Festo rolls out free online tool to streamline OEM machine design

Festo has launched its System Configurator, a free, web-based engineering tool designed to help OEMs and system integrators design and commission automation systems.

The platform supports pneumatic and electric motion, remote I/O, and IO-Link devices, including third-party hardware. It combines sizing, configuration, and documentation in one environment and is aimed at packaging, material handling, custom machinery builds, and assembly applications.

Packaging OEM joined Tom Worsnopp, product marketing manager at Festo, for a video demonstration of the software. He said the tool helps OEMs reduce configuration errors, streamline machine startup, and share access across teams in different locations.

“Basically, it’s a whole ecosystem,” said Worsnopp. “From design, all the way through to commissioning.”

From PLC to commissioning: Video walkthrough  

The demo shows the System Configurator in action as Worsnopp walks through setting up a fieldbus topology for a machine. He starts with the programmable logic controller (PLC) and works his way through the network, servo axes, remote I/O, and IO-Link devices.

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He also demonstrates how teams can move from an initial topology layout to a complete configuration using integrated sizing tools, then import the setup directly into Festo’s Automation Suite for commissioning.

“If all the information you entered on the System Configurator is accurate, it really minimizes the amount of configuration you have to do in the software,” he said.

Workflow benefits: Plan, configure, and commission machines

Inside the workflow, engineers can do the following:

·         Select the PLC and fieldbus architecture

·         Add servo drives, valve terminals, remote I/O, and IO-Link devices

·         Size axes and configure components

·         Select cables and accessories

·         Organize components into cabinet and machine modules

·         Validate compatibility

·         Generate a bill of materials

·         Save and share projects across teams

Integrated tools to reduce errors

Festo has integrated its Electric Motion Sizing and Pneumatic Sizing tools directly into the web-based platform. Worsnopp said additional integrations, such as Festo’s Handling Guide Online, are expected in future updates.

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By consolidating sizing, configuration, and validation into a single model, Festo says the tool can reduce manual data transfer and minimize the risk of component mismatch during commissioning.

“This tool is really good at reducing errors because it creates a common place,” explained Worsnopp.

While the tool is new, Worsnopp said Festo plans to continue expanding it for machine builders.  

“We’re continually adding more products into the System Configurator, expanding it, and make it more useful,” he said.