Empowering Industrial Efficiency with HBK’s IO-Link Force, Torque, and Load Sensors

In today’s industry 4.0 landscape, HBK (Hottinger Brüel & Kjær) and NVMS are advancing the capabilities of IO-Link-enabled force, torque, and load sensors by setting new standards in measurement efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for critical industrial applications.

NVMS proudly supports and enhances existing installations as well as assisting new adopters in understanding and integrating this technology. IO-Link Sensors are leveraging digital communication, they streamline installation and maintenance, reduce overhead costs, and integrate seamlessly into a wide array of industrial systems.

The Power of IO-Link Technology in Industrial Applications

IO-Link is a vendor-agnostic communication protocol that has grown exponentially, with over 35 million nodes installed worldwide. This widely adopted technology allows flexibility and compatibility across different systems, giving end users the freedom to select the right sensor for the job. These sensors provide specific advantages in force, torque, and load measurement, notably:

1. Integrated Functionalities: The IO-Link sensors combine essential components including the sensing element, amplifier, A/D conversion, signal processing, and communication interface into a compact, standalone unit. This integration cuts down costs significantly by reducing the need for enclosures, as the sensors connect directly to IP67-rated smart blocks (IO-Link masters).
2. Advanced Diagnostics and Health Monitoring: These sensors offer real-time health data, tracking parameters like temperature, load cycles, operating time, and peak values. Such insights allow predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending equipment lifespan by alerting users to potential issues before they escalate.
3. Ease of Maintenance: In the event of a failure, maintenance is straightforward. Technicians can replace sensors on the fly without the need for reprogramming, simply by swapping the sensor with a like-for-like unit. This feature is especially useful in industries where uptime is crucial.

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Addressing Common IO-Link Concerns

In discussions with industrial clients, several common questions arise about IO-Link force and load sensors, and HBK’s technology offers robust responses:

• “Is IO-Link fast enough?” IO-Link sensors support COM3, the highest-speed protocol for this technology, with a cycle time below 1ms and an internal sampling rate of 40 kHz. This responsiveness ensures accurate readings even in dynamic environments.
• “Is setup complex?” Thanks to the smart sensor profile, the setup is streamlined. Each sensor includes an IODD file, which most IO-Link systems can auto-download, making configuration straightforward and user-friendly.
• “Can I connect to different systems?” IO-Link sensors connect via an IO-Link master, bridging them to various PLCs and fieldbus systems. This compatibility is fundamental to IO-Link, reinforcing its flexibility across diverse industrial networks.

Applications for IO-Link Force, Torque, and Load Sensors

The benefits of these sensors are particularly impactful in high-stakes industries where precision and reliability are paramount. These include:

• Aerospace and Defence: Enhanced sensor diagnostics ensure reliability and safety in critical applications.
• Process and Heavy Industries: Predictive maintenance is a key benefit, as sensors can monitor wear and detect anomalies before they lead to failures.
• Assembly Lines and Logistics: Plug-and-play functionality streamlines the integration and maintenance processes, ideal for high-throughput environments.

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A Future-Ready Investment

For industries contemplating IO-Link adoption, our force, torque, and load sensors offer a bridge to the digital future. With consistent mechanical and dimensional compatibility with traditional sensors, businesses can transition to digital at their own pace without abandoning their current setups.

For more information on how IO-Link technology can elevate your industrial processes, visit HBK’s Smart Sensors or get in touch with the NVMS team at info@nvms.com.au

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Authors: Stewart Wood - National Solutions Manager & Kannan Kathiresan - Sales Engineer