Innovation in stepper motor technology means the gap between stepper and servo technology is narrowing. In applications where the performance of a servo motor is not required because there are no highly dynamic loads or high speed demands, the stepper (with its choice of battery-less encoders and motor brakes) offers closed loop positioning.

Electric automation can deliver enhanced efficiency, consistency and precision over traditional pneumatics in many industrial automation applications. However, simple oversights during design and specification can cause serious problems, turning your electric automation dream into the ‘axis of all evil’, according to industrial automation specialist Festo.

A major manufacturer of hard disk drives (HDDs) has achieved ‘lights out’ operation in its production facility using a unique modular automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) featuring Festo robotic handling technology. The ASRS was architected and designed by DPB Automation, with the controls and safety solution designed by RH Electrical Engineering, and software developed by Lumico.

Industrial automation specialist Festo is making it easier for manufacturers to harness the power of digital automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise process efficiency. Festo AX is a suite of AI-based software solutions enabling customers to increase efficiency in their production processes.

Controlled Pneumatics is the rapidly evolving compressed air technology from Festo that is opening new applications for pneumatics. The technology delivers more precision and control than ever, while having the potential to dramatically reduce energy use. This is clearly demonstrated in the VTEP: the first proportional valve terminal on the market, offering high precision, fast response times, and dynamic control.

The new SFAM, from industrial automation specialist Festo, is a pressure and flow sensor combined in one compact unit. Equipped with IO-Link®, the SFAM sensor enables data-driven insights and reduces the number of components required, so system designers and machine builders can save time, space and cost. It also simplifies stocking and provides greater design flexibility.

Industrial automation specialist Festo and systems integrator QM systems have collaborated on the evolution of a new automated laboratory system that fills, caps and labels test vials at speeds of up to 3000 vials per hour.

Machine builders and systems installers are under pressure to deliver high performance automation solutions that are quicker to deploy and offer a low total cost of ownership. Industrial automation specialist Festo has developed its new ELGD mechanical axis series to meet these demands. Specifically designed for tooth belt and ball screw mechanical axes in cartesian handling systems, the ELGD series features a simplified design that delivers ...

Mondelez has chosen Festo electric drive technology for a new automated chocolate Easter egg mixing installation at its site in Herentals, Belgium. The egg mixing line uses an ingenious system of conveyors to ensure that everyone finds a nice mix of flavours in their pack of chocolate eggs at Easter. Electric drives were chosen over pneumatics because they offer lower energy consumption, higher safety and more flexibility in controlling speeds and ...

Modern manufacturing requires handling solutions capable of managing product diversity, shorter product life cycles and growing levels of product customisation. The HEPP electric gripper from Festo addresses this need for greater flexibility in the gripping of multiple workpieces with adaptable stroke lengths and gripping forces.

Soaring energy prices and the need to continuously drive down costs are key considerations for manufacturers. So, when packaging machinery specialist Cerulean decided to redesign its highly successful FPS-1 tube packer, high energy efficiency and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) became key design requirements.

Machine builders no longer need to choose between a stepper or servo drive, thanks to the CMMT-ST from Festo. This new extra low voltage servo drive is capable of open or closed loop positioning, which effectively bridges the gap between stepper and servo drives. This means the user can tailor the CMMT-ST to suit the needs of the application and reap the benefits of both control formats.

The recent pandemic taught us that rapid and reliable tests at low cost are key to future prevention and control of transmissible diseases. High throughput testing for many upper respiratory tract pathogens is now possible, using automation technology.

Torus Technology Group has partnered with Festo to create a purpose-designed integrated handling solution for its new TQ-Lab modular plastics packaging testing station.

Rapid leaps in innovation characterise the development of additive manufacturing processes. Rotterdam-based company Concr3de has been working on a 3D printer for stone for more than five years, developing an inkjet technique to participate in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. They achieved this aim using automation technology from Festo.

Searching for the optimum solution for your linear motion application has just got much easier, thanks to the new Electric Motion Sizing Tool from Festo.