Festo has significantly upgraded its VTUX valve terminal platform, introducing a suite of new functionalities and connectivity options. These enhancements provide machine builders with increased design flexibility, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced digital capabilities.
Building on the VTUX’s cost-effective foundation, Festo has integrated advanced communication via Festo AP, alongside innovative smart vacuum and I/O options, and energy-saving valve functions. These additions enable the development of more compact, responsive, and future-ready machinery, optimising compressed air consumption, simplifying system architectures, and reducing overall costs.
Initially launched to cater to the broad needs of pneumatic solenoid valve manifold users, the VTUX has continuously evolved with new features that simplify user experiences. The base VTUX valve terminal is designed for cost optimisation, delivering high flow rates and almost limitless modularity. Its compact and lightweight design facilitates flexible arrangement, saving time, space, and weight.
The ability to split manifolds without extra fieldbus nodes allows designers to optimise layouts for ease of assembly and maintenance. Moreover, the VTUX’s design minimises piping lengths, enhancing response times and cycle rates while reducing dead air volumes.
The incorporation of Festo AP, an Automation Protocol, is a key advancement, optimising digital communication and enabling open architectures. This facilitates seamless integration of electrical and pneumatic automation, transforming VTUX into a digitised automation platform.
The platform supports sensor integration, advanced diagnostics, and predictive maintenance through cloud data exchange within the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The CPX-AP-I remote I/O system, with IP65/67 protection, ensures real-time communication via Ethernet-based fieldbus. The system also supports other technologies like IO-Link and direct fieldbus integration, with the CTED multi-protocol node providing flexible, cost-effective connections to common Industrial Ethernet hosts.
Whether in central, decentralised, or hybrid systems, VTUX with Festo AP offers scalable configurations, integrated safety functions, and design flexibility. This results in machines that communicate efficiently, adapt flexibly, and adhere to stringent safety standards, from simple applications to complex networks.
The lightweight VTUX design also enhances end-of-arm performance, allowing deployment on front-end units, portals, or robot arms for short, efficient compressed air lines. The introduction of individual input modules and smart vacuum generators enhances flexibility and diagnostic capabilities, particularly in end-of-arm applications.
Sustainability is further addressed with the Smart Switch Lite option, allowing a 5/4-way valve on the VTUX to switch off supply air during cylinder movements, saving energy and optimising cycle times. Precise control is achieved by exhausting and blocking cylinder chambers individually, enabling dynamic, efficient processes.
Festo’s GB Product Manager, Jonny Mottram, stated: “VTUX technology is continuously evolving to meet the automation needs of our customers, and we have further exciting new VTUX features planned for 2026. I’d urge machine builders seeking to increase their machines’ performance while reducing costs to make use of the national network of Festo Applications Engineers. Their extensive try-out facilities can significantly reduce the time and risk of changes by thoroughly modelling and testing your solutions.”
