Festo was the first European manufacturer of pneumatic cylinders and today creates actuators for a wide range of applications. In this short article we present the main models and their features.

The peculiarity of these actuators from Festo concerns the self-braking pneumatic cushioning system. It saves 5 minutes on adjustment time. Not bad!

The offer of pneumatic actuators covers the simplest cylinders, to the compact ones, up to rotary actuators or stopped cylinders.

Linear drive DLGF

This linear actuator takes up minimal mounting space and allows direct assembly on its slide of other actuators without adapter plates. This actuator has a flat profile and has been designed for applications in handling systems.

Stopper cylinder DFST

The cylinder can be used when stopping points are needed, such as for a fast flow of goods. The stopper cylinder features are: a lever locking mechanism, a cushioning energy system using a knurled ring and polymer or steel rollers.

Electric stopper EFSD

Unlike the cylinder just described, this stopper EFSD is electric and has an integrated sensor for position feedback. The cushioning is adjustable, the cylinder does not require complex programming or an external controller.

Mini slide DGST

It is a compact, low-torsion, no misalignment slide drive. The main features to highlight are the following:

• the cushioning mounts and the sensors are integrated into the installation space
• the end-position is adjustable from one side only
• extreme precision
• very powerful thanks to the maintenance-free double piston
• It is durable thanks to the backlash-free yoke connection

Semi-rotary drive with piston DRRD

This drive allows precise and reliable positioning and is equipped with a high load capacity. Ideal for use in handling applications, this oscillating actuator features different cushioning options:

• internal elastic shock absorber, with reduced space
• three types of shock absorber mounted on the body of the actuator
• external shock absorber for maximum torque in the end position

Cylinder DSBC

For this standard profile cylinder with two sensor slots and an optional profile with additional sensor slots on three sides, we would like to highlight its main feature: self-adjusting end position cushioning PPS. This system is in addition to the classic elastic shock absorber “P” or adjustable pneumatic shock absorbers “PPV”. Thanks to the wide range of accessories, you can install the cylinder wherever you want. In addition to this version, Festo also manufactures the following cylinders from the same series:
– DSBF: ISO cylinder characterized by ease of cleaning
– DSBG: round barrel with tie rods.

Fluidic muscle

The fluidic muscle is a diaphragm contraction system. This innovation is based on a tensile material consisting of a flexible tube reinforced with fibres in the form of a rhomboidal mesh. The usable tensile force is at its maximum at the start of the contraction and then decreases in a virtually linear manner as a function of the stroke. Diaphragm actuators from Festo are characterized by a high force and a small diameter. They can be used in the clamping phase for metal sheet, or in applications that present high vibrations and shaking, or they can be used as a pneumatic spring: warp beam brake for optimum thread tension in looms.

Find out more about Festo pneumatic actuators and find the best solution for your needs!