Festo VTEM Motion Terminal: App-Defined Pneumatics, One Valve Replaces 50 Components | Doskee Automation

VTEM Motion Terminal: App-Defined Pneumatics

Festo’s revolutionary VTEM Motion Terminal, introduced in North America at Pack Expo in Las Vegas, is built around first-of-its-kind digital valves. Valve functionality is controlled by downloadable apps, so one valve can potentially replace up to 50 different components — depending on the app or combinations of apps resident in the integrated processor. Festo announced the first 10 of a planned 50 apps at the show.

“The VTEM Motion Terminal is not a one-to-one substitution of today’s pneumatic systems with advanced digital technology, but something entirely new in terms of total functionality,” said Sandro Quintero, Product Manager – Valve Terminals & Electronics, Festo. “Digital valves fundamentally change the way pneumatics are applied. This new platform provides the flexibility essential for shorter product lifecycles, the proliferation of SKUs, and modular, reconfigurable automation. Diagnostics improve equipment utilization and inherent energy savings will lower costs.”

How the Digital Valve Works

Digital valves feature four 2/2-way piezo pilot and diaphragm poppet valves integrated with smart sensors. The VTEM’s integrated processor coordinates the actions of sensors, pilot, and poppet valves based on app algorithms. Changing the app modifies the interactions of the individual components and gives the digital valve its flexibility. Internal pressure measurement sensors simplify configuration and provide diagnostic functionality. VTEM Motion Terminals are sold in either four-valve or eight-valve platforms, with shipments beginning December 2017.

The First 10 Apps at a Glance

Soft stop app: shortens cycle times by up to 70 percent, enabling highly dynamic yet gentle positioning motion without wear-prone shock absorbers — reducing maintenance and extending system life (required accessory: SDAP position sensor).

ECO drive app: operates an actuator with the minimum pressure necessary for the load, eliminating end-of-motion pressure rise and delivering energy savings of up to 70 percent (required accessory: cylinder limit switch).

Leakage diagnostics app: uses separate diagnostic cycles and defined threshold values so the digital valve can detect and localize individual leaks, lowering downtime and speeding fault detection.

Directional control valve function app: lets machine builders modify standard directional control functions, replicating 4/2, 4/3 and 3/2 at any time — even during operation — to respond to many requirements with a single valve platform.

Proportional pressure regulation app: combines the functions of two independent proportional pressure regulators in one valve, saving space and hardware costs, and also handles vacuum.

Model-based proportional pressure regulation app: needs no external sensors. By storing fewer boundary parameters (tube length, tube diameter, cylinder size), the anticipatory control system compensates for pressure and volume drops for maximum accuracy.

Selectable pressure level app: saves energy by setting several pressure levels, and can control speed by adjusting the flow control valve setting.

Supply and exhaust air flow control app: replaces separate flow control valves on the actuator, letting designers set tamper-proof travel speeds and implement new motion sequences such as dynamic flow control adjustment.

Presetting travel time app: the control engineer simply enters the travel time for advancing and retracting motions; the exhaust air flow control adapts and maintains it, automatically adjusting for influences like increased friction from wear (required accessory: cylinder limit switch).

Proportional directional control valve app: for the first time at Festo, two proportional flow control functions are integrated in one valve on one platform — an economical, compact solution.

Doskee Automation specializes in industrial automation and pneumatic components, offering selection and sourcing support for Festo VTEM Motion Terminals, digital valve terminals, proportional pressure regulators, and related pneumatic products. If you’re planning a reconfigurable, energy-efficient pneumatic platform for packaging, assembly, or modular lines, please contact us for selection guidance and a quote tailored to your process.

Reference: Adapted from PneumaticTips “Festo showcases VTEM Motion Terminal at PackExpo” by Paul Heney (2017-10-02)