IFM Electronic

Position Sensors
For non-contact position sensing: an extensive variety of inductive, capacitive, magnetic and photoelectric sensors.
Inductive Sensors

Inductive sensors are nowadays indispensable for industrial usage. As compared to mechanical switches they offer almost ideal conditions: non-contact operation free from any wear and tear, high switching frequencies and accuracy. In addition, they are insensitive to vibration, dust and moisture. Inductive sensors detect all metals without contact.

Capacitive Sensors

Capacitive sensors are used for the non-contact detection of any objects. In contrast to inductive sensors, which only detect metallic objects, capacitive sensors can also detect non-metallic materials. Typical applications are in the wood, paper, glass, plastic, food and chemical industries.

Magnetic Sensors

Magnetic sensors are used for the detection of positions without contact or wear and tear in control technology. They are used where inductive proximity switches reach their limits. Since magnetic fields penetrate all non-magnetizable materials, the sensors can detect magnets through walls made of non-ferrous metal, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or wood.

Cylinder Sensors

Non-contact sensors virtually work without wear and often achieve a longer life than Reed switches. This saves expensive repair and downtimes.

Photoelectric Sensors For General Applications

Photoelectric sensors are used where safe and non-contact de-tection of the exact position of objects is required. The material of the objects to be detected is of no importance. Compared to proximity switches photoelectric sensors have a much higher sensing zone.

Photoelectric Fork Sensors / Angle Sensors

As is the case with through-beam sensors transmitter and receiver are arranged face to face. Both components are permanent parts of a fork or an angle, i.e. they do not have to be aligned towards each other.If an object enters the detection zone, the light beam is interrupted and a switching signal is generated. Optical fork and angle sensors use a particularly fine light beam and are thus suitable for the detection of tiny objects.

Laser Sensors / Distance Measurement Sensors

Laser systems are used where detection of small objects or precise positioning is required.Due to the small angle of divergence long ranges of up to 60 meters can be achieved.

Fibre Optic Sensors

Fibre optics are used where mounting space for photoelectric standard sensors is confined. Advantages of these systems: The evaluation electronics and the optoelectronic components are located separately from the sensing surface of the system.Fibre optic sensing heads can therefore be mounted in places where access is difficult.

Photoelectric Sensors For Specific Applications

Special tasks require special solutions. In addition to the standard photoelectric sensors and fibre optic systems ifm electronic offers special sensors for certain applications.

Feedback Systems For Valves And Valve Actuators

ifm electronic offers two inductive sensors integrated into one housing for position feedback on quarter-turn actuators (type IND). A target puck with two targets offset by 90° which is installed on the actuator shaft damps the lower or upper sensor of the IND depending on the position of the actuator (“open” or “closed). For position feedback on rising stem valves efector valvis is used. Two or three optional switch points can be set via a pushbutton over a stroke of 80 mm. This measuring stroke is resolved into steps of 0.2 mm by means of a target mounted on the valve spindle. Using this inductive sensor enables the detection of even very short strokes.

Switching Amplifiers

Switching amplifiers evaluate the sensor’s signal and control the output. Variants with relay as well as active transistor and potential-free optocoupler outputs are available.

 
Sensors For Motion Control
Detection of movement – from encoders, rotational speed detection through to pulse evaluation, with 100% quality.
Encoders

Encoders use the wear-free photoelectric detection. A pulse disc firmly attached to the shaft ensures this detection.By means of high pulse counts linear distances can be precisely resolved to just a few millimetres.

Speed Sensors

Rotational speed sensors integrate rotational speed detection and monitoring in one unit. The sensor head operates to the principle of the inductive proximity sensor. The sensor detects metal actuating surfaces on a rotating machine. The integrated evaluation converts this information into rotational speed. If the set min/max rotational speed is higher or lower, the electronic output switches.

Inclination Sensors

The 2-axis inclination sensors with a built-in CAN open interface are used for leveling and angular position detection of mobile machines. Typical applications are for example position detection of platforms or leveling of mobile cranes. Moreover there are inclination sensors with binary or analogue output stages which are connected directly to controllers or I/O modules.

Pulse Evaluation Systems

The complete product family includes analogue and digital pulse evaluation systems for speed, slip and direction monitoring, frequency-to-current converters, counters and digital displays as well as threshold relays and displays for analogue standard signals.

Industrial Imaging
Vision sensors for industrial applications – both in 2D and in 3D. Complete with integrated evaluation in a compact housing.
Vision Sensors

Stand-alone unit with integrated lighting and evaluation in a robust, industrially compatible housing. The electronic eye for monitoring presence, completeness, position, quality control as well as sorting tasks.

3D Sensors

efector pmd 3d is the first industrial 3D sensor that can assess objects in three dimensions at a glance. Each pixel of this chip matrix evaluates its distance to the object. The image of the object on the chip matrix and the respective distance values correspond to a 3D image. The integrated evaluation enables the detailed assessment of the object’s or scene’s conditions by means of volume, distance or level detection in three dimensions.

3D Cameras

The pmd 3d camera detects scenes and objects in their spatial dimensions at a glance. In contrast to laser scanners it does not require moving components and is thus robust and wear-free. The operating principle is the same as for the 3D sensor. Besides the 3D distance image the camera provides a grey image of the scene. The combination of these images offers the possibility to freely program application-specific tasks by means of a software development kit.

Illumination

Very slim backlights for generating a precise silhouette. Versions with red light or infrared light available. Continuous operation or pulse mode with 4-fold light intensity.

afety Technology
Safety technology
Safety sensors and relays approved with certifications up to the highest safety levels such as category 4 to EN 954-1, EN ISO 13849 – 1 / PL e and SIL 3 to IEC 61508.
Fail-safe Inductive Sensors

Here you will find the first electronic fail-safe sensors approved up to TÜV category 4, SIL 3 and PL e, which do not require a special counterpart but switch directly on the door or a stainless steel or mild steel target. They are wear-free and largely independent from mounting tolerances after a longer use of the doors.

Safety Light Curtains

Wherever motion of machine parts presents a danger to people or goods, safety light curtains or safety light grids are used. The protective equipment ensures that the outputs are switched off which results in a machine halt.

Safety Light Grids
Safety Relays

Multifunctional with the advantage on your side: The safety relays provide various connection options for safety light curtains, fail-safe inductive sensors or other non-contact guards. They meet the highest requirement with SIL 3 (IEC 61508). “Monitored” or “automatic start” as well as external muting are only some of numerous functions.

Safety Controllers

Controllers for safety-related applications up to safety category 3 (EN 954-1) are called “safety controllers”. Special test routines for hardware and software monitoring are implemented in the devices. Due to the certification of the hardware, operating system software and programming tools it is easy for the project engineer to get the approval for the machine.

AS-Interface Safety At Work

The sophisticated AS-i technology and the extended diagnostic possibilities provide high reliability and machine uptime. “Safety at Work” is the extension of the AS-interface by safety-related components. Safety components up to the highest control category 4 to EN 954-1, SIL 3 to IEC 61508 and EN ISO 13849 – 1 / PL e can be connected to AS-i.

 
Process Sensors
Pressure, flow, temperature and level sensors for different media. Plus signal evaluation and valve monitoring.
Pressure Sensors

IFM offers a wide range of electronic pressure and vacuum sensors to meet the requirements of various industrial applications.Depending on the application, units with ceramic-capacitive measuring cells or units with stainless steel measuring cells with thick film DMS are available. Various output functions and housing designs adapted to the area of application ensure an optimum integration into different processes.

Vacuum Sensors

ifm offers a wide range of electronic vacuum sensors to meet the requirements of various industrial applications.Various output functions and housing designs adapted to the area of application ensure an optimum integration into different processes.

Flow Sensors / Flow Meters

Sensors operating to suitable measurement methods can be used to monitor gases and liquids.A wide range of designs adapted to applications and requirements is available. All systems are designed so that the signals such as flow and temperature can be directly transferred to the control system for further processing.

Level Sensors

Level measurement distinguishes between direct measurement in the medium and the indirect detection from the outside (for example through the tank wall by means of capacitive sensors)deposits and wear and tear often lead to failures in particular if mechanical switches are in contact with the medium.The electronic IFM sensors however can do without any mechanical component. This makes the sensors especially robust and reliable. Regular maintenance and cleaning are not necessary.

Temperature Sensors

In automation and process technology, monitoring and control of temperatures is one of the most important measuring tasks. The correct temperature often influences quality and efficiency of the process. To avoid dangerous states, the temperature must be monitored in many applications.To do so, compact temperature switches and transmitters as well as cable and probe sensors are used that are connected to an external control monitor. In some industrial areas non-contact infrared (IR) measuring sensors are used.

Signal Evaluation Systems

Control monitors in DC and AC versions evaluate the signals of the flow sensors and provide them as a binary signal for further processing. They integrate wire break and temperature monitoring. Versions for hazardous areas are also available.

Feedback Systems For Valves And Valve

 
Industrial Communication
One-stop shop for AS-i: as well as masters / gateways and I/O modules ifm electronic offers the full range of components for AS-i plant control.
AS-Interface Controllers / Gateways

AS-i controller and gateways have AS-i master functionality and are thus an elementary part of AS-i networks. These components are usually in a control cabinet and ensure data communication. A wide product range provides suitability for different applications. An integrated CoDeSys-programmable PLC allows that the AS-i controllers can also be used as supplementary or independent control system.

AS-Interface Power Supplies / Earth Fault Monitors

AS-i needs special AS-i power supplies for the communication and the voltage supply of the AS-i modules and the connected inputs and outputs (partly). They supply an unearthed voltage that is in particular suitable for communication insensitive to interference, in particular in industrial environments. By means of earth fault monitors the installation can be monitored for earthing problems.

AS-Interface I/O Modules

The I/O modules are decentralised input and output modules of the AS-i interface for the connection of your digital and analogue inputs and outputs. Different applications have various requirements on the I/O modules regarding protection rating, resistance and materials used. The product range covers PCB solutions, control cabinet modules and I/O modules with protection rating IP69K.

AS-Interface AirBoxes For Pneumatics

The AS-i AirBoxes are compact pneumatic valves, complemented by digital feedback inputs. They are integrated in a ClassicLine housing and are compatible in terms of space and mounting. The AS-i connection is carried out via the common flat cable or round cable lower parts. 3/2-way, 4/2-way, 5/2-way and 5/3-way valves are available.

AS-Interface Sensors

The bus connection is already integrated in the intelligent AS-i sensors. So they can be directly connected to the yellow cable. In addition to the pure sensor information, further diagnostic data are available via the AS-interface, which can be transmitted and evaluated at a low cost.

As-interface Devices For Valves And Valve Actuators

The valve controls for pneumatic quarter-turn actuators can be directly mounted to most quarter-turn actuators by means of the standardised mechanical interface. They contain two inductive sensors for position feedback, one or two outputs for the control of the pilot valve, and an AS-i slave.

AS-Interface Expansion

There are different ways to extend the AS-i cable. The specified one hundred metres can be extended up to 1000 metres in extreme cases.

AS-Interface Safety At Work..
Fieldbus Components

ifm electronics AS-i gateways provide solutions for field buses such as Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/ IP, Device Net, Ethercat and CAN open. The gateways function as fieldbus slave and use AS-Interface as an intelligent feeder for the information highway.

Io-link Components

IO-Link is a manufacturer and field-bus independent standard that makes exchange of I/O user data and parameter data between a control system and IO-Link compatible devices such as sensors and actuators with diagnostic capabilities possible.The AS-Interface / I/O-Link gateway allows the use of IO-Link functionality in AS-Interface.

Identification Systems
RFID systems for production and conveying technology as well as identification of workpiece carriers and products. Photoelectric multicode reader for 1D bar codes and 2D codes.
RFID 125 KHz

RFID systems based on 125 kHz for production and conveying technology, identification of workpiece carriers and products. – System DTS 125 with AS-Interface – System DTE 100 with Profibus DP – System DTE 101 with Profinet – System DTE 102 with Ethernet/IP

RFID 13.56 MHz

Flexible system for production, assembly and handling technology. Ensures fast data transmission and supports the ISO 15693 standard. – DTE102 system with EtherNet/IP- DTE101 system with Profinet – DTE100 system with Profibus DP

RFID UHF

The system is optimised for applications in production control, asset management, material flow control, track & trace and supply chain management: – System DTE 800 for EU/ETSI – System DTE 810 with Ethernet/IP – System DTE 900 for US/FCC – System DTE 910 with Ethernet/IP

Tags

ID tags for ifm RFID systems. Different versions and designs for a wide range of identification tasks.

1D/2D Code Readers

Photoelectric multicode reader for 1D bar codes and 2D codes.Versions with infrared light and red light as well as different field of view sizes are available.

 
Condition Monitoring Systems
Real-time maintenance – the key to condition-based maintenance. Machine and plant diagnosis by monitoring vibration and other process features.
Vibration Monitoring Systems

effector octavos is a simple to implement vibration monitoring system which detects vibration data and automatically determines the machine diagnosis directly on the machine. The machine condition is forwarded to the PLC or to SCADA systems. It fulfills the main requirements for modern machine monitoring: compatibility, modularity, and transferable configuration.

Flow Meters For Compressed Air

efector metris is used to measure the consumption of compressed air. The high measurement dynamics in conjunction with high measurement accuracy and a fast response time result in an application range from leakage detection to operational measurement of consumption. Many possibilities of supplying the values measured for current and temperature allow almost universal coupling to process or control systems.

Flow Meters For Water

Efforts to reduce water consumption presuppose knowledge of the current consumption. Measuring systems such as magnetic-inductive or ultrasound flow meters can also be used for applications in drinking water circuits due to their compact design. The use in drinking water supply is ensured by the use of approved materials. Many possibilities of supplying the values measured for current and temperature allow almost universal coupling to process or control systems.

Systems For Oil Quality Monitoring

For an early detection of too high a water content in lubricants and oils it is useful to continuously monitor the relative moisture in the media using a sensor.The sensor measures the relative moisture in the oil in the range of 0…100 % by means of a capacitive measuring element. Besides the relative moisture the sensor also provides the medium temperature as an analogue signal.

Systems For Mobile Machines
For use in harsh environments: the control system ecomatmobile for mobile machines with 100% quality.
Basic Control Systems

The ecomatmobile Basic control system has a modular design, is easy to install and to operate and is cost-optimised. Besides pure control functions it provides solutions for wiring and protection. In addition, a graphical visualisation module ensures the indication of system messages and simple display instruments.

Mobile Controllers

The platform of the ecomatmobile control system: the powerful controller family.Free programmability and the variety of configuration options enable use in a wide range of different applications.

IO Modules

Decentralized I/O modules for use in CAN open bus systems. Considerably reduced wiring, they are mounted where the signals are generated.The flexible configuration of the inputs and outputs enables universal use and reduces the costs for stock holding.

Dialogue Modules / Displays

Displays with graphics capabilities, free programming to IEC 61131 and various interfaces are features of the dialogue modules.The convenient user interface for service and machine handling – the dialogue modules of the ecomatmobile control system.

Cameras

In almost all mobile machines, users today use displays for indicating machine information. At the same time camera systems monitor the operating areas. Here, the new camera system O2M is used. Designed for extreme operating conditions.

Diagnostic And Service Units

Detection of diagnostic data – the basis for a powerful and low-cost remote maintenance and monitoring concept.Reduced service costs and standstill times in cases of failure are essential advantages of this modern technology.

Signal Converters

The solution provider for special applications. Signal converter to adapt sensor and actuator signals to the inputs and outputs of the controller or CAN open modules.

Sensors

From CAN-bus compatible or analogue inclination sensors to inductive proximity switches and pressure sensors for mobile applications.The sensors of the ecomatmobile system are reliable even under the extreme conditions of use in a mobile machine.

 
Connection Technology
For reliable connection: industrially compatible connectors for various application areas. From M8, M12, M18 through to valve plugs.
Sockets

Sockets are mainly used for the connection of sensors. High-quality socket contacts and materials ensure reliable electrical connections. In addition to a wide range of standard products ifm also offers versions without silicone and halogen, versions for hygienic areas, for applications in contact with coolants and lubricants, as well as for welding applications.

Plugs

Plugs are mainly used for the connection to splitter boxes and modules. High-quality pin contacts and materials ensure reliable electrical connections. In addition to a wide range of standard products ifm also offers versions without silicone and halogen, versions for hygienic areas, for applications in contact with coolants and lubricants, as well as for welding applications.

Jumper Cables

Connection cables feature a plug and a socket. They are used for the connection of sensors to splitter boxes and modules. High-quality contacts and materials ensure reliable electrical connections. In addition to a wide range of standard products ifm also offers versions without silicone and halogen, versions for hygienic areas, for applications in contact with coolants and lubricants, as well as for welding applications.

Splitter Boxes

Splitter boxes enable the connection of several sensors and the transmission of the corresponding signals and supply voltages via a multi-wire cable. This considerably reduces installation and wiring complexity. In addition to splitter boxes with potted cable, versions with central connector are also available.

Adapter Sockets

Adapter sockets enable led-through plug-and-socket connections in housings or control cabinets assure quality.

Adapter Plugs

Adapter plugs are mainly used for retrofitting of sensors with cable glands to plug-and-socket connections. They are screwed into the housing instead of the existing cable gland and connected to the existing terminals.

Y-splitters

Y connection cables are used for the distribution of signals and the connection of two units to a connector.

COMBICON Connectors

COMBICON connectors offer the advantages of service-friendly plug-and-socket connections in conjunction with tried-and-tested screw and clamp technologies. Today, they are used for the connection of many ifm control monitors, power supplies and AS-i masters as a standard.

Accessories
Little things that make a difference: adapters, brackets, fittings and, not least, power supplies are indispensable for an efficient installation.
Power Supplies

AS-i switched-mode power supplies are a necessary and essential part of an AS-interface network. They generate a regulated DC output voltage be-tween 29.5 V and 31.6 V according to the AS-i specification. All power supplies comply with the PELV requirements of EN 50178 and EN 60204.

Basic Mounting Accessories

The correct mounting of the sensor is decisive for the machine function. ifm electronic offers a complete range of fixing accessories for simple and safe mounting. In addition to individual components such as angle brackets, nuts and mounting clamps, special mounting sets allow inexpensive, fast and flexible mounting solutions.

Adjustable Mounting Systems

ifm offers a complete component system of easy-to-use mounting sets that make the installation of sensors and reflectors easier for you. The solutions consist of a clamp fastened by only one screw that keeps the sensors safely in position and guarantees free movement in all axes. Whereas the sensor mounting elements used depend on the sensor type, the clamps can be mounted in three different ways: rod mounting, free-standing mounting and fitting onto aluminium extrusions which are common in industry.

Accessories For Photoelectric Sensors

Especially for photoelectric sensors the quality of the fixing and of the accessories used is of great importance for the reliability of the complete sensor system. In addition to suitable reflectors, angle brackets, mounting sets, diaphragms and lenses, you can also find suitable fibre optics and special fixtures here.

Accessories For Magnetic Sensors

In addition to the customised installation and fastening options ifm also offers various target magnets.

Accessories For Cylinder Sensors

ifm provides tailor-made accessories for the adaptation of the cylinder sensors to different pneumatic cylinder types.

Accessories For Valve Feedback Systems

For cylinder switches and valve sensors ifm offers suitable mounting solutions and special accessories for fast and wear-free operation. Damping magnets and switching cams (pucks) were ideally adapted to the sensors and offer highest operational reliability.

Accessories For AS-Interface

The extensive range of accessories for set-up, diagnosis and electrical installation ensures the success of AS-interface. A variety of EMS lower parts allows the use of AS-i flat cables, screened or unscreened round cables. Flat cable insulation displacement connectors are available for the inexpensive cabling of the bus as well as for the fast connection of units with round cable or M12 connector. Software, literature and the eAS-i tester for the detection and documentation of disturbed data messages complete the range.

Accessories For Control Systems

Mounting material and aids for the ecomatmobile control system.we are always looking to provide the best product to our customer.

Accessories For Identification Systems
Miscellaneous

Nuts, protective caps, mounting bases, label tags and other parts which can also be ordered separately, can be found here.