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IO-Link solutions for process sensors: the advantages and benefits

IO-Link has become a well-known standard in almost every industrial application. It can be defined as a digital, point-to-point, industrial communication system that is most commonly used for connecting digital sensors and the like to an industrial system or fieldbus.

There are various benefits of using IO-Link systems, especially with process sensors, and this article will detail the advantages of IO-Link and why it is so popular across so many applications.

The advantages and benefits of IO-Link solutions for process sensors

We decided to have a chat with Baumer UK about IO-link’s advantages and how IO-Link solutions are perfect for process sensors.

Andrew Moran, one of Baumer UK’s industry experts, points out at least 3 major IO-link advantages:

  • Increased availability of data.
  • IO-Link makes operations more efficient and effective.
  • Easy installation cuts down on hours required.

Let’s look into these a bit further and explore exactly why these IO-Link advantages are so beneficial in various industry applications.

Increased availability of data

Perhaps one of the most favourable and most important advantages of IO-Link is the data availability that comes with using this type of equipment. IO-Link sensors provide us with sensor-level data, which all works to ensure that there is a smooth operation of the system itself and its components. This also ensures a streamlined device replacement procedure and the ability to introduce an optimised machine maintenance schedule.

It is due to these factors that cost-effective savings can be made, as well as reduced risk of machine downtime.

There are three main types of data that are made available via IO-Link communication:

  • Process data – This can be described as informational data provided by the device. This includes data on temperature and distance.
  • Service data – This data refers to information about the sensor itself. It covers information on factors like parameter values, model, and serial numbers, device descriptions, the manufacturer.
  • Event data – Event data can be described as notifications or warning messages that are provided when a critical event occurs. Examples of these include the device overheating and an incorrectly configured sensor.

More efficient operations

Thanks to the integration of IO-Link into industry, IO-Link sensors can significantly reduce downtime and can make operations more efficient.

As IO-Link sensors can be expertly positioned into the machine directly at the location of the operation, this becomes an optimal factor in terms of the technicality of a process, as the sensor’s accessibility no longer has a role to play. With IO-Link sensors, process monitoring, configuration, and error analysis can take place in the controller, making these processes much more time-efficient.

Not only this but due to the digital transmission of data, Industry 4.0 at its finest, signal delays and distortions are very much eliminated.

Easy installation

To install an IO-Link device into your application, all the equipment that is needed is an industry-standard three or four-conductor cable. Additionally, the uniform standard interface provided can be quickly integrated into the fieldbus.

Even more effective and simpler, without the need for expensive, shielded cabling, digital communication also ensures that there is minimal to no noise.

IO-Link with process sensors

When we spoke to Andrew Moran from Baumer UK, he discussed with us the innovative range of IO-Link with process sensors from Baumer. He told us how Baumer saw the need for digitalisation when it comes to measurement and sensors, and so their range of IO-Link products was born.

With more parameters, enhanced process efficiency thanks to the direct combination of sensor data, and dual-channel benefits, Baumer’s range is second to none. To learn more about Baumer UK and their IO-Link products and advantages, head over to their website and see what else you can find.

Company Profile

Find out how Baumer IO-Link solutions are driving OEE efficiencies
Baumer

The Baumer Group is leading at international level in the development and production of sensors, shaft encoders, measuring instruments as well as components for automatic image processing.

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