Pneumatics & Hydraulics


Controlling pneumatics via IO-Link

January 2026 Pneumatics & Hydraulics


Pneumatic airboxes control cylinders or actuators using compressed air, and are found in a wide range of industrial applications. They are used in almost all areas in which pneumatics are used for positioning. Examples include: pick and place applications, machine tools, robotics, handling and conveyor belts. In filling systems, airboxes control actuators, for example, during dosing or filling.Thanks to their compact design, airboxes can be mounted close to the pneumatic actuators to be controlled. The short distance minimises the risk of leaks and therefore significantly increases energy efficiency. Besides, short pneumatic tubes allow for short switching times.

The Airboxes provide digital inputs to which, for example, cylinder sensors for position feedback can be connected. Long, separate cable paths to the plant controller are not required.

IO-Link benefits

The electrical connection is made via a 24 V power supply eliminating the need for additional auxiliary voltage and screened cables. This simplifies cabling considerably. Diagnostics are also made easier. Production data, such as operating hours, switch-on operations and internal temperature, are logged in the airbox. This enables predictive maintenance and offers maximum transparency, for example, for remote service purposes. External faults, such as short circuits at the digital inputs, are reliably detected. All in all, these advantages improve the efficiency, reliability and process quality of machines and systems.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Distance sensor for confined spaces
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.

Read more...
Integrated and upgradable vision system
ifm - South Africa Motion Control & Drives
The O3R platform is the comprehensive solution for centralised, synchronised processing of image and sensor information in autonomous mobile robots such as automated guided vehicles.

Read more...
Robust sensors for pneumatic applications
ifm - South Africa Pneumatics & Hydraulics
The pressure sensors from ifm have a G1/8 process connection, combined with a welded thin-film measuring cell. While offering an unbeatable price/performance ratio, this technology provides for high measuring accuracy in a very compact and robust housing.

Read more...
Robust PLC for field applications
ifm - South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ifm is a leading suppliers of robust control systems for mobile use. Its ecomat series comprises PLCs, I/O modules and sensors that can withstand the harsh environmental influences of mobile applications.

Read more...
Ultrasonic flow meters
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The ultrasonic flow meter of the SU series from ifm - South Africa monitors liquid media such as water, glycol solutions or industrial oils. It detects the three process categories volumetric flow quantity, consumed quantity and medium temperature.

Read more...
Remote monitoring solution for sewage plants
ifm - South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
With ifm’s remote monitoring solution, you can visualise the condition of the submersible pumps in your sewage plant and diagnose issues before they become serious problems.

Read more...
Condition monitoring for hydroelectric plants
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The energy company Compagnia Valdostana delle Acque generates electricity in the region’s 32 hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of over 900 MW. Vibration sensors from ifm monitor the maintenance requirements of the turbines and power generators at all times.

Read more...
Mobile IoT gateway and mobile IoT suite from ifm
ifm - South Africa Motion Control & Drives
With mobile IoT, the benefits of digitalisation are becoming a reality for mobile machines. You can get the most out of your machine fleet through performance monitoring, needs-based maintenance planning and software updates over the air.

Read more...
A guide to common hydraulic system contaminants
CT Hydraulics (Nqoba) Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Every engineer, machine designer and maintenance professional understands that the heart of any reliable hydraulic system is its fluid. But the moment that fluid is compromised, your system’s life expectancy and your peace of mind drop dramatically.

Read more...
Compressed air piping design
Artic Driers International Pneumatics & Hydraulics
When designing a compressed air pipeline, remember that size matters. The internal size of the pipe, along with the pressure and air volume, determine the velocity of the compressed air in the pipeline.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved