A simple combination
Pneumatics are still the tool of choice for simple motion and positioning tasks. However, in an increasingly digitized world, electrical automation and a continuous flow of information from the workpiece to the control system and to the cloud is becoming indispensable. With the Simplified Motion Series, Festo offers an automation solution that bridges the gap between easy-to-install pneumatics and flexible electrical automation.
No software or PC is required for commissioning according to the plug-and-work principle, as all parameters are set manually on the drive. The Simplified Motion Series can be connected directly to the controller using the standard integrated digital I/O (DIO) or IO-Link.
The advantages over pneumatics
With a pneumatic actuator, a simple movement between two mechanically defined end positions is solved with a hard stop or a damping. Thereby the cycle time is not always 100% reproducible. The Simplified Motion Series combines a fixed acceleration and deceleration curve with a constant speed for smooth, damped and reproducible motion.
Pneumatics have the functionality to switch from a dynamic motion to a press mode at no additional cost. With traditional electric drive technology, this can only be achieved with more programming. With the Simplified Motion Series, this is now intelligently solved. Here the speed-controlled distance is simply shortened and at this point the dynamic movement changes to a force-controlled pressing movement, which is done without any programming work.
The advantages over purely electric automation
The Simplified Motion Series from Festo is not only a relatively new series of electric drive systems, but has been completely redesigned with ease of installation in mind.
The core of this unit is an integrated stepper motor with a permanently mounted drive unit. This is pre-assembled and offers a wide range of mechanical drives. This allows linear and rotary movements with a wide range of sizes. The integrated motor is equipped with two standard connections and is based on the principle of "plug-and-work": no software and no parameterization required. Thus, this concept not only reduces the space required for installation, but also the installation time and costs in the production process.
Another advantage: IO-Link integrated as standard.
The concept of combining the simplicity of pneumatics with the advantages of electric drives gains an additional dimension because of the standard integrated IO-Link communication. Intermediate positions can be entered via IO-Link and process data can also be read remotely. 
Stay up to date with the latest news:
-
Festo - The most popular linear actuatorsRead moreElectric axes are linear drives powered by a motor. These axes are used for positioning, assembling and handling objects. Toothed belt and spindle axes are indispensable for this purpose. The ELGD series features advanced double recirculating double linear ball bearings and a stainless steel cover for reliable protection.
-
Siemens - Announcement of the phase-out of SIMATIC S7-1200 G1Read moreThe first-generation SIMATIC S7-1200 modules will be announced for phase-out as of 1 November 2026.
-
Leuze - Stainless steel series optical sensors for packaging and filling linesRead moreExtreme cleaning in meat and fish processing, at breweries and other filling plants; basically anywhere where hygiene is a major part of a (packaging) process, yet still reliable detection with optical sensors? That's nothing new for Leuze.
-
Mitsubishi Electric - EtherCAT servoRead moreModern production processes require increasingly precise and powerful drive solutions. Servo drives must be fully integrated into industrial networks to ensure maximum speed, accuracy, safety and efficiency. Mitsubishi Electric offers the perfect solution: the MELSERVO MR-J5 servo drives, which are perfectly suited for use in combination with EtherCAT controllers and Failsafe over EtherCAT (FSoE).
Check out our other success stories:
-
Van Meer - Quick Connection for Energy StorageRead moreDrive specialist Van Meer developed an energy storage system for heavy-duty drives and designed a custom battery system for it. For the connectors in the battery system’s cabinet, their regular supplier itsme recommended omni-brand partner Phoenix Contact. Excellent connectors — only the frame didn’t fit. Phoenix Contact quickly developed a customer-specific connector design. itsme now supplies Van Meer with complete connector sets, including the custom plug.
-
Avebe - A Good Night’s Sleep Thanks to FactoryScanRead moreCompanies often have no clear idea of the installed base of industrial automation in their factories and warehouses. With FactoryScan, itsme can provide an overview of the current status of automation components such as PLCs. Potato processor Royal Avebe uses the results to update their component stock and assess future availability. The scan is intended to reduce the number of hardware-related disruptions Process Control Engineer Johan Wierenga has to deal with. It also helps him sleep better, knowing the stock is up to date.
-
Elektro VV - The right expertise in the right placeRead moreElektro VV, based in the Belgian province of Antwerp, carries out general electrical work and solar panel installations for both companies and private individuals. For complex projects, the company calls on Breemes, which brings expertise such as low-voltage studies. “The challenge is to design a panel that can be built quickly and efficiently, and is future-proof.”
-
OI - Warm relationship with supplierRead moreThe O-I glass factory in Leerdam produces 3.5 million beer bottles every day. The challenge of keeping production running 24/7 is tackled together with trusted supplier itsme. They ensure that technicians never run out of stock during maintenance and that critical components like cables and sensors are heat-resistant. This makes life much more relaxed for supervisor Patrick Maduro and his team in the electrical engineering department.
Why not take a look at these trainings we offer:
-
PROFINET CPNERead moreavailable in Dutch
-
PROFIBUS CPERead moreavailable in Dutch
-
WinCC-SCADA2Read moreavailable in Dutch
-
MIT-IQWORKSRead moreavailable in Dutch