Festo has launched a new stainless steel motion series designed to bring robust, reliable automation to environments where hygiene, corrosion resistance and reliability are essential. The series comprises a compatible servo motor and electric cylinder designed to operate either independently or together as a fully integrated hygienic motion system for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and packaging applications.
Applications include cutting and handling, bottling and filling, dispensing and dosing, baking and cooking, washing and portioning operations. The stainless steel motion series is equally suitable for challenging non-food environments, such as outdoor installations, saltwater exposure and oil or chemical mist applications where corrosion resistance is critical.
Unlike many conventional solutions, Festo’s stainless steel motion series offers a complete coordinated system – actuator, motor, controller and hygienic cable – to simplify specification, installation and commissioning. The products combine robust 316L / 1.4404 stainless steel construction with hygienic design principles, including smooth, crevice-free surfaces, food-grade NSF-H1 grease and hygienic seals. Both motor and cylinder are rated to IP69K for high-pressure washdown protection and to CRC4 for corrosion resistance, enabling reliable operation in environments where moisture, aggressive cleaning agents and corrosive conditions are common.
The EMMH-AS stainless-steel servo motor is designed for automation applications that require precise motion control, compact installation and long-term reliability. Available in four sizes with power ratings from 195 W to 1.52 kW, the motor combines high dynamic performance with a compact, clean design that integrates easily into food, beverage, pharmaceutical and packaging machinery.
The EMMH-AS features an integrated single-cable solution with pressure compensation tubing, which reduces installation complexity and improves operational reliability in humid and washdown environments. A battery-free absolute encoder reduces maintenance requirements and supports high performance by delivering precise positioning and reliable feedback. Optional holding brake functionality extends its suitability for vertical axes and safety-critical systems, while the flexible mounting options simplify integration into modern machine concepts. The result is a compact and highly durable servo motor optimised for the most demanding automation environments.
The EPRF-BS stainless-steel electric cylinder is engineered for applications requiring high feed forces, accurate linear motion and long service life in challenging operating conditions. Using a precision ball screw drive system, the cylinder delivers repeatability of ±0.02 mm using feed forces of up to 12,500 N and stroke lengths up to 1,000 mm, making it suitable for demanding handling, dosing, filling and processing applications.
The cylinder is available in five sizes with multiple screw pitches, allowing machine builders to optimise performance for either speed, force or positioning accuracy. Six mounting configurations and flexible axial or parallel motor mounting options simplify machine integration across a wide range of applications. To maximise reliability in wet and corrosive environments, the EPRF-BS incorporates hygienic venting to minimise internal condensation alongside an advanced double seal wiper system for improved sealing performance and durability. In combination, these features enable the cylinder to offer a low-maintenance, high-performance linear motion solution for harsh industrial environments.
Simple sizing and commissioning
The EMMH-AS servo motor and EPRF-BS electric cylinder are supported by Festo’s Electric Motion Sizing and Automation Suite tools, enabling users to quickly configure, size and commission complete motion systems. The software simplifies selection of the optimum axis, motor and drive combination based on application requirements, helping to reduce engineering time, improve energy efficiency and avoid design errors. Integrated compatibility with Festo servo drives and major industrial fieldbus protocols – including Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP and Modbus – also helps simplify machine integration, accelerate commissioning and support seamless connectivity within modern automation architectures.
For more information on the new stainless steel motion series, visit: www.festo.com/food_safety
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