The June technology meeting of the Durban branch of the SAIMC was held on 6 June, as usual at the Durban Country Club. Krzysztof Lapacz, business development manager for the Industrial Networking department at IFM, presented on the subject of IO-Link solutions for factory automation. Judging by the record attendance at the evening, this topic certainly aroused people’s interest and Krzysztof’s presentation didn’t disappoint, covering:
Chairman Hennie Prinsloo (right) thanks Krzysztof Lapacz.
• What is IO-Link
• Features of IO-Link
• Previous technology
• Future technology
• IO-Link master modules
• Parameterisation of IO-Link sensors
• IO-Link network architecture
• Industry 4.0 and IoT with IO-Link
• Real-time maintenance with Industry 4.0
• A small live demo of IO-Link sensors and IO-Link masters
Krzysztof Lapacz started his career in instrumentation at Sasol Secunda in 2005. As a process and analytical instrumentation technician, he was responsible for the maintenance of pneumatic and electronic process instrumentation loops all the way from the DCS systems down to the final control elements such as valves. In 2012 he joined Rand Instruments as a service and technical engineer before joining IFM ZA in 2015 as a product specialist in the Industrial Networking department, focusing on the pre-sale, in-sale and after-sales of ASI and IO-Link networking solutions. In 2017 he was appointed as the business development manager for the Industrial Networking department and he was still focused in the area of ASI and IO-Link networking solutions but also overseeing the activities of the department, so he was well qualified to present to us.
We’d like to thank IFM for its kind sponsorship of the evening.
SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
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.
printer friendly version