While IO-Link is well addressed in an automated production environment, some have overlooked the benefits IO-Link can deliver for machine vision products.
PLC Gateway-Modus
Any IO-Link device can be connected and controlled by the PLC via fieldbus interface. Saving installation costs and controlling and running IO-Link components are the key values. All the well-known IO-Link benefits apply.
Camera-Modus – without PLC
However, with IO-Link that operates in this mode, the IO-Link-interfaces 
are directly controlled. IO-Link I/O-Modules are automatically detected, configured and controlled.
In a stand-alone situation where an optical inspection
of a component is performed without PLC, the operator delivers the component, hits a trigger button, the SmartCamera checks for completeness of production quality, sends a report to a separate customer server, and controls directly via IO-Link interface the connected vision product.
For more information about machine vision and optical identification see www.balluff.com
