Compact vacuum generator by Festo is very versatile and user-friendly

The OVEL, Festo’s newest compact vacuum generator, addresses the need for an economical, fully integrated unit that is extremely reliable, versatile, and easy to install and maintain.

Festo Inc. has introduced its latest compact vacuum generator to the Canadian market: the OVEL. This is an economical, fully integrated device that is not only lightweight, but also versatile and easy for users to deploy and maintain, even for its size class. The company recommends it for applications involving fast, reliable small-parts handling, and its size makes it ideal for deployment in small spaces near the gripping area.

Minimal tubing length required

With a minimum housing width of only ten millimetres, the OVEL’s small size minimizes the length of tubing needed, leading to quicker cycle times with less compressed-air consumption. Another advantage is that users can link up to eight OVEL devices on one supply manifold.

This compact vacuum generator has most of the same functionality and convenience of Festo’s OVEM series of larger generators. The OVEL has integrated solenoids that ensure short switching times; a standard one for the ON/OFF function has quick vacuum building, while an optional ejector pulse valve offers fast purging. This quick-purging ability accelerates the exact, safe placement of the work piece in high-speed pick-and-place applications. After the vacuum is switched off, the solenoid generates an electric pulse to release the piece and purge the vacuum quickly. The device’s supply port can provide the compressed-air supply for the ejector pulse, or a separate built-in connection can also work.

Minimal assembly is necessary, as the solenoids are fully integrated. With an H3 plug for electrical connections and fast push-in for air connections, installation and commissioning are very fast and easy for any user.

Festo offers other options for this compact vacuum generator. These include a vacuum sensor – pressure sensor SPAE, or pressure transmitter SPTE – that sends an electrical signal for monitoring vacuum levels, in order to alert users to any leakage problems or dropped work pieces. An optional open silencer can dampen noise to make operation quieter, while also reducing contaminant buildup and eliminating maintenance.

For a closer look at the OVEL, watch the video below:

To learn more, contact Festo.

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