At what point does science become art? Perhaps it's when form follows function to produce something as creative and aesthetically pleasing as the new smart pneumatic cubic valve terminal.
At what point does science become art? Perhaps it's when form follows function to produce something as creative and aesthetically pleasing as the new Smart Cubic valve terminal from automation innovator Festo The remarkably compact new CPV-SC valve terminal is the world's smallest for its flow rate featuring a profile cross section of just 40mm x 40mm and a grid of 10mm. But these tiny dimensions disguise a powerful performance, with flow rates up to 150 litres/min.

The units are aimed directly at the increasing miniaturisation demanded by applications in the electronics, mechatronics and pharmaceutical industries.

Smart Cubic valve terminals are ideal for use in restricted spaces and are especially suitable for the operation of the Festo range of miniature cylinders, rotary actuators, vacuum grippers and slides.

With such compact dimensions, the opportunity to install the terminal in closer proximity to actuators is a distinct benefit that shortens cycle times in fast switching applications.

Equally, the low weight of the Smart Cubic VT offers moving mass advantages where the terminal must be mounted on a drive.

The CPV-SC terminal itself can be configured with 4, 8 or 12 valve positions.

It provides two electrical connectors: one of D-sub profile for advanced Festo functionality, and a conventional flat-style connector for wider industry compatibility.

Placing these connectors at the side of the unit accounts for much of the space saving, making the unit about half the size of competitive equivalents and permitting the option of installing the terminal on a multiple pneumatic connector, which acts as a sub base.

Advantages include the ease and speed of terminal replacement during service operations, as the pneumatic tubing remains intact attached to the multiple connector.

The new Smart Cubic Valve Terminal from Festo builds on the company's significant engineering expertise and commercial success with its existing range of CPV Compact Valve Terminals, but delivers pro-rata performances in a much smaller, but perfectly formed, package.

Whether you call it art or science, it would seem that size does matter after all! .