Digital press kit for Motek 2024 in Stuttgart

This year, the 42nd Motek international trade fair for production and assembly automation (co-located with the 17th Bondexpo) will focus on future-proof and efficient automation. From 8 to 11 October, trade visitors to Stuttgart will find out, among other things, how production processes can be further optimized. With this in mind, sensor specialist ipf from Altena will once again be presenting a whole range of innovations at stand 7325 in hall 7: e.g. an easy-to-implement solution for energy monitoring and production/process data acquisition that is scalable at any time, an optical and thus contactless displacement measuring system that can do more than its name promises or a new "blue light sensor" that reliably detects objects even on critical material surfaces, to name just a few examples.

The main product highlights from ipf at Motek have been summarized in the following digital press kit.

1. Easy access with ipf system

Solutions for recording energy consumption and production/process data

Uncomplicated, economical, sustainable: the IIoT gateway BY000002 from ipf enables the implementation of a system for energy

monitoring and/or solutions for recording valuable production and process data with little effort. To accompany this, the sensor specialist from the Sauerland region is now providing the AB000008 and AB000009 modules.

Based on open source software, the smart gateway with ARM processor from ipf is a manufacturer-independent platform for data

acquisition with a high level of compatibility with all hardware and IT systems currently available on the market. A Linux-based operating system and a web client that can be accessed via a standard browser to process and visualize the data on an individually configurable dashboard (Grafana) are integral parts of the solution.

For direct sensor connection, the BY000002 has six programmable I/Os and up to four analog inputs, as well as a Modbus interface as an alternative connection option. In addition, the gateway offers a range of other interfaces (e.g. 100MbE/GbE, CAN, RS485, USB2.0 Host, USB2.0 Device) and supports numerous network protocols.

ipf is now introducing the AB000008 energy measurement module to record energy measurement values in the areas of energy monitoring and/or production data acquisition. The module is connected to the gateway via Ethernet or backplane bus and is used in combination with ipf current transformers for the continuous measurement and evaluation of energy consumption (e.g. active, reactive and apparent power, energy, etc.) in 1- and 3-phase networks. This makes the AB000008 ideal for energy monitoring of machines, systems and air compressors, for example. The energy measurement module can be easily integrated into a network via LAN, WLAN or LTE and connected to higher-level systems via numerous software interfaces.

Another ideal addition is the AB000009, which is also connected to the IIoT gateway via Ethernet or backplane bus and thus significantly expands the number of device interfaces (12 x digital IN / 6 x digital OUT / 6 x analog IN / 2 x analog OUT) if the I/Os on the gateway are not sufficient. Up to ten expansion modules can be connected to one gateway. In addition, the AB000009 is able to work as a stand-alone device and “data collector” if a system for signal processing and visualization is already in place. In all other cases, the IIoT gateway from ipf takes over these tasks.

In addition to the IIoT gateway and modules, ipf offers a wide range of sensor solutions for various applications, including compressed air consumption measurement, level measurement, parts counting including IO and NOK parts and much more.

With the latest solutions from ipf, it is now even easier to set up an effective system for energy monitoring and/or production/process data acquisition, which can be expanded at any time to meet specific needs in order to reduce energy consumption, determine the actual

capacity utilization of a production facility through greater transparency and ultimately reduce costs in the long term.

2. Much more than contactless linear measurement

New parameterizable system solution from ipf

With the VO330570, ipf presents an optical displacement encoder that can do far more than its name suggests.

The incremental sensor with a sensing range of 15 to 60mm detects all moving objects contactless and therefore without slippage,

regardless of material or color. As the device works with infrared light of laser class 1, no special safety precautions are required during installation. Due to the very high sensing rate of 0.9 milliseconds, the VO330570 is particularly suitable for detecting materials in very

fast-moving processes. But the solution can do much more.

The sensor is parameterized via free PC software, with the units pulse/mm, m/min and mm available. If the VO330570 remains connected to the PC during operation, the software also determines the traverse speed of the detected object. The solution from ipf also integrates an encoder output that provides two 90-degree phase-shifted square wave signals A/B, so that a travel distance can also be displayed through the connection of a counter.

Via a further switching output, it is also possible to parameterize a zero point for a predefined distance (e.g. every 50mm) in order to reset a counter, for example, or to process the signal in a PLC (programmable logic controller), e.g. to control automated cutting of strip materials. The second output can also be parameterized as an alarm output, which significantly increases the process reliability of the VO330570's displacement and angular measurements.

3. Compact, economical and flexible

New diffuse-reflection sensor with background suppression of ipf

With the OTQ80576, ipf has added another optical diffuse-reflection sensor in a compact format with a width of 8mm and a height of 21mm to its range, which is an economical alternative to comparable devices in a larger design.

The sensor equipped with a PIN point LED (wavelength 644nm) generates a small red light spot. The sensing range is adjustable from 3mm to 132mm. Furthermore, the diffuse reflection sensor is equipped via background suppression and thus enables reliable detection that is virtually independent of the color and surface of an object.

The sensing range is set either via teach-in or IO-Link. Both a dynamic mode for detecting moving objects and a static mode for detecting stationary objects are available for teach-in. Thanks to the IO-Link interface, the OTQ80576 can also be parameterized very flexibly to meet the respective requirements of an application. This includes various hysteresis settings, the setting of a time delay or pulse stretching, a counter with reset function and the choice between a limit or window function during operation, to name just a few examples. In addition, the measured value quality and thus the reflectivity of the optical diffuse reflection sensor in a specific application can be viewed via IO-Link.

The OTQ80576 in robust industrial plastic housing (protection class IP67) is designed for ambient temperatures from -25°C to +60°C. The electrical connection is made using a four-pin M8 cable connector. A flexibly adjustable ball joint holder (AY000116) is also available for mounting.

4. Significantly higher process reliability

The "blue one" from ipf gets amplifiers

Objects that reflect very little light onto the receiver of a sensor are generally difficult to detect. Deep black parts and shiny or transparent objects therefore often present diffuse reflection sensors with major challenges, meaning that a stable process is not always guaranteed. There are good reasons why ipf added the OT340571 optical diffuse-reflection sensor with IO-Link to its portfolio last year and is now expanding this product range.

The response behavior of the OT340571, which generates a point-shaped blue light spot, is completely independent of the shape, color and structure of the objects to be detected, which means that it is characterized by significantly higher process reliability within its range of 10mm to 200mm compared to conventional red light scanners. The diverse success of the robust diffuse reflection sensor in practice has prompted ipf to expand the product segment with two further diffuse-reflection sensors with a blue light source.

The OTQ80571 (range 10mm to 100mm) with push-pull switching output generates a linear blue light spot and scores points with its robust, glass fiber reinforced plastic housing (protection class IP67) and its very compact dimensions of 26x15x8.2mm, which offer decisive advantages, especially in confined installation conditions. Like the OT340571, the OTQ80571 also features background suppression for detection that is virtually independent of the object surface and can be set precisely via teach-in or the integrated IO-Link interface. The diffuse reflection sensor is connected via an M8 cable connector.

The OT230321 (protection class IP67), which is also equipped with background suppression, impresses with its remarkable range of up to 1200mm. The detection range is easily adjustable using a potentiometer. The switching output can be configured as normally closed (nc) or normally open (nc) via a control input. Another feature of the OT230321 is the 270° rotatable M12 connector plug, which enables variable mounting of the diffuse-reflection sensor.

New addition to the ipf laser sensor family

Three high-precision systems with ranges of up to 30m

The family of high-precision laser sensors from ipf has grown. The laser triangulation sensors with background suppression that work with point-shaped red light (laser class 1) for almost surface-independent object detection impress with their compact design (42.3mm x 10.8mm) and long ranges.

The new systems are available in three versions: as a diffuse-reflection sensor (PT310370) with a sensing range of 10mm to 500mm, as a reflex sensor (PR310370) with a range of 100mm to 12,000mm and as a through-beam sensor (PY310370), which achieves a considerable switching distance of up to 30m.

The sensitivity and the switching function of the PNP output, which can be switched from light-on to dark-on mode, can be adjusted via potentiometers integrated into the housing. Two integrated LEDs also simplify mounting and adjustment of the devices and indicate the sensor status during operation. The electrical connection of the laser sensors is made via an M8-connector.

6. High-precision radar sensor for contactless level detection

New solution completes ipf electronic's comprehensive portfolio

ipf electronic has a comprehensive portfolio of sensor solutions for media-contacting and contactless level detection. The new FR900020 now completes this very wide range with a device with radar technology.

The FR900020, which is contactless and therefore wear-free, works according to the transit time method. The device periodically transmits a radar signal with a linearly increasing and decreasing frequency and a constant rate of change via time, which is reflected by a liquid

medium. The filling level in a container is then determined via the transit time shift and the frequency deviation of the reflected radar

signal.

The new FR900020 radar sensor from ipf electronic is a real alternative for applications in which optical sensors or ultrasonic sensors reach their limits due to environmental conditions such as temperature, gas or steam, positive or negative pressure or vacuum as well as dust and interfering ambient light. The radar sensor offers clear advantages over ultrasonic sensors, for example, when monitoring the level of me-dia on which foam can form. In addition, the radar sensor also enables detection through a plastic lid, which serves as a container cover or protective window, for example.

The FR900020 in protection class IP67 and IP69k with M12-connector impresses with a very short response time of 0.03ms, a high range of up to 10m and a high focusing of the radar signal with an angle of beam spread of just 6°. The sensor with a housing made of stainless steel and chrome-nickel steel is insensitive to dirt or moisture and is designed for media temperatures from -50°C to +85°C.

7. Reduce compressed air consumption!

ipf's solution makes expensive waste visible

Compressed air is a valuable and therefore expensive resource, but one that is wasted time and time again in many companies due to leaks in consumption networks. As this results in high additional annual costs, it is worth investing in the UY000003 leak detector from ipf, as up to 42 percent of the total savings potential in compressed air systems can be leveraged by locating and eliminating leaks. In this context, the UY000003 can even visualize leaks for precise location and documentation.

Compressed air escaping from a leak generates ultrasonic waves. If the device is pointed at an area with a suspected leak using the integrated camera and color display, these waves are bundled using a sound funnel, recorded via a microphone, converted into audible frequencies and transmitted to headphones.

Thanks to an UltraCam and 30 digital MEMS microphones in the sound funnel, the UY000003 is able to display the leakage in color via the color display and thus visualize it. Leakage detection in darker environments is also supported by five additional LEDs on the funnel. All recorded data and images can then be transferred to a PC and documented using the associated free software, which also includes a

reporting tool in accordance with ISO 50001.

The leak detector from ipf offers the possibility of detecting leaks even during regular working hours and therefore in noisy environments, as disturbing noises are reliably suppressed during detection. The solutions in the handy case set are suitable for leak detection in

compressed air, gas, steam and vacuum systems as well as steam traps, seals and connections.