Posted to News on 24th Apr 2013, 09:59
Pneumatic valve terminals are easy to upgrade for fieldbuses
Festo says it is breaking down the barriers to networking, enabling customers to set up VTUG pneumatic valve terminals and get connected to fieldbus networks in just a few simple steps. With a single entry-level valve terminal, users can progress from multipin connection to Ethernet through IO link and fieldbus as required. The terminals are also very useful for machine builders who supply similar machines equipped with different PLCs to suit particular customer specifications.
Demand for simple plug-and-play valve terminals has led to the development of Festo's range of VTUG cost-effective pneumatic terminals. The automation specialist has also developed a comprehensive set of tools to help customers set up the terminals as quickly and easily as possible.
The pneumatic functionality of Festo's VTUG terminal includes two 3/2 valves, 5/2 and 5/3 valves, as well as pressure zoning, additional supply and sandwich plates, and three sizes of valves - and more is to follow.
However, the valve terminals' most exceptional feature is the electrical connections; the VTUG valve terminal is available with a multipin connection, providing communication through sub-D connectors as well as flat cable connectors if required, but the multipin connection can easily and quickly be changed for an M12 connector to provide an IO-Link connection and a network-ready valve terminal, just by removing four screws. This fieldbus-independent connection offers improved diagnostics for sensors and actuators compared with traditional hard-wired connections.
If a higher-level fieldbus or Ethernet network is required, then a CTEU node can be simply put onto the IO link port. The valve terminal then allows full communication including diagnostic data and parameterisation of the failure behaviour of the valves.
Quick set-up guide
Setting up the terminal is now easier than ever before thanks to Festo's new quick guide for each of the CTEU nodes. Jacqui Hanbury, the product manager at Festo, says: "Compare it perhaps to buying a TV - you no longer need a thick manual, you get a quick guide to show you the connections required and the basic operating instructions. Our quick guide enables customers to get the valve terminal installed and working as quickly as possible."
The two-page quick guide is easy to read and includes details of DIP switches, wiring diagrams, as well as LED status information and tips to help users get their valve terminal operating quickly. To make it even easier for users to install the terminals, each one has a unique QR code; by scanning this or entering a corresponding code number via Festo's online support portal (www.festo.co.uk/sp), users gain immediate access to all the specific information related to that particular valve terminal and the options originally supplied with it. This includes the configuration code of the assembled valve terminal, the manuals and the software. If the user still has questions, then the on-line Festo Support Community (www.festo.co.uk/supportcommunity) is available for seeking answers from Festo technical support or other customers and users of Festo products. Of course, users can also call the free Technical Hotline +44 (0)800 626 422.
Jacqui Hanbury adds: "At Festo we are dedicated to making motion simple and affordable. With the new pneumatic valve terminals, networking is now cost-effective for many automation applications. The system is quick to select and easy to connect and integrate for effective communications."
The VTUG valve terminals can be specified either in individual parts for self-building or, by using Festo's on-line shop, users can graphically design the specific valve terminal required. This is then delivered fully assembled and tested so it can be installed directly onto a machine with no errors, and the specific CAD drawings can be downloaded in the format required.
For more information about Festo's VTUG valve terminals go to www.festo.co.uk/vtug. For information about the company's full range of pneumatic valves go to www.festo.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)800 626 422.
