Motion Control & Drives


Festo’s automation supports smart factories

May 2014 Motion Control & Drives

The concept of Integrated Industry is starting to grow and was the main theme of the 2014 Hanover Fair; and automation technology is playing a critical role in supporting the fully networked and integrated smart factory of the future.“ In this vein it is exciting to showcase Festo’s automation platform, CPX,” says Festo business development manager, Russell Schwulst. “This demonstrates that Festo continues to remain at the forefront of innovation.”

He points out that Integrated Automation based on CPX incorporates some trailblazing ideas. This electrical terminal for valve terminals already offers more than just a means of linking the field and master control levels. Its individual modules make it possible to integrate the control of pneumatic cylinders via the modular valve terminals MPS and VTSA, together with motion controllers for electric drives. Furthermore the CPX concept has diagnostic capabilities, can provide condition monitoring functions and also includes safety functions. Festo’s CPX makes it possible to access diagnostic information, locate faults quickly and replace modules.

The Festo CPX platform is equipped for the future – it can already integrate all commonly-used bus systems and industrial Ethernet protocols. An example is the Sercos III fieldbus node (CPX-FB39) that will be available in the near future. Sercos III is perceived as a system which is not dominated by a single supplier. What is more, it is able to handle motion control and I/O functions via the same bus. CPX flexibility is further demonstrated by the fact that the new fieldbus node CPX-FB40 expands the CPX fieldbus portfolio by adding the industrial Ethernet protocol, Powerlink, offering a direct valve terminal interface for Powerlink systems.

“The CPX concept from Festo has been shown to be an automation platform which is independent of any particular fieldbus system,” continues Schwulst.

With the counter and measuring model CPX-2ZE2DA, also available with the high protection class IP65, the CPX automation platform ensures greater transparency of data from a machine or plant. Its extensive functions include pulse counters for one-off, periodic and infinite counter; facilities for speed, frequency and period duration measurement and positioning (incremental and absolute encoders). The control of simple 24 VDC motors is integrated economically and conveniently into a single module.

When used with a rotary indexing table with various pick and place stations, the counter and measuring module are able to detect positions, position the gripper arm, measure the speed of a feed unit or measure the angle during the positioning of a work piece. Incremental signal generators produce pulses which can be counted in order to measure speed, length or position; in absolute generators, each position corresponds to a defined code pattern, which means that the actual position can be detected even after a power failure – as soon as power is restored.

What all of this demonstrates is that instead of innumerable bus systems, in the future there will only be one world-wide standardised Internet protocol running on a real-time-capable WLAN or Ethernet. This trend towards simplicity is based on the same philosophy as the new adaptive and intelligent installation platforms.

“With its modularity, our CPX automation platform is already making life simpler and will continue to do so for users in the future. Soon, there will be no need for discussions about machine setting times in the factory of the future,” concludes Schwulst.

For more information contact Tracey Swart, Festo, 08600 FESTO, [email protected], www.festo.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

The opportunity and impact of MEPS electric motor regulations
WEG Africa Motion Control & Drives
South African companies are gearing up for the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards, part of a global trend towards energy-efficient electric motors.

Read more...
Custom mining solutions from Bühler at MTE Richards Bay
Motion Control & Drives
Bühler recently showcased its advanced material handling solutions at the Mining & Technical Exhibitions (MTE) in Richards Bay.

Read more...
SKF’s integrated triple-action solution drives operational value for customer in Cameroon
Motion Control & Drives
SKF has successfully delivered a powerful, integrated solution to a leading metals industry customer in Cameroon, combining advanced condition monitoring and high-performance bearings, underpinned by professional, expert services.

Read more...
Innomotics electrifies major mining operation in Chile
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics has been awarded a major electrification project to support an important mining operation in northern Chile.

Read more...
Power meets precision
Motion Control & Drives
Swiss drive technology specialist, maxon is presenting the second generation of its compact mid-motor for e-bikes, the BIKEDRIVE AIR S. This new system delivers a high torque of 90 Nm with a motor weight of two kilograms.

Read more...
Referro Systems expands local market
Motion Control & Drives
Referro Systems has achieved notable growth since introducing Advanced Micro Controls (AMCI) products into the African market.

Read more...
Control solution for highly dynamic.
Motion Control & Drives
The motion control specialist, Aerotech is expanding its Auto-mation1-iSMC control solution with a powerful feature for highly dynamic laser drilling with galvo scanners.

Read more...
SEW-EURODRIVE energy audits help farmers drive down irrigation costs
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-EURODRIVE is expanding its support to South Africa’s agricultural sector by leveraging its world class expertise in energy audits for drive systems, helping farmers unlock cost savings and improve operational efficiencies in irrigation applications.

Read more...
Smart automated lubrication
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
A leading customer of SKF in Tunisia’s paper and pulp industry was facing significant challenges with the manual lubrication of its paper machine. SKF had the solution.

Read more...
Driving heavy equipment industry
Motion Control & Drives
Cimolai Technology, a leader in the design, production and installation of lifting and handling equipment, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software. This move aims to deliver innovative, reliable and custom-made solutions to meet the most demanding technical specifications across sectors such as shipyards, infrastructure and heavy industry.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved