Festo introduces stainless steel hygienic motion series

Festo has launched a new stainless steel motion series engineered for automation environments that demand stringent hygiene and maximum corrosion resistance, such as food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and packaging facilities. The system provides a fully integrated hygienic motion solution comprising the EMMH-AS servo motor and the EPRF-BS electric cylinder. Constructed from robust 316L (1.4404) stainless steel, the components utilize smooth, crevice-free surfaces, food-grade NSF-H1 grease, and specialized hygienic seals. Both the motor and cylinder achieve an IP69K rating for high-pressure washdown protection and a CRC4 rating for corrosion resistance, allowing for continuous operation amidst aggressive cleaning agents, saltwater exposure, and chemical mists.

High-force linear motion and precise servo control
Engineered for demanding handling, dosing, and filling operations, the EPRF-BS electric cylinder features a precision ball screw drive that delivers a repeatability of ±0.02 mm, accommodating feed forces up to 12,500 N and stroke lengths up to 1,000 mm. Available in five sizes, the cylinder integrates an advanced double seal wiper system and hygienic venting to prevent internal condensation. The cylinder pairs seamlessly with the EMMH-AS servo motor, offered in four sizes with power ratings from 195 W to 1.52 kW. The motor incorporates a battery-free absolute encoder for precise feedback, optional holding brakes for vertical axes, and a single-cable solution equipped with pressure compensation tubing to ensure long-term reliability in humid conditions.

Simplified integration and commissioning
To eliminate the complexity of sourcing disparate automation components, the Festo series operates as a complete, coordinated system encompassing the actuator, motor, controller, and hygienic cabling. Developers can utilize Festo’s Electric Motion Sizing and Automation Suite tools to rapidly configure the optimum axis and drive combinations, significantly reducing engineering time and avoiding design errors. The drives support seamless connectivity into modern machine architectures through integrated compatibility with major industrial fieldbus protocols, including Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus.

Additional Context: Overcoming condensation in washdown actuators
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement.

Washdown environments in food and beverage processing present a severe reliability challenge for electromechanical actuators, which traditionally suffer from moisture ingress caused by temperature cycling. When an active motor or cylinder heats up during operation and is subsequently hit with cold, high-pressure washdown water, the internal air contracts rapidly. This creates a vacuum effect that can draw moisture directly past standard mechanical seals. The integration of pressure compensation tubing in the EMMH-AS motor and hygienic venting in the EPRF-BS cylinder solves this by actively equalizing the internal pressure during thermal cycles, physically preventing the vacuum effect from occurring. Combined with the use of 316L stainless steel—which contains molybdenum to provide far superior resistance to pitting from chlorinated cleaning chemicals compared to standard 304 stainless—these breathing mechanisms drastically extend the operational lifecycle of electric actuators in caustic, high-humidity zones.

Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance.

www.festo.com