Festo’s New VTUX Valve Terminal: Modular Design for Flexible Use | Doskee Automation

VTUX: A Flagship Valve Terminal Serving I/O, Remote I/O, and Decentralized I/O

Festo has introduced the new VTUX flagship valve terminal, which can serve as I/O, remote I/O, and decentralized I/O. These compact and rugged IP65/67-rated terminals can be located anywhere on a machine, boosting operational performance and OEM installation productivity. VTUX modularity results in less inventory and lower overhead costs.

VTUX is both compact and lightweight — an advantage for end-of-arm tooling and for conserving space on a machine or in a control cabinet. The terminal is made from a high-performance polymer that is rugged and durable enough to be placed in welding cells.

Modular Design: The Key to Flexibility

The key to VTUX’s unparalleled flexibility is its modular design. For high flow rates up to 670 lpm, a high-flow compact sub-base is used; for space-saving needs, a standard base applies. A single valve model works with both sub-bases, simplifying ordering, stocking, and support. High-flow and compact sub-bases of one or four valve positions can be mixed and matched on a terminal. A VTUX terminal can support up to 128 valves with up to 128 solenoid coils, and it also features vacuum capability.

A Fully Integrated Vacuum Solution

VTUX offers a platform for a fully integrated vacuum solution, allowing configuration of up to 16 vacuum channels per terminal. The platform enables bidirectional communication from the PLC to the vacuum generator, and vacuum and ejector pulse can be individually controlled. VTUX vacuum delivers high vacuum or large suction volume flows and can be combined with valves. Parameters can be changed via teach-in from the PLC during operation. An integrated vacuum sensor continuously monitors actual values and provides a parameter-based air-saving function; the system also monitors vacuum for early detection of faults or errors during operation.

Flexible Electronics Side: Mix-and-Match Modules and Communication

The electronics side of the terminal offers the same flexibility as the pneumatics side, featuring mix-and-match modules. For example, users can add multiple analog or digital I/O modules, including IO-Link. The modular concept extends through to the method of communication between controller and terminal. Choices include the new Festo Automation Platform (AP) for backplane-speed communication in all top communication protocols. All AP-based modules appear to the control engineer under a single IP address, simplifying commissioning and allowing smaller, less expensive PLCs to be specified. Additional communication modules include IO-Link, AP-I for decentralized I/O, and multipin connectors.

Drop-In Ready and Stocked Globally

VTUX terminals are assembled and tested prior to shipment from the Festo Regional Service Center in Mason, Ohio, which means they are drop-in ready for installation. As a core Festo product, VTUX components are stocked globally for fast, assured replacement and minimum downtime wherever the machine is located. The modular design not only lowers inventory but also decreases the learning curve, troubleshooting time, and repair. The VTUX offers an outstanding price/performance ratio.

Doskee Automation specializes in industrial automation and pneumatic components, offering selection and sourcing support for Festo VTUX valve terminals, vacuum generators, remote I/O modules, and related pneumatic products. If you’re planning machine upgrades, vacuum applications, or decentralized I/O wiring, please contact us for selection guidance and a quote tailored to your process.

Reference: Adapted from PneumaticTips “Festo’s new VTUX valve terminal boasts modular design for flexible use” by Mary Gannon (2024-11-05)