Posted to News on 14th May 2013, 14:02
Festo launches extension to CPX automation platform
Festo is launching a new CPX extension system for its high-performance CPX automation platform. The innovative extension has been optimised for cabinets and will enable engineers to split CPX valve terminals into two parts, and as a result, save costs of up to 30 per cent compared with current systems.
The CPX extension has been designed in response to customer demand for a simple option that allows them to include more modules in a cost-effective way and is especially made for cabinet applications such as those found in general process and food and drink industries. Previously, users were restricted to 10 modules and if they required more, would need to purchase a second CPX with fieldbus node, use extraordinary control cabinets, or install a CPX vertically.
With Festo's new CPX extension, engineers can now easily split up the valve terminal into two horizontal layers that fit in a standard sized cabinet, which enables them to save both money and space compared with the wider specialist cabinets they would typically have used. Depending on the customer's requirements the split-up can either be done between the electrical and pneumatic interface of the valve terminal, or between the I/O modules.
The extension comprises specific end plates which are simply connected with a cable of up to 3m, thereby continuing the innovative communication backplane into the second row. As a result, no second communications node is required and all CPX advantages and features including diagnostics and modularity are carried over seamlessly into the second row.
Users can also specify the cost-effective CPX-L and MPA-L modules in IP20 protection class, which together with the CPX extension is a very price-attractive option for cabinets. Jacqui Hanbury, product manager at Festo, says: "At Festo we continue to make it as simple as possible for our customers to realise the benefits of automation. The CPX extension is the latest example of how we continue to innovate with our high-performance automation platform, making it easy and affordable for customers to integrate a large number of individual components, such as pressure sensing, pressure regulating or motion control, directly into a valve terminal, and take advantage of integrated automation rather than a patchwork of solutions."
For more information on Festo's CPX extension visit www.festo.co.uk/cpx-extension, or for details on Festo's CPX automation platform visit www.festo-cpx.com/index_gb.php.
