Festo VUVX vs VUVG: What Changed in the New Solenoid Valve Generation

In October 2026, Festo launched a new generation of VUVX solenoid valves at the China International Industry Fair. If you maintain machines built around VUVG valves and VTUG valve terminals, two questions follow quickly: what actually changed, and can a VUVX simply replace a VUVG? This guide puts the two generations side by side using Festo’s own documents, then walks through a swap checklist so you can decide when to stay with VUVG and when a new design should start with VUVX.

The short answer

VUVX is Festo’s newer valve generation for the VTUX valve terminal platform. In October 2026 it was extended to four sizes: 10, 14, 18 and 24 mm. VUVG is the previous generation, mainly used on VTUG valve terminals, in 10, 14 and 18 mm sizes. Festo’s own comparison against a VUVG of the same size claims up to 40% more flow, a maximum switching frequency raised from 3 Hz to 5 Hz, up to 34% less weight, and power consumption as low as 0.3 W. These are best-case manufacturer figures; the values for any given valve are in its datasheet.

For existing machines, do not assume a VUVX is a drop-in VUVG replacement. The two valves belong to different terminal platforms, and we could not find any Festo statement that VUVX fits a VTUG sub-base. Pressure range, coil voltage, electrical connection and valve function codes all need to be checked. For a single failed valve, replacing like for like is usually the safer path. VUVX makes the most sense in new designs or when a machine moves to VTUX as a whole.

VUVX is not brand new: a short history

Some coverage of the 2026 launch describes VUVX as an all-new product. It is not. Festo’s VTUX valve terminal catalogue dated April 2024 already lists VUVX valves, for example the 10 mm VUVX-BK10 range, as the valves that sit on VTUX.

What arrived in October 2026 is a new generation of VUVX. According to Festo’s press release published via PR Newswire:

• the first release covers four sizes, 10, 14, 18 and 24 mm;
• the valves can be mounted on a VTUX terminal or used with individual connection;
• the series was developed by Festo’s team in China and is built at the Festo plant in Jinan;
• target industries include lithium battery production, semiconductors, textiles and small-parts assembly.

So the accurate framing is that the VUVX name has existed since at least 2024, and 2026 turned it into a broader family that also works off-terminal. For background on the VTUX platform itself, see our overviews of the VTUX modular valve terminal and the VTUX flagship terminal with up to 128 valves, plus our report on Festo at CIIF 2025.

Sources: Festo press release via PR Newswire (13 Oct 2026); Festo VTUX catalogue (2024/04).

VUVX vs VUVG side by side

The table below only includes rows we could tie to an official Festo document. For VUVX pressure, temperature and flow values, look up the exact part number in Festo’s datasheet rather than relying on a family-wide range.

Sources: Festo press release; Festo VUVG datasheet 575203.

One caution on flow: the VUVG datasheet states flow to DIN 1343 reference conditions, and Festo’s VUVX documents do not necessarily use the same standard. Subtracting one number from the other gives a misleading answer. When you compare generations, use Festo’s own “up to +40% at the same size” statement; when you size a valve, use the datasheet for that exact part.

What the headline numbers mean on a machine

The following is general engineering interpretation, not measured results for any particular application.

Up to 40% more flow

A valve of the same width can drive a larger cylinder, or move the same cylinder faster. On machines where terminal width is tight, it may let you meet the same flow requirement with a smaller valve size.

3 Hz to 5 Hz switching

This matters most on high-cycle stations such as fast pick-and-place, sorting or marking. Overall machine cycle time is still limited by cylinders, tube length and the control program, so a faster valve does not automatically mean a faster machine.

Power as low as 0.3 W

A valve terminal often carries dozens of valves, so lower power per valve adds up to less total power draw and less heat in the cabinet. The real saving depends on duty cycle and valve count, so we do not offer an estimate here.

Up to 34% lighter

This is useful when the terminal rides on a robot arm or moving axis. For terminals bolted to a frame, the benefit is smaller.

Spare parts on mixed fleets

If one plant runs older machines on VTUG and VUVG alongside newer machines on VTUX and VUVX, the number of spare valve types grows. Keep spares listed by terminal platform, and make sure every machine’s documentation records full order codes rather than short family names. That way a maintenance technician is far less likely to grab a valve from the wrong generation during a breakdown.

Swapping VUVG for VUVX: a checklist

If you are considering moving an existing machine from VUVG to VUVX, check each item below. If any answer is unclear, confirm it in Festo’s documentation or with Festo technical support before you order.

The VUVG side of this table can be read from the existing valve’s type plate and order code. Our Festo VUVG series overview and VTUG valve terminal article explain how those codes are built.

When to stay with VUVG and when to choose VUVX

These are general recommendations based on the checklist above, not Festo selection rules.

Staying with VUVG is usually safer when

• a single valve has failed and the rest of the machine stays on VTUG;
• system pressure is higher than the target VUVX model allows;
• coil voltage or electrical connection differs and rewiring would be costly;
• the machine is validated and any change would need re-approval.

VUVX is worth considering when

• you are designing a new machine and still choosing a terminal platform;
• the project has already standardised on VTUX;
• switching frequency, flow or power consumption are real constraints;
• you need the larger 24 mm size, or want the same valve family for both terminal and individual mounting.

Is VUVG discontinued? We did not find any Festo discontinuation notice for VUVG. If this matters for your planning, check the status on Festo’s product page or ask Festo directly. If you are also weighing other brands for a new design, our Norgren vs Festo vs SMC brand guide may help.

What to have ready before you ask for help

1. the full order code and a photo of each valve’s type plate;
2. valve terminal type and number of valve positions;
3. minimum and maximum operating pressure;
4. coil voltage and electrical connection type;
5. valve function at each position (for example 5/2 single solenoid, 5/3 closed centre);
6. cycle rate requirements, and whether the terminal is mounted on a moving part.

With that list in hand, email us your part numbers and operating conditions and we will help you check the technical fit.

FAQ

Is the Festo VUVG discontinued?

We found no official Festo discontinuation notice for VUVG, so we do not treat it as discontinued. Check Festo’s product page for the current status.

Can VUVX valves be mounted on a VTUG terminal?

We found no official statement that they can. Festo positions VUVX for the VTUX terminal or individual connection. Confirm with Festo documentation or technical support before planning a VTUG installation.

Was VUVX first launched in 2026?

No. VUVX appears in Festo’s 2024 VTUX catalogue as a 10 mm valve. The October 2026 launch is a new generation that adds 14, 18 and 24 mm sizes and individual connection.

Where is the new VUVX made?

Festo’s press release says the new generation was developed by its team in China and is produced at the Festo plant in Jinan.

Can I compare VUVX and VUVG flow figures directly?

Not reliably. The two sets of documents may use different flow reference standards. Use Festo’s same-size comparison for generational claims, and the specific datasheet for sizing.