Schmersal to showcase The benefits of IO-Link at SPS 2024

Schmersal is to showcase an IO-Link safety installation system at SPS - Smart Production Solutions - in Nuremberg (Hall 9, Stand 460) for the first time. The system integrates solenoid interlocks and safety sensors from Schmersal, as well as fail-safe actuators. An IO-Link safety master and an IO-Link safety hub from Schmersal will also be part of the system in future. This means that the advantages of the standardised IO-Link communication system can also be used for functional safety. Users benefit from the same connectivity, simple parameter setting and the availability of enhanced diagnosis data.

The system enables secure bi-directional communication and enhanced diagnosis of sensors and actuators. The data are transferred via three-wire connecting lines with M12 connectors in place of the usual eight-wire lines, thereby reducing wiring effort and assembly times and ruling out wiring errors.

IO‐Link safety communication is suitable for safety functions up to PLe.

IO-Link-capable safety devices provide additional useful information alongside pure safety functions. Identification parameters provide information on the type of device and the location of operating instructions, data sheets and other documents. Status and diagnosis information (e.g. door open/closed) and operating data, e.g. how often doors have been opened or closed or how often doors have been in their limit zones, facilitate maintenance and reduce unscheduled machinery downtime.

Other benefits: the standardised IO-Link communication system helps with rapid detection of improper connections. In addition, IO-Link has a data storage function, allowing for easy and fast replacement of sensors and actuators. The offline parameter setting option also means that safety devices can be easily parameterised and tested outside of production environments, e.g. in an office or at a PC.

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