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:

BMG expands fluid technology portfolio with Boston by Danfoss industrial hose
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Pneumatics & Hydraulics
BMG has added the Boston by Danfoss Industrial Hose range to its fluid technology portfolio, giving customers a single source for both hydraulic and industrial hose requirements across Africa.

Read more...
The data-driven path to sustainable manufacturing
ifm - South Africa Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.

Read more...
Fiber-optic amplifiers for precise object detection
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The OCF fibre-optic amplifier detects even the smallest or most transparent objects in confined spaces, making proven fibre-optic technology easier and more user-friendly than before.

Read more...
Inductive ring sensors monitor material flow in feeding technology
ifm - South Africa Level Measurement & Control
Inductive ring sensors detect metallic parts moving through tubes at up to 35 m/s, whatever their size, enabling precise counting, flow control and reliable detection of blockages or misfeeds.

Read more...
IIoT controller for the field and control cabinet
ifm - South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.

Read more...
Pneumatic solutions for versatility, operational safety and efficiency
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
As an authorised partner of Festo, BMG combines access to globally recognised pneumatic technologies with local application expertise and technical support.

Read more...
Turning compressed air into a strategic energy advantage
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Compressed air accounts for up to 80% of a system’s lifecycle costs, yet often remains overlooked in energy strategies. CompAir’s Energy Check provides a data-driven analysis of the complete compressed air network to identify energy savings of 20 to 30% or more.

Read more...
Submersible pump protection
ifm - South Africa Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
With ifm’s remote monitoring solution you can visualise the condition of your submersible pumps and diagnose issues before they become serious problems.

Read more...
Air compressor secures premium meat company’s legacy
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
A tailored ELGi compressed air solution from Integrated Air Solutions is helping Tulisa Meat Market protect six decades of quality and consistency in its premium meat production.

Read more...
Hygienic ultrasonic flow sensor
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The SU Puresonic Hygienic ultrasonic sensor from ifm detects flows of conductive and non-conductive media with high precision.

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