IO-Link is a revolutionary, cost-effective sensor and actuator standard that can today enhance the flexibility, capabilities and productivity of packaging machines both new and already in use with little extra burden on operators or maintenance personnel. In fact, it makes their jobs easier.
IO-Link is based on the first international standard for IO technology IEC 61131-9. This standard has the enthusiastic support of the major automation companies from sensor and actuator manufacturers to controls suppliers. This means that new IO-Link enabled sensors and actuators are coming to market rapidly, and that the supplier community is supporting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as they incorporate the standard into their packaging machines. The following three examples of applications on Edson (edson.com) case packers illustrate the practicalities of IO-Link.