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IO-Link at SIKA: Smart Sensor Communication for Your Production

Table of Contents

1. What is IO-Link? /// 2. Industrial Sensor Communication: Common Challenges /// 
3. How IO-Link Solves These Challenges /// 4. Why Choose IO-Link Products from SIKA? /// 5. Explore SIKA’s IO-Link Product Range

What is IO-Link?

Simple. Smart. Digital. IO-Link is a standardized digital interface that enables seamless communication between sensors and actuators at the field level. Each sensor becomes smart and digitally controllable – a key enabler for Industry 4.0 and the digital transformation of industrial automation.

With IO-Link communication, sensors transmit not just measured values, but also detailed process data, device status messages, and diagnostic information. Based on the IEC 61131-9 standard and using unshielded M12 cables, the IO-Link interface integrates effortlessly into existing automation infrastructures.

Typical Challenges
in Industrial Sensor Communication

In real-world applications, companies operating industrial equipment face recurring communication challenges:

  • Complex wiring and installation:
    A wide range of sensor and actuator types, each with its own cabling requirements, leads to high effort and increased risk of installation errors.

  • Challenging maintenance and diagnostics:
    Unclear fault sources often result in time-consuming troubleshooting and extended downtime.

  • High storage and procurement costs:
    Maintaining inventory of multiple device variants increases storage space and ties up capital unnecessarily.

  • Lengthy commissioning processes:
    Integrating new devices usually involves manual configuration, which slows down startup and impacts overall equipment efficiency.

How IO-Link Solves Your Challenges

Effective simplification
and cost reduction
IO-Link replaces a variety of sensor types with configurable devices – significantly reducing complexity, inventory requirements, and procurement costs in industrial applications.

Easier installation
with standardized wiring
IO-Link uses unshielded standard cables and M12 connectors, enabling fast, error-free installation – even in tight spaces and without complex wiring requirements.

Fast commissioning
with automatic device recognition
IO-Link devices identify themselves automatically and retrieve saved parameters – allowing for quick sensor replacement with zero manual configuration.

Smart diagnostics
for increased plant availability
Real-time status updates, warnings, and fault messages enable targeted maintenance and reduce unplanned downtimes – supporting your predictive maintenance strategy.

Maximum flexibility
in machine design
Consistent IO-Link communication down to the sensor level opens up new freedom in machine planning and scaling – ideal for smart automation concepts.

Reliable data transmission
in harsh environments
The digital point-to-point connection is resistant to electromagnetic interference and ensures robust data transfer, even in demanding industrial settings.

Why Choose IO-Link Products from SIKA?

With over 45 years of expertise in industrial sensor technology, SIKA knows what really matters when it comes to integrating modern communication technologies:

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Cost-effective sensor solutions for industrial applications
SIKA is the only supplier in the market offering affordable IO-Link Vortex flow sensors – combining smart data communication with high quality and reliability.

Seamless integration into automation systems
All SIKA IO-Link sensors are fully compatible with standard PLC systems and IO-Link masters – ensuring fast setup without additional programming effort.

Practical features for increased system uptime
Built-in tools like vibration filters, simulation mode, drag pointer reset, and auto-configuration simplify maintenance and improve system stability.

Future-proof standardization across product lines
IO-Link provides a uniform interface for flow, temperature, and pressure – ideal for system integrators and OEMs seeking consistent data models and service structures.

All IO-Link Products from SIKA at a Glance

Vortex Flow Sensors (Type VVX)

  • Materials: Plastic (DN15, DN20, DN25), brass and stainless steel (DN15–DN40

  • Integrated temperature measurement: Saves space, reduces wiring and installation cost

  • Precise, robust, and cost-effective: Smart performance without compromise

  • Proven measuring principle: Ideal for water and fluid media in industrial applications

IO-Link Temperature Sensors

  • Type IOM: Universal use for cooling water, hydraulic and lubricating oils (-50 to +200 °C)

  • Type IO3: Miniature design with IO-Link, analog and switching output (-50 to +120 °C)

  • Type IOB: Retrofit-friendly sensor with standard Form B head (-50 to +200 °C)

  • Type IOO: OEM temperature transmitter with high precision (-200 to +800 °C)

Vortex Flow Sensor
Plastic (DN15–DN25)

Robust vortex flow sensor for water and fluid media. With IO-Link, integrated temperature measurement, vibration filter, and simulation mode – ideal for industrial automation requiring high accuracy and easy configuration.

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Vortex Flow Sensor
VA (DN15–DN25)

Vortex sensor in stainless steel for demanding environments. Combines flow and temperature measurement with compact design, long-term durability, and IO-Link communication – perfect for continuous industrial use.

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Vortex Flow Sensor
Brass (DN32/DN40)

Coming soon: High-quality vortex sensor in brass with IO-Link. Perfect for water and glycol-based media, featuring minimal pressure loss, fast response times, and integrated temp. sensor for precise monitoring.

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Vortex Flow Sensor
VA (DN32/DN40)

Coming soon: Precision vortex sensor in stainless steel with IO-Link for higher flow rates. Combines flow and temperature measurement, offers software configuration, and is maintenance-friendly.

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Temperature Sensor IOM

Universal IO-Link temperature sensor for cooling water, hydraulic and lubricating oils. Compact, robust, and accurate from -50 to +200 °C – ideal for machinery and industrial automation.

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Temperature Sensor IO3

Miniature IO-Link sensor with analog and switching output. The sensor IO3 fits tight spaces, reduces variant diversity, and measures reliably from -50 to +120 °C.

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Temperature Sensor IOB

IO-Link temperature sensor with Form B standard head and protective sleeve. Measurement range -50 to +200 °C – perfect retrofit solution for industrial systems with smart connectivity.

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Temp. Transmitter IO

OEM IO-Link module for temperature ranges from -200 to +800 °C. Digitally accurate, fully integrable, compact – the ideal choice for system integrators and advanced automation concepts.

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