DEMM Engineering & Manufacturing
Sensors and digital switches ensure peace-of-mind
SENSORS ARE fundamental in measuring pressure and flow in today’s manufacturing environments, with constant monitoring across a host of different systems to avoid unforeseen and costly downtime.
“There are many different types of sensors on offer,” says Guiomar Fernandez, Product Manager for SMC Corporation Australia New Zealand (ANZ). “SMC specialises in those used to measure the pressure and flow – in particular – and now offers a high degree of access to your data through the SMC IO-Link range.” MEASURE AIR PRESSURE – WHAT GETS MEASURED, GETS MANAGED
“Making use of a digital pressure or flow sensors allows you to visualise, monitor and adjust the settings as required.” Key benefits include: • Visual monitoring thanks to a digital interface. • Monitoring consumption and improved efficiencies. • Easier maintenance and ease of control. • Compact and easy to install. • Diagnostics and remote access via IO-link. Take it online with internet connected sensors Fernandez notes that customers commonly request IO-link compatibility to get more out of their sensors. “When we add IO-link to our sensors, switches, actuators, and valves at the bottom of the control chain, we are capable of delivering real-time distributed control to our factories. This is of particular benefit in pre-empting any issues before they take place to avoid downtime and costly maintenance.” She adds: “IOlink provides us tremendous flexibility and offers the possibility to connect to other devices (as it is essentially independent of the fieldbus or network).” MEET SOME OF OUR PRODUCT HEROES
Due to increasing demand, SMC recently launched two new IO-link compatible products: The e PF2M7-L and the modular PF3A*-L. L. “PF2M7-L is used to measure small air r flows of down to 0.1LPM while the PF3A*H-L -L can be connected directly to SMC’s FRL unit it for larger flows up to 12000LPM. This unit it is easy to retrofit into existing lines as IO-link ink sensors can be connected using simple three-wire M12 cables and eliminates the need for expensive analogue I/O cards and shielded cables, allowing more flow control into branch lines.”
The Z/ISE20B-L digital pressure switch range features three-screen display, three-step setting mode and selectable delay time function to simplify the setting process for operators with fewer push button operations to perform. This new series matches the terms of enclosure, output type and media of the legacy series Z/ISE40A. It is designed with lightweight and compactness in mind. The ISE7*/7*G-L pressure switch broadens the operational pressure range offered for pressure and vacuum in air and general fluids to 1.6 and 10MPa respectively. Together with an angled display and rotation mechanism ensures good visibility. This IO-link solution comes with an M12 connector and is IP67 certified, so is robust and can withstand hazardous environments. The PF3W7-L digital flow switch for water (0.5 to 250LPM) provides centralised control and monitoring of the flow and temperature and is IO-link compatible. To conclude, Fernandez says: “Talk to SMC about the possibility of using remote displays and IO-link solutions to centralise the key readings in one area of your machine or plant.”