Festo makes industrial networking easier (June 2013)
Festo reports that it is breaking down the barriers to networking, enabling customers to set up pneumatic valve terminals and get connected to Fieldbus networks in just a few simple steps. With just one entry-level valve terminal users can go from multipin connection to Ethernet through IO link and Fieldbus as required.
Customer demand for simple plug and play valve terminals, which are easy to install and communicate with the network, has led to the development of Festo’s VTUG range of cost-effective pneumatic terminals. The automation specialist has also developed the most comprehensive set of tools in the industry, now offering a complete package so it is as easy as possible for customers to set up the terminals.
The pneumatic functionality of Festo’s VTUG terminal is claimed to be comprehensive and includes two 3/2 valves, 5/2 and 5/3 valves as well as pressure zoning, additional supply and sandwich plates and three sizes of valves, with more to come.
According to Festo, the valve terminals’ most exceptional feature is the electrical connections. The VTUG valve terminal is available with a multipin connection, providing communication through sub D connectors as well as flat cable connectors if required. However, the multipin connection can easily and quickly be changed for an M12 connector to provide an IO-Link connection and a network-ready valve terminal by removing four screws. This Fieldbus independent connection enables extended diagnostics of sensors and actuators above hard wired connections.
Full communication
If a higher level Fieldbus or Ethernet network is required, then a CTEU node can be simply put onto the IO link port. The valve terminal then allows full communication including diagnostic data and parameterisation of the failure behaviour of the valves.
Setting up the terminal is now easier than ever before with Festo’s new quick guide for each of the CTEU nodes which demonstrate how to use them.
“Compare it perhaps to buying a TV – you no longer need a thick manual, you get a quick guide to show you the connections required and the basic operating instructions,” says Jacqui Hanbury, product manager at Festo. “Our quick guide enables customers to get the valve terminal installed and working as quickly as The two-page quick guide is easy to read and includes details of DIP switches, wiring diagrams as well as LED status information and tips to help users get their valve terminal operating quickly.
Unique code
To make it even easier for users to install the terminals, each one has a unique QR code, which by scanning, or entering a corresponding number on Festo’s support portal (www.festo.co.uk/sp) gives quick access to all the specific information related to that particular valve terminal. This includes the configuration code of the assembled valve terminal, the manuals, the software etc.
If the user still has questions then the on-line Festo Support Community www.festo.co.uk/supportcommunity is available to get answers from Festo technical support or other customers and users of Festo products. Users can also call the Technical Hotline: 0800 626 422.
“At Festo we are dedicated to making motion simple and affordable,” says Jacqui. “With the new pneumatic valve terminals, networking is now cost-effective for many automation applications. The system is quick to select and easy to connect and integrate for effective communications.”
The VTUG valve terminals can be specified either in individual parts for self-building or by using Festo’s on-line shop users can graphically design the specific valve terminal required. This is then delivered fully tested so it can be installed directly onto a machine with no errors and the specific CAD drawings can be downloaded in the format required.
www.festo.co.uk
Photo caption: With just one entry-level valve terminal users can go from multipin connection to Ethernet through IO link and Fieldbus as required.
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