Industrial automation functions are diverse and often unique to specific applications. Frequently, standard components are insufficient to provide the functionality and efficiency for the required task and a more focused customised automation solution is required.
Festo, the process automation and technology specialist, can deliver tailor-made automation solutions customisable to exact user specifications. This flexibility translates into significant financial and productivity benefits, as the products supplied are designed to ensure maximum performance and cost-effective operation.
Recently, Festo supplied Gerstlauer Amusement Rides of Münsterhausen, Germany with a customised pneumatic safety solution for the Euro Fighter, the tallest and fastest rollercoaster the company has built to date.
The highlight of the Euro-Fighter is the first drop. It hurtles straight downwards at high speed from a height of 35 m
With two cars operating on the track simultaneously at speeds reaching 95 km/h an infallible safety brake system, implemented with type ENGU cylinders from Festo, was pivotal in guaranteeing the success of the ride.
ENGU cylinders are single-acting pneumatic cylinders with spring return. When the safety brake is open they are pressurised ready to be deployed. If the interrogation switch before the brake warns that the subsequent section of track is not clear, a signal is sent to the cylinders and they retract under spring force. This movement releases the safety brake and stops the car immediately, preventing a collision.
Erwin Haider, head of electrical engineering at Gerstlauer says, “The original task was to optimise the brake cylinders that had previously been used. After a short time, the proposal was made for the cylinders not only to be optimised, but also produced by Festo.”
He continues, “We have worked successfully with Festo for many years. It was important for us to have a skilled and experienced partner at our side during the development and installation of the braking cylinders.”
Festo operates a special Project Centre SA, a unit of experts dedicated solely to creating high-performance customised solutions, quickly and resourcefully. The unit carries out technical and financial feasibility studies and generates design drawings.
A prototype is then developed using state of the art production techniques, such as rapid prototyping and 5-axis NC machining. All products are then extensively tested and exposed to long-term trials in order to identify any weak areas prior to delivery.
Customised products provide precise solutions to specific automation requirements as they neither over nor under perform. This level of operational accuracy ensures optimal output, efficiency and functionality, all of which lead to reduced costs and increase the return on investment.
“Our customisation capabilities enable us to address current market trends as well as niche market opportunities. Global players expect customer specific support and worldwide provision of specialised solutions optimised for their particular applications,” says Günter Gebauer, head of Festo Project Management Customised Solutions.
CompAir introduces compressed air management solution
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
To maximise savings and extend the lifespan of compressed air systems, CompAir is launching the Compressed Air Management Solution powered by Ecoplant, an intelligent system in the cloud that represents the next level in operational management, and maintain the health
Read more...Precision meets performance: The ELGD Axes Family from Festo Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Festo has introduced the ELGD axes family, engineered for the demands of future-focused industries. With cutting-edge guide technology, exceptional rigidity and high load capacity, these axes deliver more performance within the same installation footprint.
Read more...Festo’s customised automation solutions Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
From smart pneumatics to advanced process automation, Festo offers precision-engineered technologies that enable industries to operate more efficiently, reliably and fast. The company manages the entire custom design process from concept to final commissioning, saving customers time and money while allowing them to focus on their core expertise.
Read more...Heavy impact, smart control Axiom Hydraulics
Editor's Choice Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Every now and then a project lands on your desk that’s equal parts heavy machinery and fine control - a tantalising mix for any engineer. A client approached Axiom Hydraulics with a project exactly like this.
Read more...Pneumatics makes a technological leap with the proportional valve terminal Festo South Africa
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Festo continually makes bold technological leaps to keep pace with global advancements. Controlled Pneumatics is redefining the boundaries of compressed air technology to meet the demands of today’s most advanced applications.
Read more...Making lines safer with smarter connection Hydrasales
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Imagine connecting multiple hydraulic lines or a combination of hydraulic, electrical and grease lines with one single, confident movement. That’s the everyday convenience operators get from Faster’s MultiFaster multi-coupling systems.
Read more...Achieving clean and dry compressed air Artic Driers International
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Compressed air is an expensive source of motive power so it makes good sense to supply clean, dry compressed air to your distribution system.
Read more...Navigating ISO standards in hydraulic cylinder manufacturing
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
For hydraulics professionals, understanding and leveraging ISO standards is a powerful way to ensure quality and gain a competitive edge. Here is a guide to the most critical ISO standards for hydraulic cylinder manufacturing, showing how to use them to your advantage.
Read more...Hydraulic system upgrades to boost performance and save money CT Hydraulics (Nqoba)
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Those working with hydraulic or pneumatic systems know that keeping your machinery running at peak performance balances productivity and cost. As systems age, they often become less efficient, requiring more energy and more frequent repairs. The good news is that you don’t always need to invest in an entirely new machine to solve these problems.
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.
printer friendly version