Design for safe, easy-to-maintain and efficient production

On 5 July 2010, Festo received the red dot product design award 2010 for four new products. The submitted products were evaluated according to the highest standards. The adjudication process followed a canon of strict criteria, which is constantly adapted to the latest findings in formal, technical, manufacturing, societal, industrial and ecological requirements.

Festo received the red dot product design award 2010 for its EGC-HD heavy-duty electric axis, VHEM manually actuated valves, DFPB quarter-turn actuator and its MPA-F valve terminal.

EGC-HD
Heavy-duty electric axis with ball-bearing drive and toothed belt
The EGC-HD is the new, heavy-duty electric axis from Festo, which is used for handling and transport tasks involving heavy loads. Feed and transport are the two main applications of the axis, especially in special machine manufacturing and the packaging industry. It can be used as a stand-alone or in multi-axis systems.

The axis has a symmetrical design, is highly functional and is characterised by easy handling. The large profile has a rigidity-optimised cross-section. The colour blue stands for operating elements; the blue cap, for example, can be removed for easy replacement of the toothed belt.

DFPB
Quarter-turn actuator
The DFPB is used primarily in the process industry for swivel tasks, e.g. for opening and closing pipelines or large process valves. Inside, the rack and pinion design concept provides for sturdy, high performance technology while on the outside, special coatings and the use of top quality materials ensure exceptionally easy cleaning. By using compressed air, the DFPB can be operated without electrical power and is thus suitable for safe use in potentially explosive atmospheres. With its robust and simple design, it fits well into Festo’s existing product range.

VHEM
manually actuated valves
The VHEM range consists of a single basic valve body to which a manual actuating element can be attached in accordance with actual requirements. A large selection of toggle levers, push-buttons, hand levers and selector switches provides an ideal solution for every application, from mechanical sequence control to highly sensitive workpiece inspection. The consistent design of the various actuating elements is striking: they’re distinguished by a uniform, robust style, they’re adjusted to the ergonomic needs of the user and clear and easy to operate.

MPA-F
Valve terminal
Valve terminals are used in automated pneumatic systems to identify and pass on electrical signals. The MPA-F is an extension to an existing series of valve terminals used in machine construction. It is significantly quicker in signal processing because of its particularly high flow rate. It is also equipped with a robust, permanent marking system suitable for both paper and plastic plates that can be fitted without the use of tools. This ensures clarity during servicing. All the elements of MPA-F are coordinated and comply with Festo's corporate design.