Festo has recently launched its latest innovation, the Valve Terminal VTUX, signaling a new era in valve technology with features that position it as a remarkable solution for the future.
“Since we introduced the world’s first valve terminal in 1987, we have developed a range of terminals, each tailored to specific needs. Our versatile Valve Terminal VTUX builds on decades of experience, providing a highly expandable solution that keeps Festo customers ahead of rapid technological advancements in machine generations—encompassing digitalization, cloud connectivity, and machine design challenges,” explains Skye Prato, Business Unit Manager at Festo South Africa.
The VTUX seamlessly combines the benefits of three classic valve terminal ranges—CPV, MPA-L/S, and VTUG—into one user-friendly system, delivering exceptional cost-effectiveness and advantages.
Featuring an intuitive and modular design, the VTUX integrates essential functions, superior performance, and easy-to-incorporate capabilities, all within a compact footprint.
Insights into the VTUX Design and Disassembly
In a recent discussion, Skye Prato spotlighted the Valve Terminal VTUX, providing valuable insights into its design, disassembly process, features, and versatility across various applications.
Prato highlighted the user-friendly disassembly of the valve, which can be easily accessed with just a few screws and an Allen key, simplifying maintenance and troubleshooting. The modular design allows for quick removal and replacement of components, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity.
A significant upgrade in this technology is the redesigned valves, engineered for higher flow rates and improved efficiency. Prato elaborated on how the valve design has been optimized to handle larger flows without increasing its footprint, offering flexibility and scalability for integration into diverse automation processes.
The Ultimate Slim and Lightweight Solution
Festo’s developers have focused on making the VTUX valve terminals smaller and lighter compared to their predecessors. This advancement results in valves that exhibit excellent speed, payload, and flow characteristics—ideal for installation on handling systems or robots where size and weight critically affect performance.
Systematic Interlinking
With a 10 mm valve and a working connection of up to 8 mm, the VTUX achieves impressive flow rates of up to 670 l/min. Additionally, it features interlinking plates designed for various flow demands, utilizing the same 10 mm valve. The interlinking plates come in configurations for tubing diameters of 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm, and can be combined in both four-valve or single-valve setups. This modular design enables rapid system expansion as needed.
High-Speed Communication
The VTUX employs streamlined, high-speed serial communication in valve terminals and base plates, significantly reducing the need for extensive cabling and tubing while ensuring seamless integration of functionalities and diagnostic capabilities. It supports a wide range of interfaces compatible with various bus systems and communication standards, including IO-Link, ensuring its adaptability and future readiness across diverse electrical networks and machinery setups. Whether used centrally in setups with multiple I/Os and valve positions or deployed in decentralized terminals, the VTUX proves to be a versatile solution.
