Festo unveils new range of pneumatic valve terminals and digital I/O modules

The new MPA-L valve terminals feature sub-bases manufactured from polymer instead of metal to save cost and weight, and can be configured and retrofitted in the field one valve at a time. The terminals are intended primarily for cost sensitive applications where configuration flexibility and expandability are key demands, such as in factory automation, biotechnology and the food processing industry. The new CPX-L digital I/O modules are cost optimised, high channel density units, targeted at I/O intensive automation control systems. The modular valve terminals are based on the company's MPA-S terminals, but are said to provide increased design granularity and a wider range of electrical connection options to simplify system integration. As well as being compatible with Festo's CPX modular automation platform, they are available with a number of hard wired control schemes. According to Festo, the required number of valve sub-bases are simply clamped together between two aluminium end plates and secured by three tie rods of the appropriate length. This arrangement needs no special tools for assembly and can be expanded at any time. The complete terminal can be mounted on a DIN rail, but wall and panel mount options are also available. Festo says the valve terminal sub-base can be connected directly to a CPX terminal, providing access to a range of fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet products, as well as analogue and technology modules. Alternatively, the valve terminal can be hard wired. All MPA-L valve terminals feature generously proportioned air ducts to maximise flow and ensure reliable switching of multiple valves. Isolated ducting accommodates different pressure zones, and for high or low pressure applications, a simple selector mechanism enables the valves' pilot air supply to be derived internally or externally. Exhaust air can either be fed via a high efficiency surface silencer or ducted to an external outlet, allowing the terminal to be located in a clean environment such as a food processing area.