Festo previews CPX-AP-A CIP Safety module for planned 2027 availability
The module is intended for VTUX, MPA-S and VTSA valve terminals; the announcement previews technology rather than confirming deliveries.
The story explained
Festo announced a pneumatic safety technology preview on 10 November ahead of Automation Fair in Boston on 16–19 November. Its CPX-AP-A CIP Safety module is scheduled to become available in 2027, so this announcement does not establish that commercial shipments have begun.
The module can be fitted to VTUX, MPA-S and VTSA valve terminal families. Festo specifies six single-channel or three dual-channel safe inputs and three safe outputs per module. Up to four modules can be installed on a terminal, giving a maximum of 24 safe inputs and 12 safe outputs. Outputs can control valve zones, pilot air, exhaust valves and external functions such as a drive’s Safe Torque Off.
According to Festo, the CPX-AP-A CIP Safety module is TÜV-certified for applications up to PL e, Category 4 and SIL 3. Its prevented-unexpected-startup approach can retain working pressure in a suitably designed application, reducing the need for repressurisation; no universal energy-saving percentage is supplied. The stated ratings concern the module and applicable conditions, rather than automatically certifying every complete machine.
Why it matters
Editorial assessment: locating safety I/O at the valve terminal can influence pneumatic zoning and safety-network design. Machine-level compliance still depends on risk assessment and system validation.
Relevant toValve, pump, actuator and process-control professionals
What to watch next
Watch for the 2027 availability date, order codes, supported configurations and certification documents.
These are research prompts, not announced tenders or confirmed subsequent developments.
Festo
Festo Features at Automation Fair a Robust Suite of Pneumatic Safety Solutions
This is an independently written summary and analysis, not an official translation. Project plans and status may change.