IFM

IFM manufactures a wide range of sensors for industrial automation, including inductive proximity sensors (cylindrical and rectangular), capacitive sensors, photoelectric sensors (through-beam, retro-reflective, and diffuse), pressure transmitters, flow sensors, and temperature sensors. These sensors are available with built-in connectors (e.g., M8, M12) or cable exits, and operate on DC (10-30V) or AC (20-250V) supplies. Output types include NPN, PNP, and analog (4-20 mA). IFM also produces safety light curtains for finger or hand detection, with beam spacings from 14 mm to 30 mm and protected heights up to 1,360 mm.

IFM connectors and sensors are available with IP ratings ranging from IP65 to IP68/IP69K, depending on the model. For example, the IFM M18 circular connector (MPN E1003A) is rated IP65, while the M12 field-wireable connector (MPN E18163) is rated IP68. Sensors like the pressure transmitter PX3227 are rated IP65. Higher IP ratings (IP67, IP68) are common on RFID tags and certain cylindrical sensors, making them suitable for washdown environments or outdoor installations. Always verify the specific IP rating in the product datasheet for the intended application.

Yes, IFM offers RFID systems for industrial identification and tracking, including HF (13.56 MHz) tags and read/write heads. For example, the IFM RFID tag (MPN E80347) is a threaded stud type with a polyamide housing rated IP67, designed for screw or stick-on mounting. These tags are available in packs of 10 and weigh approximately 5.3 g each. IFM also provides RFID evaluation units and antennas for integration into automated production lines, material handling, and asset tracking applications.

IFM provides a variety of circular connectors for sensor wiring, including M8, M12, and M18 types with A, B, or D coding. Connectors are available in male or female thread configurations, straight or 90° angled orientations, and with pin counts from 3 to 5. Field-wireable versions (e.g., MPN E18163) use screw terminals for easy installation, while pre-wired cordsets are also offered. Contact materials include gold-plated contacts for corrosion resistance, and housings are typically made of polyester, nylon, or stainless steel. IP ratings range from IP65 to IP68.

IFM pressure transmitters, such as the PX3227 model, offer an accuracy of ±0.75% of the full-scale range. This model has a pressure range of 0 to 15 psi, with an overpressure rating of 145 psi and a burst pressure of 450 psi. The output is 4-20 mA DC, and the transmitter includes a 4-pin M12 connector. These transmitters are suitable for monitoring hydraulic or pneumatic systems in industrial machinery, where repeatable pressure measurement is required.

Yes, IFM light curtains, such as the OY009S model, are designed for safety applications like finger detection. The OY009S features 96 beams with 14 mm spacing and a protected height of 1,360 mm, operating on 24V DC with a 950 nm IR LED light source. It provides safety output ratings of 400 mA at 24V DC and includes an auxiliary contact. These light curtains meet safety standards for machine guarding and are typically used in automated assembly lines, presses, and packaging equipment.