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.
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