Festo Features at Automation Fair a Robust Suite of Pneumatic Safety Solutions
Festo features a suite of pneumatic safety solutions at Automation Fair, including a preview of its CPX-AP-A CIP Safety module. The module, in combination with the safety features of Festo valve terminals, helps prevent unexpected startup (PUS) and lowers engineering and assembly time for OEMs. Festo Automation Fair Booth #861, Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, November 16–19.
The Festo CPX-AP-A CIP Safety module controls and monitors safety I/O, supporting safety functions up to Performance Level e
(PL e). This can be used to prevent unexpected startups without depressurizing the machine. Retaining working pressure reduces energy consumption and recharge time and improves machine availability.
CIP Safety brings functional safety onto the industrial network
The Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), managed by ODVA, an independent standards-development organization for industrial automation, provides a common communications architecture for industrial automation networks and is the basis for EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet.
CIP Safety extends the CIP architecture to functional safety, allowing safety controllers, I/O, interlocks, light curtains, and drives to communicate over the same network used for machine control without requiring a standalone network.
By eliminating the need for a separate safety network, CIP Safety reduces wiring and network infrastructure while simplifying machine design, commissioning, and diagnostics.
Integrating safety into the valve terminal
The CPX-AP-A CIP Safety module, scheduled for availability in 2027, enables OEMs to integrate safety close to the pneumatic application. The module can be mounted on Festo’s three leading valve terminal families: VTUX, MPA-S and VTSA, allowing machine builders to apply the same safety architecture across valve terminals designed for different application and performance requirements.
Each CIP Safety module provides six single-channel or three dual-channel safe inputs and three safe outputs. Machine builders can use the inputs for safety devices such as E-stops and light curtains, while the outputs can safely control valve zones, pilot air, exhaust valves, and external devices such as a servo drive’s Safe Torque Off (STO) function. Up to four modules can be installed on a valve terminal, providing up to 24 safe inputs and 12 safe outputs. The CPX-AP-A CIP Safety module is TÜV-certified for safety applications up to PL e, Category 4 and SIL 3.
Three additional safety solutions in the suite
Festo’s valve terminal, the VTUX, has been designed with safety in mind. VTUX valves feature negative overlap spools that allow for safe exhausting of compressed air in case a valve spool is in an indeterminate position.
For those that use safe I/O blocks, such as Allen-Bradley ArmorBlock Guard I/O modules, Festo offers its CPX platform with a VTSA-F-CB valve terminal. This solution delivers three safe zones controlled by an external safety controller. The VTSA-F-CB offers up to a CAT3, PL e, and SIL3 safety level for safe-switch-off and prevented-unexpected startup. It also offers soft start/quick exhaust options.
Festo to present two CIP Safety sessions at Automation Fair
Frank Latino – Global Product Manager, Electric Automation, Festo will give two partner solutions talks during the event. On Tuesday, November 17, from 11a.m. to noon he will be on a panel with METTLER TOLEDO and VEGA Americas on process innovations including CIP safety. And at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Latino will explore how CIP Safety transforms pneumatic equipment design beyond traditional safe exhaust valves.
OEMs interested in the CPX-AP-A CIP Safety module should contact a Festo sales or distributor sales representative. Visit http://www.festo.com/ for the full range of Festo motion, I/O and pneumatic solutions.
