Modularity adds versatility to valve terminals

Esslingen, Germany: A workpiece requires additional clamping. Does the floor foreman change out the valve manifold to add another cylinder? Not with a compact, plug-in valve terminal called CPA.

Developed by FESTO AG, CPA valve terminals can be expanded according to user requirements, with valve functions quickly and conveniently added or exchanged. Four components comprise the basic system: the valve, sub-base, electrical bridge, and electrical manifold module.

The sub-base provides the CPA's modularity. Individual valve functions can be configured quickly and easily, even after installation. Electrical connections are bridged front to back, eliminating wiring headaches, while the electrical manifold module accommodates three methods of transmitting control signals to the solenoid valve coils: transmission via multi-pin connector, fieldbus, or AS-interface. Acceptable fieldbus protocols include FESTO, Interbus, Profibus, ABB, Klockner-Moeller, CAN- open, and Allen-Bradley.

Valves are available in 2 nominal sizes300 l/min, and 650 l/min as well as a wide range of functions. Power consumption of the coils is a low 0.4W with the 10-mm valves, and 0.65W with the 14-mm size. In combination with multi-pin, fieldbus, and AS-interface connections, it is possible to reduce holding current after 20 msec to 50% of initial coil current. The degree of protection is IP65 when connected.

Other features of Festo's CPA valve terminals: plug-in assembly, actuation of maximum 22 valve coils, operation with pressure and vacuum simultaneously, manual override, and integrated controllers.

Additional details...Contact Festo Corp., 395 Moreland Rd., Hauppauge, NY 11788; Tel: (516) 435-0800.