ifm electronic is ahead of the game with smart sensors
The fourth industrial revolution is happening already; leading sensor manufacturer ifm electronic has supplied over two million sensors to the market with IO-Link built in, and now even more smart sensors are now available from ifm electronic with the release of new flow sensing devices and more IO-Link connection units for field or panel mount. Over 350 different products from ifm electronic already include IO-Link technology, and the company aims to make it standard in all new developments
The basis of ‘industry 4.0’ – the smart factory – exists today with automation, IT and management systems already in place but they are independent of each other. Office PC’s are networked, the enterprise resource planning systems are in place and the shop floor level has its PLC’s, maybe networked with a field bus and connected to a Scada system. These functions could all be connected to each other, but still lack some basic inputs. What smart industry needs is the fundamental data from the machine level, not just the actual process that the PLC handles, but also information on the real time condition of the machines themselves. The essential part of this is provided by IO-Link. – the ‘missing link’.
Conventional sensors only offer switch points or analogue values fed to PLC‘s, HMI’s or Scada systems for interpretation. The communication via fieldbus ends in input/output blocks, so there is a communication barrier between sensors and the controller, and little or no information about the machine status. Therefore the MES or ERP systems have no direct access to the sensor level.
For full connectivity and transparency, stable analogue values, remote diagnosis and parametrising IO-Link is the way forward. IO-Link works with all major PLCs and fieldbuses and is easy to use with existing automation components. In short, with IO-Link you are not just well on the way to Industry 4.0, you are as good as there. As a leading consortium member and major automation supplier, ifm electronic can help with your automation needs, especially in the IO-Link field.
ifm electronic closes this gap with IO-Link; communication down that last vital metre of cable to the sensor level.
For little or no extra cost an IO-Link device can provide much more than a standard device: In installation and commissioning a solution with IO-Link is more efficient, because wiring is simple, using unscreened standard M12 connections. Start-up can be automated with configuration at the push of a button. Parameters are stored locally in ifm’s ingenious memory plug, for example, and automatically uploaded to a sensor. Alternatively the device can be configured from the PLC or HMI
Operational productivity can be enhanced by higher machine availability. IO-Link reduces breakdowns by offering maximum transparency right up to the sensor- and actuator data in real time. If a change of product or recipe requires a sensor parameter change, this is done ‘on the fly’. Maintenance is improved with IO-Link, too, as information on machine status is available on demand and the replacement of a device is quick.
ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.
ifm electronic Ltd., efector House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2HD. Telephone: 020 8213-0000. Fax: 020 8213-2234
