The company’s automation options increase throughput and lower labor requirements in the protein industry.

At the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), January 28-30 in Atlanta, Festo displays a wide selection of automation solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and equipment specifiers in the meat, poultry, and fish processing and packaging markets. (Festo IPPE Booth # B8104)

A range of washdown rated automation components
Festo has an extensive standard offering of pneumatic components rated for washdown environments, such as the featured MPA-C valve manifold. This valve manifold is rated IP69K and can be mounted directly on a machine - no cabinet required for space and cost savings and faster installation. The stainless steel CRDSNU round cylinder has FDA compliant NSF-H1 lubricating grease and dry-run wiper seals for food safe production. With no cushioning adjustment required, this round pneumatic cylinder reduces installation time.

A dynamic display highlights the Festo Stars of Automation program, which ensures rapid delivery of the company's cost-competitive core automation products. Stars-catalog products featured at IPPE include National Pipe Thread (NPT) and National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) cylinders and round body actuators to be used in new and replacement applications. The Stars of Automation catalog includes components that cover 80 percent of electric and pneumatic automation needs.

Remote I/O for higher performance
The new Festo remote I/O system CPX-AP-I, which improves the performance of mixed valve terminals and I/O systems, is compatible with most communication protocols, including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT. These rugged, compact, and lightweight modules can be mounted directly on machines in IP65/IP67 rated environments. CPX-AP-I enables valve terminals to be moved closer to pneumatic cylinders, reducing pressurization time and increasing the machine's overall performance.

Industry 4.0 and IIoT
The Festo Motion Terminal, on display at IPPE, is the world's first intelligent valve pack, a valve terminal that changes functionality based on downloadable apps. A single Motion Terminal can potentially replace up to 50 different components. The Motion Terminal was designed for Industry 4.0 concepts of modular and flexible automated systems needed for fast changeover. Industry 4.0 and IIoT capabilities enable predictive analytics. Predictive analytics reduce unplanned downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Booth visitors are encouraged to ask about Festo product roadmaps and upcoming releases for an exciting look into future productivity and labor savings solutions, including a revolutionary soft gripper for delicate food items.

For more information on Festo solutions for protein processing and packaging automation, call 800-993-3786 and/or visit https://www.festo.us.

Photo Captions

Poultry processing line
Hygiene is all-important in protein processing. Festo provides quality, cost effective automated solutions from NPE and NFPA components to Industry 4.0 and IIoT systems.

MPA-C valve terminal
MPA-C valve terminals are rated IP69K and can be mounted directly on a machine.

CRDSNU cylinder
The CRDSNU cylinder series conforms to "clean design" criteria. A thread-less bearing cap and the elimination of adjusting screws through self-adjusting cushioning reduces the risk of contamination.

About Festo
Festo is a leading manufacturer of pneumatic and electromechanical systems, components, and controls for process and industrial automation. For more than 40 years, Festo Corporation has continuously elevated the state of manufacturing with innovations and optimized motion control solutions that deliver higher performing, more profitable automated manufacturing and processing equipment.