Festo Simplified Motion Series

Pneumatics continues to be the tool of choice for simple movement and positioning tasks. However, in an increasingly digitalised world, electric automation and a continuous flow of information from the workpiece to the controller and the cloud are becoming indispensable. This enables users to reduce commissioning time, ensure cost-efficient production and handle shorter product life cycles. The savings in ongoing operations can therefore offset the higher investment costs of electric automation solutions.

With the Simplified Motion Series, Festo offers an automation solution that bridges the gap between easy-to-install pneumatics and smart electric automation to make a user’s production more efficient through simple plug and work.

The series consists of different electromechanical components with an application-optimised combination of motor and servo drive, known as the integrated drive. This means that no external servo drive is needed and users can commission the system quickly and simply. The drives are suitable for simple movements between two mechanical end positions, without sacrificing optimised motion characteristics, gently cushioned travel into the end position or simplified press-fitting and clamping functions.

Neither software nor a PC is needed for commissioning with the plug-and-work principle, as all the parameters are set manually on the actuator. Users can connect the Simplified Motion Series directly to the controller using digital I/O (DIO) or IO-Link, which are both integrated as standard.

At AUSPACK 2022, Festo will demonstrate ‘plug and work’ and how the new electric drive series combines the simplicity of pneumatics with the benefits of electric automation.