Enhancing actuator systems with an IO-Link^® interface

Electric linear actuators already play an important part in industrial automation. With the IO-Link interface in your LINAK^® actuator, integration to existing Fieldbus systems has never been easier.

What is IO-Link?

IO-Link is a point-to-point industrial network standard used to connect digital sensors and actuators to an industrial Fieldbus or Ethernet. It is used with simple three-wire cables without the need for additional shielding. The bi-directional communication ensures rapid parameter setting and diagnostics, thereby increasing the efficiency and reducing down-time in for instance industrial automation and packaging machinery.

LINAK actuators with integrated IO-Link

If you operate in manufacturing or processing, IO-Link is most likely an important tool in your business already. This universal interface is a well-established standard that is smart and easy to use. However, until now it has mainly been used for sensors and similar devices in industrial automation.

At LINAK, we want to change that. We wish to bring forward the many benefits of IO-Link into new fields of applications using linear movement. That is why we have developed electric actuators with IO-Link, built on the pillars of the underlying technology: simplified installation, automated parameter setting and expanded diagnostics.

IO-Link is part of our IC Integrated Controller™ series and with this well-known industrial communications standard, you can use linear actuator movement in your IO-Link system without having to use customised electronics.

Increase efficiency of your machine

Many types of machinery, such as machinery in the process industry, already use the many options available with IO-Link. But finding the technology used in machine tools, packaging systems, and handling assembly automation is also quite common.

Regardless of the setup and situation, it relies upon numerous sensors, ensuring maximum production output, high quality, and reduces downtime. Introducing linear actuators to this ecosystem allows you to automate several processes, either to increase safety or simply to do things smarter. Whether in automated gate openers, hood lifts, valves, belt tensioners, conveyor adjustments - the opportunities are endless.

So advanced, yet so easy to integrate

The first actuator with IO-Link was our LA25. It is a compact and robust actuator capable of handling loads of up to 2,500 N or speeds up to 25 mm/s. With the innate two-way communication option of IO-Link, you can control and adjust several things with your actuator(s). For instance:

Command:

Desired speed (0-100%)
Run in/out to specified position
Set current limit (A)

Read out data:

Position (mm)
Current consumption (A)
Status (running out/in or fully extended/retracted

Features of actuators with IO-link

Feature

Description

Plug-and-play

The actuator can be equipped with an M12 connecter for plug and play to the IO-Link master.

Dynamic speed adjustment

Speed variation throughout the actuator movement and direct feedback read out.

Soft start and stop

Soft start and stop times can be set directly using an IO-Link master. You can set a ramp time for a smoother run to reduce mechanical stress on your machinery.

Run to position

Send a run command and the actuator will run to a desired position with high accuracy.

Real-time data feedback

Read-out data about actual position, current consumption, actual status and error messages.

The benefits of LINAK actuators with integrated IO-Link are numerous

Check real-time position of the actuators
Monitor their status feedback such as speed, run-time, current and other conditions
Full diagnostics and service overview including both current and historic data
Fewer components and simple wiring, easy to integrate in your machine
Increased flexibility for adapting the same actuator to fit various types of application
Service data allows for faster troubleshooting and maintenance

Curious to know more?

Our team is ready to assist if you want to know more about our IO-Link actuators or one of the other interfaces.

'I have worked with IO-Link components for years and know how important it is to also have actuators, valves and drives with IO-Link communication. When I consult OEMs and end-users about automation solutions, the conversation always ends with the question: ”What is the easiest way to control and monitor our automation components?” The LINAK actuator with IO-Link communication is perfect for the customer who wants to build the digital factory where down-time is minimised with condition-based maintenance – driven by data. The machine builder gets the opportunity to offer remote diagnostics on component level (sensors or actuators) when all the components are integrated in the IO-Link system of the digital factory.'
Jens-Christian Praestegaard, Sales Engineer, IFM Electronics

'As a pioneer in the IoT and IO-Link world, SICK acknowledges the importance of introducing the physical motion world to the IoT market. So, we welcome LINAK to the world of IO-Link and we look forward to seeing the impact their motion solutions have on the customer need for sensor technology. It is now possible to set up smart sensors, which instantly detect, measure and react to sudden changes. Via the IO-Link communication, these sensors inform LINAK actuators to move to a specific position at a desired speed to improve the customer production. One of our main goals is to increase customers' OEE figures and this is where major players like LINAK can help us reach our goal.'
Henrik Bostrup – Market Product Manager, SICK Denmark

Supporting literature

Quick start guide
IO Device Description for LA25

BusLink

Actuators with IC Integrated Controller from LINAK can be configured via the BusLink configuration software.

Download a free version of the latest BusLink software to configure your actuator or read out service data. The basic functionalities are explained here, and each communication protocol also comes with a variety of specific features.