A key interface for intelligent communication for Industry 4.0 is IO-Link, the new fieldbus-neutral communication standard whose development Balluff has been consistently driving and promoting for years. It is as easy to use as a USB with a computer, simplifies the installation of a system, saves costs and for the first time enables intelligent diagnostics and parameterizing concepts all the way to the fieldbus level. Experts consider it as an enabling technology for Industry 4.0.
Many applications from the Balluff portfolio are already components of Industry 4.0. You only need to apply them accordingly. One example is Balluff’s Heartbeat power supplies with a condition monitoring function. By means of IO-Link they tell the user when there is an overload, that the ambient conditions have worsened or warn him of a pending failure. This allows unplanned downtimes to be prevented, since a replacement can be made as part of a scheduled maintenance activity.
Mold ID is a clear and practical example for how Industry 4.0 easily finds its way into production. By means of industrial RFID, Mold ID makes the use of injection molds traceable, ensures their optimal utilization, and supports predictive maintenance. The best part: via LAN, W-LAN or Powerline all Mold-ID systems can be connected to the control level, an ERP or MES system via web services. The result is access to the data and processes from anywhere.
When the objective is to implement the smart factory with short changeover times and decentralized production control, Balluff BTL transducers with the IO-Link interface are important control elements. Using them you can automatically change recipes for new requirements, for example in response to a different package size (format changes). And when products and packages need to be labeled and the workflow has to be flexibly controlled throughout production, the proven RFID systems from Balluff are a highly efficient solution.
Furthermore, new to Balluff is the Safety Over IO-Link range. Balluff is the first in the world to offer equipment manufacturers a simple-to-integrate, cost-saving safety solution based on IO-Link. Safety over IO-Link combines automation and safety in one system and represents efficient safety concepts from one source. Safety over IO-Link offers the proven IO-Link advantages such as simple data transport and information exchange, high flexibility and universal applicability. A logical step in the direction of economical Industry 4.0 for users and for Balluff.
Therefore, as a pacesetter for Industry 4.0, Balluff are thrilled to be exhibiting at the Industry 4.0 Summit in Manchester 4-5th April. The Balluff team can be found on Stand G10 and are eager to meet business leaders who are interested in progressing their Industry 4.0 and IIoT strategy. Balluff provide assistance for the conception, development and realization of individual solutions in the most varied industrial sectors. Through these advanced concepts Balluff increase the efficiency and profitability of your processes, making you more competitive. Visit Balluff on Stand G10, to find out more on how they can help you.
