FEATURE HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS
For those designing industrial devices and networks, solutions are needed that bring intelligence, power and flexibility to the production environment,
while also saving space and being cost effective. This thinking certainly applies to those considering how to optimise the connection of pneumatic valve
manifolds to industrial networks, as Linda Caron, product manager for Factory Automation at Parker Hannifin Pneumatic Division, explains
Optimising the connection M
ost manufacturers have their own definition of a ‘smart factory’ and what they want it to do for them. Common themes include the
requirement for embedded components with added intelligence, thus facilitating machine-to-machine communication and reaction. Such ideas usually come down to practical aspects like system architecture, and how the multitude of sensors and actuators will communicate via the network.
NETWORKS AND PROTOCOLS Ethernet networks are becoming increasingly popular, not least due to advantages such as integration with IT infrastructure, Internet connectivity and remote monitoring. Many Ethernet networks and protocols, such as PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, EtherCat and Modbus TCP, have been around for well over a decade, but until now the prohibitive cost of installing such systems has limited the scope of their application to those requiring the highest levels of sophistication. As a consequence, cost-effective fieldbus networks such as PROFIBUS DP, DeviceNet, CANopen and AS interface have become popular for more straightforward operations. In sectors where process automation is applied, the latest trend is that
traditional fieldbuses, such as PROFIBUS DP, DeviceNet and CANopen, are slowly getting squeezed out of the picture. This is due to the cost of Ethernet networks and protocols falling, plus a notable rise in emerging technologies such as wireless networks and open communications protocols. IO-Link, for example, is fast becoming the next significant industrial network protocol as it can provide the perfect local extension to a superior
“This stripped-down ‘do more with less’ business model will encourage plants that still typically hard-wire their valve manifolds to make that leap towards industrial networks”
industrial Ethernet network. Launched in 2008 by Siemens, this is the first IO technology for communication with sensors and actuators to be adopted as an international standard (IEC 61131-9), meaning that devices can be integrated in the same way in all commonly used fieldbus systems and automation systems, right up to ERP level. Factors such as ease of installation, greater control and improved
diagnostics capabilities have won IO-Link technology a substantial user base. Indeed, Parker Hannifin has joined more than 130 companies in the IO-Link community, which represents over eight million nodes achieved in the field.
NEW NETWORK NODE Endorsing IO-Link’s growing importance, Parker has released its P2H network node, an addition to the H Series ISO valve platform. Designed with IO-Link connectivity in mind, the P2H node allows a robust means of
44 JUNE 2019 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS
connecting H Series valves to the IO-Link network, thus saving total system and installation costs in comparison with the use of Ethernet or hard wiring. In addition, the new network node is safe-power capable, meaning auxiliary valve power can be supplied by a safety device in support of the European Machinery Directive. Such a network node introduces
a robust, general purpose industrial valve into the IO-Link portfolio, while maintaining the ability to mix flow sizes on a universal manifold base.
Applications include vehicle body welding and assembly, as well as systems for the application of adhesives and sealants, end of arm tooling (EOAT) for
robots, riveting machines, blow moulding machines and case erectors. H Series ISO valves now feature a full range of connectivity options,
including IO-Link, Ethernet/IP, Profinet IO, EtherCAT, POWERLINK, Modbus/TCP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Profibus DP, CANopen, AS-I and InterBus-S.
NETWORK CONNECTIVITY When it comes to network connectivity, flexibility and modularity are essential. The value of Parker’s P2M IO-Link node module, for example, is as a low-cost network connection with easy integration and simple- to-use local diagnostics that are facilitated through four LEDs for communication and output status. Moreover, voltage monitoring and cycle counting are available through the network, simplifying diagnostics and supporting the adoption of predictive maintenance strategies. Many general pneumatic control applications can benefit from such
modules, including packaging, automotive and factory automation. In fact, visit any automotive or packaging plant and the ‘elephant in the room’ will be clear to see – namely the large controller cabinet housing the PLCs and contactors. Such cabinets use a lot of valuable floor space, but now it seems they are destined to shrink in size. Safety relays are increasingly moving out of the cabinet, and trends indicate that PLCs are set to follow. Ultimately, factories will start to regain the premium space that was once occupied by the cabinet. Moreover, with IO-Link masters installed, cables also become decentralised. This stripped-down ‘do more with less’ business model will encourage
plants that still typically hard-wire their valve manifolds to make that leap towards industrial networks. Put simply, there now exists the potential to put real-time intelligent diagnostics into valve manifolds. Today, the customer can easily see if a coil has been shorted or if the voltage is sagging, for example. The intelligence in today’s pneumatic manifolds is therefore enabling more flexible manufacturing and better safety.
Parker Hannifin
www.parker.com
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