continuously recorded and processed using intelligent algorithms to provide the optimum air flow for each application. This improves process stability and reduces unnecessary compressed air consumption.
What role do sensors play in Controlled Pneumatics?
Sensors are at the heart of Controlled Pneumatics, as they record pressure, flow, and load changes in real time. The sensor data is integrated directly into the closed loop in order to optimize processes automatically. This ensures consistently high quality, reduced downtimes, and greater energy efficiency.
Why is Controlled Pneumatics future-proof?
Controlled Pneumatics combines digital control, intelligent sensors, and proportional technology to make automation systems more efficient, flexible and sustainable. The technology can be fully integrated into the concepts of the Internet of Things, significantly reduces compressed air consumption, and enables precise control for modern production environments. This makes it the future-proof alternative to classic pneumatics.