The Festo Group - LifeTech
Festo is both a global player and an independent family-owned company based in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. The company has become the global market leader in its sector over the past 60 years thanks to its innovations and problem-solving competency, as well as a unique range of industrial training and vocational education programmes. Festo has been developing components and system solutions for equipment manufacturers who specialise in the automation of laboratory processes and the manufacture of medical devices since 2004.
Due to its annual double-digit growth rate, the LifeTech business area has been a separate division of Festo since 2015 and is being continuously expanded. Since the United States is at the forefront of the global life science market, it’s there that most industry-relevant innovations and new technologies emerge. In order to participate in these developments at an early stage, Festo began setting up a development centre in Boston at the end of 2017.
In addition to standard components, the LifeTech division develops separate components with new technologies that are designed specifically for the Life Science market. In the development of customised automation solutions for its customers, Festo’s approach in-volves the joint development of engineering concepts together with the customer, begin-ning already with the very first planning phase.
Product range for laboratory automation
Festo develops intelligent, tested subsystems for the automation of liquid media and sample handling applications.
The focus is on:
- Feeding and identification of test tubes
- Opening and closing of test tubes
- Feeding of liquid media and solids
The applications involve the use of both electric and pneumatic actuators with motors, controllers and handling systems, as well as grippers, sensors and camera systems.
Product range for medical technology
In the field of medical technology, Festo develops products and subsystems for medical devices.
Attention is focused on efficient open and closed-loop control of medical gases, for example:
- Flow control with compact valves for ventilation and anaesthesia devices
- Pneumatic integration solutions for surgical devices
- Closed-loop control of fluids in dental stations
Highlights at MedtecLIVE 2021
The mass flow controller VEMD precisely controls gases and, thanks to the piezo technology used, operates quietly and is also energy-efficient. In addition to use in bioreactors, it is therefore also ideal for portable oxygen devices.
Ready-to-install solutions for in vitro diagnostics are another highlight at the fair. Mobile analysis instruments make quick testing possible at the doctor’s office in order to identify the pathogen responsible for a cold or flu, as well as other bacterial or viral infections. In particular for this type of equipment, Festo offers ready-to-install automation solutions including customised engineering.
The VYKA is a media-separated solenoid valve for precise dispensing of liquids or control of liquid flows in manifold duct plates. A current-controlled solenoid permits highly precise and reliable operation. Media separation ensures highest possible safety standards and chemical resistance. For higher flow rates the VYKB is used.
