FESTO valves and valve terminals provide reliable control of compressed air in pneumatic automation systems. They are used to control the direction, flow and operation of pneumatic actuators such as cylinders, grippers and rotary actuators. 

Hydro Pneumatics offers FESTO valves and valve solutions for industrial automation, including solenoid valves, pilot valves and mechanically actuated valves. These products can be integrated into pneumatic control systems for automated machinery, production equipment and material-handling applications. 

FESTO valve terminals combine multiple valves on a common assembly and can simplify pneumatic and electrical connections. They can also be connected to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), making them suitable for centralized or decentralized pneumatic control architectures. 

Valve and Valve Terminal Types 

Different valve technologies are available depending on how the pneumatic circuit needs to be controlled. Selecting the appropriate valve type depends on the required valve function, actuation method, pressure, flow rate and control system. 

Solenoid Valves 

FESTO solenoid valves use an electrical signal to control compressed-air flow. Depending on the valve design, the solenoid can directly or indirectly operate the valve to control pneumatic circuits. 

Solenoid valves are commonly used to control pneumatic cylinders, grippers and other actuators in automated machinery. FESTO's VUVG series, for example, is a compact universal directional control valve available as an individual valve or as part of a valve terminal. Hydro Pneumatics currently offers several FESTO solenoid-valve products within its valves and terminals range. 

Pilot Valves 

Pilot valves use a smaller control signal to operate or assist the operation of a pneumatic valve. They can be used where the main valve requires pneumatic or electrical pilot control.Pilot-operated configurations can be useful in pneumatic automation systems where reliable switching of larger air flows is required. Hydro Pneumatics offers FESTO pilot valves as part of its valve and terminal product range.

Mechanically Actuated Valves 

Mechanically actuated valves are operated through physical contact or mechanical movement rather than an electrical solenoid signal. They can be useful for applications where a machine component, actuator or moving part needs to trigger a pneumatic function directly. 

FESTO provides mechanically actuated valve solutions for pneumatic control applications, and Hydro Pneumatics currently lists mechanically actuated valves within its product range. 

Valve Terminals 

A valve terminal combines several individual valves into a common assembly. Instead of installing and wiring each valve separately, multiple pneumatic functions can be grouped together on a single terminal. 

FESTO describes valve terminals as combinations of individual valves supplied through common pneumatic and electrical connections. This can reduce individual tubing, fittings and cabling requirements. Valve terminals can also be connected to PLCs and automation networks, making them useful for integrated pneumatic control systems. 

How to Choose the Right Valve or Valve Terminal 

Selecting the correct pneumatic valve requires an understanding of the actuator, control system and operating conditions. 

Valve Function 

First determine the required pneumatic function. Directional control valves can be selected according to the number of positions and ports required by the circuit. 

Common configurations include: 

• 3/2-way valves 
• 5/2-way valves 
• 5/3-way valves 

The required configuration depends on the type of actuator and the desired pneumatic circuit.

Actuation Method 

Consider how the valve needs to be operated. 

Depending on the application, the valve may be: 

• Electrically actuated 
• Pneumatically actuated 
• Mechanically actuated 
• Pilot operated 

For PLC-controlled automation, electrically actuated solenoid valves are commonly used.

Operating Pressure 

The available compressed-air pressure should be checked against the operating-pressure requirements of the selected valve. For example, FESTO's VUVS family includes variants with working pressures up to 10 bar, depending on the configuration. 

Flow Rate 

The valve should provide sufficient air flow for the connected actuator and required machine cycle. An undersized valve may restrict actuator performance, while selecting an unnecessarily large valve can increase system size and cost. 

Port Size 

Port size should be compatible with the pneumatic tubing, fittings and required air flow. FESTO valves are available with different connection sizes and configurations depending on the product family. 

Valve Terminal Requirements 

For systems using several pneumatic valves, a valve terminal can simplify installation by combining multiple valves into a common pneumatic and electrical assembly. FESTO valve terminals can use centralized electrical and pneumatic supplies and can connect to PLC-based control systems. 

Where Are Valves and Valve Terminals Used? 

FESTO valves and valve terminals are used across industrial automation applications where pneumatic actuators need controlled movement. 

Automated Assembly 

Valves control pneumatic cylinders, grippers and other actuators used in automated assembly machines. 

Manufacturing Machinery 

Pneumatic valves are used to control repetitive machine movements such as clamping, pushing, lifting and positioning. 

Material Handling 

Valves can operate pneumatic cylinders and grippers used to transfer components between machines, conveyors and workstations. 

Packaging Machinery 

Pneumatic valve systems can control cylinders, clamps, grippers and other mechanisms used in packaging equipment. 

Robotics and Handling 

Valve terminals can provide centralized control of pneumatic actuators and grippers integrated into automated handling systems. 

Process Automation 

FESTO valve and automation solutions are also used in process-industry applications, including applications in sectors such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food and beverage. 

FESTO Valves and Valve Terminals at Hydro Pneumatics 

Hydro Pneumatics supplies FESTO valves and valve solutions for industrial automation and pneumatic control applications. 

Our current valves and terminals range includes: 

• FESTO Solenoid Valves 
• FESTO Pilot Valves 
• FESTO Mechanically Actuated Valves 

Hydro Pneumatics also provides information and support for FESTO valve terminals, which combine multiple pneumatic valves into a common assembly and can simplify pneumatic connections, electrical wiring and PLC integration. 

The appropriate valve solution can be selected based on: 

• Required valve function 
• Number of ports and positions 
• Operating pressure 
• Required flow rate 
• Port size 
• Electrical voltage 
• Actuation method 
• PLC or controller requirements 
• Number of pneumatic functions 
• Communication requirements 

Whether you are building a new pneumatic control system, replacing an existing solenoid valve or integrating multiple pneumatic functions into an automated machine, choosing the correct valve technology is essential for reliable operation. 

Contact Hydro Pneumatics for FESTO solenoid valves, pilot valves, mechanically actuated valves, valve terminals and industrial pneumatic automation solutions.