New configurator from Festo
Industrial automation specialist Festo has introduced a new online configuration tool that makes it easier and quicker to select the correct valve or actuator for your process application. Simply select a few parameters and the Festo valve configurator will suggest appropriate combinations, offering a fast, reliable and easy way for process engineers to source coordinated and ready-to-install solutions.
Commenting on the new valve configurator, Leon Kelly, Manager of the Process Automation Centre for Festo UK & Ireland, says:
“Configuring the optimum process automation solution for your media is child's play using the Festo online configurator. It simplifies the whole engineering and purchasing process and allows you to obtain the perfect valve unit in just a few clicks. It includes some really helpful features: for example, the configurator can generate a bill of materials to show the component breakdown. Also if you need a configuration ID for repeat orders, or a CAD model for your final configured solution, that’s not a problem – the configurator can produce those as well.”
The online valve configurator is ideal for selecting Festo butterfly valve units (KVZA), ball valve units (KVZB) and quarter turn actuator units (KDFP). It simplifies the specification and purchase process by ensuring that all components – from process valves, actuators, pilot valves and limit switch boxes to positioners, adapter kits and hand levers – are from a single source and are perfectly matched and pre-assembled. It is also possible to use the configurator to select an actuator unit without the process valve: ideal for automating existing process valves, or where there is a preference for a third party supply.
Following a step-by-step guide, the user simply chooses the required parameters in the configurator’s input menu. The configurator suggests the right solutions by taking all relevant factors into account: from the initial product search, configuration, sizing and documentation right through to ordering and delivery of the ready-to-install process valve or quarter turn actuator unit. The configurator can also accommodate unique customer-specific requests.
Together with the proposed solution, the configurator automatically generates an order ID for the complete combination, which can be used for placing future orders. There are also benefits in terms of documentation because the CAD data for the complete, configured unit can be downloaded. Immediate price and delivery time information also make the ordering process easier.
Digital journey
The online valve configurator is the latest solution from Festo designed to drive digitalisation forward and support customers as they enter the age of Industry 4.0. As an automation expert, Festo is combining its extensive knowledge of industrial applications with the latest developments in information technology to realise online applications for industrial automation best practice.
Festo is also using digital communication to support its customers throughout the Digital Customer Journey, guiding users safely and comprehensively through the Festo portfolio: from information procurement and configuration, through ordering and delivery, to commissioning and maintenance: as well as the technical training offered by Festo Didactic.
For more information about Festo process automation products and to access the valve configurator visit: www.festo.co.uk/process
About Festo
Festo is a leading international supplier of automation technology with a turnover in 2023 of around €3.65 billion. Festo employs over 20,600 people worldwide and is a proven innovator and problem solver in pneumatic and electrical automation, where it is the performance leader. Festo offers around 33,000 pneumatic and electric products in hundreds of thousands of variants for factory and process automation technology, many of which can be tailored to specific customer needs. Sustainability, reducing its CO2 footprint, digital learning, innovation, performance and speed are the key drivers for the company's future. Festo GB operates as a carbon neutral organisation and uses the PAS 2060 standard externally audited by NQA to validate this claim to customers, employees and other stakeholders.
Festo Industrial Automation's innovative strength is demonstrated through the launch of around 100 new products every year. The company invests over 7% of its turnover in R&D, resulting in over 2,600 patents held worldwide. For more information about the company's products and UK / Irish services, please visit: www.festo.com/gb and www.festo.com/ie
Festo and Industry 4.0 - Festo has engaged with the Industry 4.0 initiative from its inception: as a user, manufacturer and trainer. As a member of the steering group, the company has taken an active role in defining the core standards such as the RAMI model and the Administration Shell. Festo Didactic has installed Industry 4.0 Cyber-Physical Factory training hardware systems in many leading universities and training centres. It also provides Industry 4.0 training courses for change managers and practical workshops for employees. Industry 4.0 technologies such as OPC-UA communications are embedded in the latest generation products. For more information, go to www.festo.com/digitalisation
Festo Didactic training delivers training for industry – by industry. Combining Festo's industrial heritage with its future-focused manufacturing and engineering expertise to deliver courses for greater productivity and competitiveness. Offering a wide range of open courses, structured development programmes and tailor-made, customer-specific projects on technology and Industry 4.0 and the industry-leading online training suite, Festo LX. Festo also provides state-of-the-art training equipment solutions for industrial companies and educational institutions around the world. Festo Didactic has around 56,000 education customers worldwide. More information on Festo training and consulting services can be found at: www.festo.com/didactic
Festo Bionic Learning Network encapsulates the innovative nature of Festo, raising awareness and attracting talent to the company. Exploring the links between nature and technology opens new areas of innovation and demonstrates complex ideas in a stimulating and enjoyable way. Festo works with an alliance of internal R&D, external educational establishments and specialist companies to advance bionic solutions for automation applications of the future. The objective is to benefit from bionics as a source of inspiration and to realise these in industrial automation. For more information about Festo's Bionic Learning Network, please visit: www.festo.com/bionics
