The ECBPi electric vacuum generator with IO-Link and NFC was developed for mobile robotics and stationary handling tasks with collaborative robots. © Lard

From the air flow to the data stream
The benefits of digitalization at component level for vacuum applications can be seen in the SCTMi compact terminal, which combines up to 16 individual vacuum generators into one compact unit with just one electrical and one compressed air connection. Schmalz thus enables the simultaneous, independent handling of different parts with just one system. The vacuum is generated by a Venturi nozzle and detected by a sensor. The user can read out the exact vacuum value via the IO-Link process data or on the display of the generator.

The ejectors are also controlled via the cyclical process data and current information is reported back by the SCTMi. Setting values, parameters and measurement and analysis data are also available to the user via the IO-Link connection. In addition, the diagnostic and forecasting functions of the vacuum components derive information about the status of the system and identify trends in quality and performance.

Transmitted to an internal or external cloud, the data is processed and analyzed and generates real added value: if the system detects values running out of tolerance or creeping changes, these can be quickly and clearly displayed to the user. For example, the system checks the leakage and dynamic pressure for predictive maintenance evaluations.

Condition monitoring events are triggered, for example, if the dynamic pressure values deviate, the evacuation times of the ejectors exceed their limit values or sensor voltages are outside the operating range. The energy monitoring function keeps an eye on the energy consumption of the connected vacuum systems. This monitoring is based on the measured air consumption, which is calculated taking into account the system pressure and nozzle size. Users can specify an externally recorded pressure value via the IO-Link process data. If this value is available, the ejector can also measure the absolute air consumption in addition to the percentage.

Quickly integrated
These diverse functions enable the user to keep their system efficient, avoid machine downtimes and increase system availability. However, IO-Link also offers decisive advantages when integrating the compact terminal into the system environment: Schmalz provides the user with a comprehensive IO-Link configuration file IODD (IO Device Description), which includes information on identification, device parameters, process and diagnostic data and communication properties. The replacement of devices is also simplified, as the IO-Link protocol contains an automatic data transfer mechanism. When replacing a device with a new one of the same type, the setting parameters of the old device are automatically saved by the master in the new device.

The SCTMi compact terminal is part of the constantly growing range of intelligent field devices. Their process and status data make Industry 4.0 concepts possible. Users benefit from fast commissioning, reliable operation and lower failure risks. In addition to special compact ejectors, Schmalz has also equipped the VSi electronic vacuum pressure switch - which measures and monitors negative and positive pressures in automation and handling systems - as well as the SNGi-AE special gripper and the ECBPi electric vacuum generator with IO-Link and NFC for the digital factory. as