Festo motion control guide
Festo Motors and Servo Drives: How to Choose the Right Motion Package for Your Machine
Festo motors and servo drives help machine builders control position, speed, and
torque across packaging lines, indexing conveyors, pick-and-place systems, assembly
machines, and washdown production areas. Theright setup starts with the axis, not
just the part number.
For many applications, the starting point is a Festo CMMT drive paired with the right
motor. Use a servo system when the axis needs dynamic response, encoder feedback, and
tight repeatability. Use a stepper system when the motion is simpler, lighter-duty,
and cost-sensitive. For sanitary or harsh machine areas, include the actuator package
and protection rating in the first sizing conversation.
  
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What a Festo Motion Control Package Includes
A complete motion package usually includes the controller, motor, mechanical motion
component, and the connection details that make the system work with the machine.
PLC / IPC
CMMT drive
EMMT motor
Actuator or axis
| Component | What it does | Common Festo families |
|---|---|---|
| Servo drive | Receives commands from the PLC or controller and regulates motor output. | CMMT-AS, CMMT-ST |
| Servo motor | Converts controlled electrical output into responsive rotary motion with feedback. | EMMT-AS |
| Stepper motor | Moves in controlled step increments for simpler positioning tasks. | EMMT-ST |
| Electric actuator | Converts rotary motion into linear movement for push, pull, lift, stop, or transfer motion. | EPRF-BS and compatible actuator packages |
The drive is the link between the control system and the moving axis. It interprets
motion commands, controls current to the motor, and helps the machine achieve the
intended speed, position, or torque profile.
When to Choose a Festo Servo Drive and Servo Motor
Choose a servo system when the axis needs speed, feedback, and accurate correction
during motion. Servo systems are a strong fit for machine axes where the load changes,
timing matters, or position cannot drift over repeated cycles.
- Packaging machine sealing jaws, cutting stations, and indexing conveyors
- Pick-and-place equipment, gantries, and robotic transfer axes
- Assembly systems that need repeatable position and force control
- Printing, labeling, and dispensing processes with tight timing requirements
- Axes that must recover from disturbances without losing position
CMMT-AS vs. CMMT-ST: Which Drive Is the Better Starting Point?
CMMT-AS servo drive
The CMMT-AS is the better starting point for higher-performance servo axes. It fits
applications that need dynamic motion, closed-loop control, and integration into
Ethernet-based control environments.
- The axis has demanding speed, acceleration, or torque requirements
- The machine needs precise positioning under changing loads
- The system requires a robust servo package for packaging, handling, or assembly
- The design needs integrated safety functions such as safe torque off or safe stop behavior
CMMT-ST servo drive
The CMMT-ST is a compact low-voltage drive option for lower-power positioning tasks. It
is useful when a machine builder needs an economical, space-efficient motion axis.
- The axis has moderate power requirements
- Cabinet space is tight
- The application is light-duty positioning, indexing, or adjustment
- The project benefits from one drive platform that can support common Ethernet protocols
Servo vs. Stepper: A Practical Selection Guide
Use this comparison as an early filter before sizing the axis. The practical decision is
whether the axis needs the dynamic performance of a full servo package or the simplicity
and cost profile of a compact stepper-driven axis.
| Selection factor | Choose servo | Choose stepper |
|---|---|---|
| Load variation | Load changes during motion | Load is predictable and light |
| Speed | High speed or fast cycle times | Moderate speed |
| Feedback | Encoder feedback is required | Open-loop positioning is acceptable |
| Precision | Tight repeatability under changing conditions | Consistent simple moves |
| Application examples | Robotic transfer, sealing jaw, cutting station | Guide adjustment, stop positioning, indexing |
Do You Need a Washdown-Ready Motion Package?
Food, beverage, and sanitary production areas add another layer to the selection
process. The motor and actuator may need protection from high-pressure cleaning,
moisture, cleaning chemicals, or daily washdown cycles.
For these environments, review the motor, actuator, cabling, mounting orientation, and
protection rating together. The key question is not only whether the axis can move the
load. It is whether the full package can survive the machine environment.
What to Prepare Before Requesting Sizing Help
Motion sizing gets faster when the application details are clear. You do not need a
perfect specification before talking to Coast Pneumatics, but these details help move
the conversation from general product selection to a practical package.
- What the axis moves
- Load weight and any load variation
- Required travel or rotation
- Target speed and cycle time
- Required positioning accuracy
- Torque or force requirements
- Duty cycle and expected runtime
- Available control platform, such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, or IO-Link
- Available panel space and voltage
- Environmental conditions, including washdown, dust, heat, or compact cabinet constraints
Example Starting Points by Application
Packaging or assembly machine axis
Start with a CMMT-AS drive and EMMT-AS servo motor when the axis needs precise timing,
torque control, and repeatable positioning. This is a strong fit for sealing jaws,
cutting stations, and synchronized conveyor sections.
Robotics or pick-and-place transfer
Start with an EMMT-AS servo motor when the system needs smooth motion and consistent
cycle times under changing load conditions. The drive and motor should be reviewed
together with the control platform and mechanical axis.
Conveyor or indexing table
Start with an EMMT-ST stepper motor when the movement is predictable, moderate-speed,
and cost-sensitive. If the conveyor timing is tightly synchronized with other machine
events, review whether a servo package is more appropriate.
Food or beverage washdown station
Start with a washdown-ready motor and actuator package when the axis sits near product
contact areas, reject gates, lift stations, or washdown zones. The environment should be
part of the first sizing discussion.
Next step
Get the axis reviewed before you order parts.
Share what you are moving, how fast it needs to move, how accurately it needs to
stop, and what environment it will run in. Coast Pneumatics can help narrow the Festo
motion package and identify the details needed for sizing, compatibility,
availability, and quoting.
FAQ
What is the difference between a servo drive and a servo motor?
The servo drive controls electrical output to the motor based on commands from the
machine controller. The servo motor converts that controlled electrical output into
rotary motion. Together, they control speed, torque, and position for the machine axis.
Is a stepper motor cheaper than a servo motor?
Stepper systems are often more economical for simple positioning tasks, but cost
should not be the only factor. If the axis has changing loads, high speeds, or tight
repeatability requirements, a servo system may prevent performance problems later.
What information is needed to size a Festo servo motor?
Useful sizing details include load, travel, speed, cycle time, torque or force, duty
cycle, mounting orientation, control platform, available voltage, and machine environment.
When should I choose washdown-ready motion components?
Choose washdown-ready components when the axis will be exposed to high-pressure
cleaning, moisture, product residue, cleaning chemicals, or sanitary production requirements.
Festo motion control from Coast Pneumatics.
Product references:
Festo motors and servo drives,
CMMT-AS/CMMT-ST and EMMT-AS,
and
Festo EMMT-ST stepper motor announcement.