Digital Pneumatics Take a Leap Forward with Closed-Loop Control for Enhanced Precision

In 2012, Automation World highlighted the ongoing challenge engineers face when selecting between electric and pneumatic actuators for industrial systems. Over a decade later, this decision remains pivotal for manufacturing engineers and OEMs designing production systems and equipment. While both electric and pneumatic actuators are known for precision, electric actuators are often regarded as the go-to option for the highest levels of accuracy. This raises the fundamental question: how much precision is necessary for your specific application?

Once the precision requirement is determined, the next step in the decision-making process involves evaluating performance, component costs, system expenses, and potential productivity gains. Festo's latest innovation in pneumatic technology-its Controlled Pneumatics line-adds a compelling twist to this ongoing debate. By integrating a digital closed-loop control strategy, Festo has brought energy efficiency, high dynamic response, and enhanced precision to pneumatic systems. According to Festo, this new offering is ideal for applications like web tensioning, welding, surface processing, flexible gripping, dispensing and pumping, PET bottle blowing, and diaphragm pump control.

Key Features of Festo's Controlled Pneumatics

Reduced Energy Consumption:

Festo's new pneumatic systems leverage piezoelectric technology in proportional pressure regulators, reducing energy usage by 95% compared to traditional solenoid valves. Piezoelectric valves offer proportional control for pressure and flow, making them ideal for high-speed, dynamic applications.

Higher Precision and Efficiency:

The integration of closed-loop control ensures the pneumatic valves maintain an accurate, stable, and linear flow rate without hysteresis. This results in a repetition accuracy of +/-0.25% of the setpoint. Notably, the peak particle size during valve switching is just 0.1 µm, significantly smaller than traditional proportional pressure regulators without piezoelectric valves, offering more precise control.

Silent Operation:

Pneumatic actuators are often noisier than electric ones, but Festo's piezoelectric valves operate silently, minimizing sound emissions in industrial settings.

Energy Savings and Sustainability:

The Controlled Pneumatic systems can reduce compressed air usage by up to 50%, which translates to significant energy cost savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions from electricity generation, improving the overall sustainability of operations.

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Festo's Controlled Pneumatics Product Line

Festo offers a range of products designed for various applications within the Controlled Pneumatics line:

VPPI Proportional Pressure Regulator:

This regulator is tailored for high-flow rate applications and features advanced proportional pressure regulation for improved precision and energy efficiency.

VTEM Motion Terminal:

The VTEM terminal enables multi-channel control for both large and small workpieces. It boasts features such as flow control, selectable pressure levels, precise cylinder positioning, preset travel times, and leakage diagnostics. The terminal can operate actuators with minimal pressure, offering soft stop functions and eliminating the need for external sensors with proportional pressure regulation. Additionally, Festo allows users to download control algorithm apps on demand to optimize system performance.

VEAB Low Flow Rate Proportional Pressure Regulator:

Ideal for precise applications, the VEAB regulator offers pressure ranges up to 6 bar and ensures excellent flow control for low-flow applications.

VTEP Compact Valve Terminal:

This terminal is designed for multi-channel, low-flow pressure control, delivering high precision and dynamic response. It can also be used with solenoid valves, providing hybrid functionality for even more control options.

VEFC Mass Flow Controller:

Specifically designed for controlling the mass flow of inert gases, the VEFC is a compact and efficient solution for applications requiring fine-tuned gas flow regulation.

Conclusion

Festo's Controlled Pneumatics line represents a significant advancement in pneumatic technology, offering manufacturers the precision, energy efficiency, and system flexibility needed to stay competitive in today's fast-paced industrial landscape. By incorporating digital closed-loop control, Festo is enhancing the performance of pneumatic actuators, making them viable options even for applications traditionally dominated by electric actuators. As manufacturers continue to demand higher efficiency and lower operational costs, the benefits of Festo's innovations are clear-delivering greater sustainability, productivity, and operational precision.

If you have any questions, please contact Manager Vicky - Email: sales7@apterpower.com