Editor's Choice


Pushing technological boundaries with Festo Electric Automation solutions

August 2024 Editor's Choice

In the ever-evolving landscape of Industrial Automation, Festo Electric Automation solutions are at the forefront of a revolution, fundamentally reshaping production paradigms. As a global leader in automation, Festo focuses on intelligent connectivity to reduce costs, save time, and increase efficiency and convenience for customers. By consistently integrating state-of-the-art technologies and innovative approaches, Festo ensures their products remain ahead of the curve.

“Our journey to becoming leaders in Electric Automation has been driven by a deep-seated desire to meet the evolving technological demands of modern industries. We understand that success today relies not just on meeting standards, but on setting them,” said Marcus Gericke, Electric Automation Business Unit Manager at Festo South Africa. This commitment to advancing the industry is exemplified by products like the Servo Drive CMMT-AS, Servo Drive CMMT-ST, CPX-AP Remote IO, and VTUX-A-P-APA; each renowned for their unique features.

Achieving efficiency with the Servo Drives CMMT-ST

A significant advancement in Festo’s Electric Automation product lineup is the Servo Drive CMMT-ST, an ultra-compact, low-voltage controller known for its economic efficiency and space-saving design. Its compact footprint optimises space inside control cabinets, and operates on the existing 24 V DC network, delivering a maximum continuous output of 150 W without needing an extra power supply unit. This streamlined approach cuts costs, simplifies installation, and reduces cooling needs.

Moreover, the CMMT-ST integrates seamlessly into various industrial environments, offering robust performance and flexibility. Its efficient operation within existing infrastructure emphasises its practicality, enabling businesses to boost productivity with minimal investment. Whether for precision engineering or complex automation needs, the CMMT-ST sets a new standard in compact, efficient control technology.

The compact and powerful CMMT-AS

The CMMT-AS, the CMMT-ST’s counterpart, is a state-of-the-art compact servo drive engineered for dynamic motion control, including precise point-to-point and interpolating operations. It excels in demanding applications across packaging machines, assembly lines, and the electronics industry. This servo drive integrates with major controller manufacturers’ fieldbuses, facilitating straightforward incorporation into existing application programs. It enhances operational agility and supports streamlined automation processes through advanced fieldbus integration. Its robust design and high-performance capabilities ensure reliability and precision, crucial for industries requiring intricate motion control solutions.

CPX-AP Remote IO – automation platform for real-time performance

The Festo CPX-AP modular remote I/O system represents a cutting-edge solution, designed to streamline your network topology and simplify cabling complexities, significantly reducing project engineering and commissioning efforts. This versatile technology allows for flexible and decentralised configurations, enabling near real-time communication capabilities that optimise performance across various applications. By integrating remote I/O with valve terminals like the VTUX-A-P-APA within the automation platform, it enhances operational efficiency while lowering installation components and maintenance costs.

The CPX-AP’s unparalleled flexibility and scalability make it indispensable in adapting to the evolving needs of modern industrial environments. Its robust communication system supports high-speed data transmission and processing, ensuring reliable connectivity over extended distances. Whether used in automotive manufacturing, electronics production, or logistics automation, the CPX-AP empowers factories to achieve enhanced productivity.

Adaptable Valve Terminal VTUX-A-P-APA for the future

The Valve Terminal VTUX-A-P-APA introduces pioneering advancements in materials, modularity, and communication standards. As the successor to the renowned CPV, MPA-L/S, and VTUG series, it stands out with its high flow rate, and serves as an ideal platform for digitalised production environments. The VTUX modules are internally communicative, allowing for flexible arrangement according to specific requirements, providing maximum design freedom for valve terminal configurations.

Whether employing multipin or fieldbus technology, this valve terminal aligns seamlessly with machine control architectures, ensuring universal compatibility. With advanced AP communication technology, connections remain straightforward and reliable, even across extensive distances, facilitating rationalised operations akin to having all system components centralised in one location.

“These focus products from Festo South Africa’s Electric Automation sector stand apart prominently from competitors through a unique blend of technological innovations, customisation capabilities, efficiency-driven designs, and robust customer support,” concludes Gericke. This unique blend establishes Festo as a respected global supplier with extensive experience, driving impactful advancements in production worldwide.

For more info on Festo products, visit www.festo.co.za, email them on marketing.za@festo.com or call them on 08600 FESTO (33786). 


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

South Africa’s space balls
Editor's Choice News
South African engineers are preparing to take low-frequency radio astronomy to the Moon with three locally developed B.A.L.L.S. spheres aboard China’s Chang’e-8 mission. This could pave the way for a 55-antenna lunar array and marks another step in the country’s growing space engineering capability.

Read more...
Practical tips to build a successful engineering career
Editor's Choice
Award-winning civil engineer, Tinashe Mukalela of AvenirHoldings shares ten practical tips for young engineers navigating a competitive job market, from professional registration and mentorship to emotional intelligence and leadership development.

Read more...
Why mining operations need local lightning early warning
Senseca Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Lightning can develop into a serious mining hazard before the first local strike, leaving crews little time to stop work and reach safety. Local early-warning technology can provide valuable lead time, allowing mines to connect developing storm conditions to defined trigger actions that protect people, explosives and equipment.

Read more...
XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, achieving micrometer-precise workpiece positioning and dramatically shorter lead times compared with traditional tool-based manufacturing.

Read more...
The wireless route to safer, more efficient mining operations
Emerson Automation Solutions Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Modern wireless level measurement technologies are helping mining operations improve process control, increase safety and reduce installation costs. Emerson’s Rosemount 3408 wireless non-contacting radar level transmitter uses 80 GHz frequency-modulated continuous wave radar with HART communication to reach remote assets where cabling is impractical.

Read more...
Nine things your emergency control room must now have
Oculus Operational Innovations Editor's Choice IS & Ex
A new South African regulation, effective since March 2025 with no transition period, sets out nine mandatory requirements for underground mine emergency control rooms, and specifies who must be in charge at all times.

Read more...
AES maintains a strong value and safety stance on boiler retrofits
Editor's Choice
When retrofitting and upgrading boilers, operational experience, technical knowledge of different boiler types, operating conditions and water treatment count. Through operating 79 boilers, AES knows what works and what does not.

Read more...
The data-driven path to sustainable manufacturing
ifm - South Africa Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.

Read more...
The hydrogen economy is moving from concept to industrial reality
VEGA Controls SA Editor's Choice Pressure Measurement & Control
Scaling the hydrogen economy requires safe, efficient and tightly controlled processes across generation, storage, distribution and end use, underpinned by accurate instrumentation for pressure, temperature, level and flow measurement.

Read more...
Dynamic control of industrial solar plants and energy storage systems
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice IT in Manufacturing
Spanish group, Power Electronics uses Beckhoff embedded PCs and TwinCAT software to achieve switching times of 110 ms across solar and battery storage systems, enabling the delivery of grid support services that command higher energy prices.

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