SICK RFU61X and CLV61X with IO-Link
SICK has unveiled its IO-Link, which is compatible with the sensor solution provider’s CLV61X and RFU61X compact, industry-standard identification devices. With the addition of the IO-Links, these two devices will hopefully have enhanced integration versatility levels within SICK’s identification portfolio.
Key information:
- SICK has unveiled its IO-Link technology.
- The new technology is compatible with SICK’s CLV61X and RFU61X identification devices.
- According to the sensor solutions provider, the addition of the IO-Link will hopefully lead to improvements in data transparency.
According to its developers, the CLV61X and RFU61X are both well-known for their compact dimensions and wide-ranging connectivity with standard communications interface. Following the addition of the IO-Link, these technologies claim to allow for the configuration of edge integrations with other IO-Link sensors and masters. This could also lead to improvements in data transparency from the lowest field up to the cloud.
Additionally, IO-Link may allow both of SICK’s devices for identification purposes which could significantly reduce cabling as well as reduce costs and enable more efficient installation. The IO-Link also facilitates rapid commissioning and easy device replacement.
“It is rare for identification devices to be used in isolation,” said Darren Pratt, Market Product Manager for Identification at SICK. “They are almost always used with presence detection sensors for triggering or measurement sensors for classifying or measuring. Such sensors now frequently use IO-Link to provide access to additional data for diagnostic purposes.
“So, it makes sense for the customer to use IO-Link for their identification devices, too. Using IO-Link results in a common interface infrastructure with low-cost plug-and-play cabling, while still providing access to diagnostic data and enabling configuration via the communications network.”
Both CLV61X and the RFU61X feature Ethernet/IP and PROFINET protocols, as well as an optional single power-over-ethernet connection.
The CLV61X has gained a positive reputation for its reliable 1D code reading performance across a wide reading field which has led it to being used by many industries, especially since it is considered to be ideal for common identification tasks on a conveyor belt. With the addition of the SMART60 code, reconstruction, damaged, contaminated, and partially obscured barcodes can still be read. Additionally, certain variants of the technology feature integrated heating, allowing them to work reliably in deep-freeze environments (down to -35 °C.)
Whereas the RFU61X, which requires an installation space of 80x92x38mm, claims to achieve a scanning range of <0.5m. This particular system combines an in-built antenna, intelligent control, and connectivity into a single, rugged, IP67 aluminium housing. This means there is no need for a separate connection box, and has minimal cabling. These capabilities make the system ideal for applications including:
- Tracking of smaller parts, smaller assemblies, and electronic components.
- Materials handling in e-Kanban processes.
- Identifying pallets on a roller conveyor.
- Monitoring consignment transfers onto smaller automated guided vehicles and carts.
“The choice of identification device depends very much on the individual applications, with RFID devices offering a solution in dirty and dusty environments, where direct line-of-sight is obscured or where identification data needs to be both written and read,” concludes Pratt.
“Increasingly, operators are choosing to have a section of conveyor configured off-site, including barcode scanners, RFID, and photocells. With these two IO-Link devices, the wiring concept can be much more straightforward, so on-site installation and commissioning is much quicker and easier.”