The SCTMi Ethernet is part of the Connect product range and is the first smart field device from Schmalz to have an Ethernet interface instead of an IO-Link interface. This allows it to communicate via the industrial Ethernet standards Ethercat, Ethernet/IP and Profinet, which are designed for high real-time capability and robustness. The compact terminal consists of up to 16 ejectors, which are supplied with compressed air and energy via a central access point. Eco-nozzle technology enables energy-efficient vacuum generation, while the automatic air-saving function reduces compressed air consumption by up to 80 percent. Each compact ejector has a pumping speed of up to 67 liters per minute and achieves a maximum vacuum of 85 percent. An integrated electronic sub-bus system provides control via a single cable and enables separate access to each individual ejector. This allows simultaneous, independent handling of different parts with just one vacuum system.

Bidirectional parameterization and diagnostics are possible in all common fieldbus systems. The recorded data can be viewed and used right up to the control level. The resulting functions for process and system monitoring prevent downtimes: While condition monitoring increases system availability through detailed status analysis and fault detection, predictive maintenance registers creeping changes in the gripping system. Users can intervene at an early stage in the event of a drop in performance or schedule a replacement in good time. The Energy Monitoring function keeps an eye on the vacuum system's energy consumption.

Independently of communication with the system control unit, data and parameters can also be transmitted directly via smartphone or tablet using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. The advantage of near-field technology lies in the secure communication via an energy-neutral point-to-point connection. The Schmalz Controlroom app can be used to read out and parameterize the system. pb