IO-Link Safety
The new standard for greater safety in the industrial automation
Automation requires maximum safety and reliability. With the IO-Link Safety standard, companies now benefit from the advantages of the proven IO-Link communication system in the area of functional safety as well. Balluff, as one of the leading providers of IO-Link solutions, recognised the importance of safety at an early stage and therefore developed Safety over IO-Link at an early stage. Safety over IO-Link adds safety functions to the IO-Link system so that safe and non-safe data can be transmitted together via the same network. This enables the integration of safety-relevant signals directly into the existing IO-Link infrastructure.
We are continuing along this path with the new IO-Link Safety industry standard. The IO-Link Safety Master offers an innovative extension that provides maximum flexibility as an optimum safety solution. It is currently under development and is expected to be available from 2025.
Our safety concept comprises a constantly increasing number of products and components that help to minimise the danger to man and machine and to process information safely.
What is IO-Link Safety?
IO-Link Safety seamlessly integrates functional safety into existing IO-Link systems. This enables safe and reliable communication between safety devices and control systems, covering both standard and safety-critical applications. The IO-Link Safety Master acts as a central interface or gateway and safely connects the various components of your system with the safety controller.
Many sensors in automation technology have to fulfil safety-critical tasks, such as light barriers for safeguarding hazardous areas, pressure sensors for monitoring safety-critical pressure values or position sensors that ensure that a machine only moves within a safe range. With IO-Link Safety, safety-critical sensors can be seamlessly integrated into automation systems. IO-Link Safety ensures the reliable transmission of safety-relevant data in accordance with the highest functional safety standards. This means that machines and systems can be effectively monitored and safeguarded, while safety requirements are guaranteed at all times.
Advantages of IO-Link Safety at a glance
IO-Link Safety fulfils the highest safety standards and ensures safe communication. This significantly reduces the risk to people and machines in industry. Thanks to plug-and-play, IO-Link Safety devices can be put into operation quickly and easily. The standardised M12 connectors guarantee compatibility with existing systems.
Real-time monitoring of the safety devices means that faults can be recognised and rectified immediately. This contributes to higher system availability and predictive maintenance. The modular concept of IO-Link Safety makes it easy to expand and adapt the system to meet new requirements. The IO-Link Safety Master also supports the connection of multiple safety devices at fieldbus level.
Spotlight applications of IO-Link Safety
The applications of IO-Link Safety primarily include the safe monitoring and control of machines in automated production systems and extend across various sectors, including the automotive industry, the battery industry, the manufacturing industry, logistics and the food and packaging industry. Typical areas of application include the safe monitoring of emergency stop switches, safety gates, light grids or enabling switches, as well as the integration of safety-relevant data from sensors and actuators into automated control and monitoring systems.
Other standard IO-Link and safety components, such as the SmartLight signal light or emergency stop switches, can also be connected to the master. To fulfil high safety requirements, IO-Link Safety is indispensable in modern production environments.
Battery: Anode and cathode production line
With the help of the IO-Link Safety Master, safety components such as IO-Link Safety solenoid interlocks or light curtains can be connected easily and centrally. Thanks to the simple wiring, this not only saves time, but also space.
Battery: Coating and drying oven
To secure doors, IO-Link safety door locking devices can be connected centrally to the IO-Link safety master. Thanks to the fully secured communication between the safety components via the master to the safety control, the states can be monitored.
IO-Link Safety in Industry 4.0: safety meets intelligent networking
Safety plays a key role in the era of Industry 4.0, especially as more and more machines and systems are being intelligently networked. With IO-Link Safety, companies rely on a standard that not only meets the highest safety requirements, but can also be perfectly integrated into modern, digitalised production environments. By seamlessly connecting machines, sensors and controllers, IO-Link Safety creates the basis for safe, networked production in which data can be evaluated in real time and processes can be optimised automatically. This not only enables higher productivity, but also increased system availability and predictive maintenance - key components of the smart factory.
With IO-Link Safety, you can rely on the future of industrial safety and optimise your production processes at the same time. Maximum system safety, simple integration and maximum efficiency - the IO-Link Safety standard offers all of this. Benefit from Balluff's innovative strength and make your automation processes safer and more efficient than ever before.