Kolhapur, India – March 21, 2025 – ifm India is pleased to showcase its innovative AirBoxes with IO-Link, designed to optimize pneumatic control in diverse industrial applications. These advanced modules combine the functionalities of an IO-Link I/O module and a solenoid valve, providing efficient and reliable control of cylinders and pneumatic actuators.
The compact design of the AirBoxes allows for installation in close proximity to pneumatic actuators, minimizing the length of pneumatic tubing. This proximity reduces the risk of leaks and enhances energy efficiency. Additionally, shorter tubing contributes to faster switching times, improving overall system responsiveness.
Each AirBox is equipped with four pairs of digital inputs, facilitating direct connection of devices such as cylinder sensors for position feedback. This integration eliminates the need for extended separate cabling to the main plant controller, simplifying installation and reducing potential points of failure.
The implementation of IO-Link technology offers significant benefits, including simplified wiring through a standard 24 V power supply, eliminating the necessity for additional auxiliary voltage and shielded cables. Moreover, AirBoxes are capable of logging critical production data such as operating hours, switch-on operations, and internal temperature metrics. This data logging facilitates predictive maintenance and provides comprehensive system diagnostics, enhancing machine reliability and process quality. The system also reliably detects external faults, such as short circuits at the digital inputs, ensuring maximum transparency and efficiency in machine operations.
“Our AirBoxes with IO-Link represent a significant advancement in pneumatic control technology. “By integrating IO-Link capabilities, we enable our customers to achieve higher energy efficiency, improved diagnostics, and streamlined installation processes, ultimately enhancing the performance of their industrial systems.”