Latest Product Offers Fast, Simple and Inexpensive Connection to Balluff's IO-Link Safety I/O Hub

This switch is easily and inexpensively connected directly to the Balluff IO-Link safety I/O module or to any safety controller using a standard eight-pin M12 connector.

Balluff continues the expansion of its safety product line with the release of its new non-contact, RFID safety guard locking switch. The safety guard locking switch combines non-contact, coded-transponder safety technology with a mechanical solenoid locking function to create a unique, high-capability solution to meet the highest levels of safety required by international standards.


This switch is easily and inexpensively connected directly to the Balluff IO-Link safety I/O module or to any safety controller using a standard eight-pin M12 connector.

The high-coding level provided with RFID technology couples sensor and actuator with a unique code and offers outstanding tamper-proof protection and "high" level coding according to EN ISO 14119. This is combined with a unique rotating shaft and capstan handle which can be held locked in the closed position until the process has run down and stopped. The integrated safety processing electronics and the OSSD outputs enable its use in applications requiring PLe (EN ISO 13849) and SIL 3 (IEC 61508) ratings.

The switch meets the needs of a wide range of applications. It is ideal for securing and safely monitoring guard doors and safety flaps to protect persons from potential hazards or prevent interruption of processes. The guard locking function keeps the guard or gate closed until the process is stopped and it is safe to access the machine. A selectable latching force of 25 N or 50 N makes the guard lock insensitive to vibration even when unlocked. Typical applications for the non-contact RFID safety guard locking switch include doors, gates and guards on packaging machines, machine tools, robot cells and plastic injection molding machines.

About Balluff Inc.:
Balluff Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Balluff GmbH, Neuhausen, Germany. Balluff is a leading supplier of networked IO-Link control system architectures that unlock the potential of the IIoT and Industry 4.0. Balluff offers a wide range of intelligent IO-Link and industrial Ethernet sensors in a variety of technologies including inductive, photoelectric, capacitive, and magnetic as well as magnetostrictive linear position sensors, magnetic tape linear encoders, industrial RFID systems, and industrial vision systems. Balluff provides cost-saving, process-enhancing solutions to machine builders and manufacturers to control, regulate, automate, assemble, position, and monitor manufacturing, assembly, and packaging sequences. Industries served include: automotive, packaging, food processing, beverages, tire, primary metals, conventional and alternative energy, semiconductor, plastics, and fluid power.

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T.J. Davies' Retention Knobs

T.J. Davies' Retention Knobs

Our retention knobs are manufactured above international standards or to machine builder specifications. Retention knobs are manufactured utilizing AMS-6274/AISI-8620 alloy steel drawn in the United States. Threads are single-pointed on our lathes while manufacturing all other retention knob features to ensure high concentricity. Our process ensures that our threads are balanced (lead in/lead out at 180 degrees.) Each retention knob is carburized (hardened) to 58-62HRC, and case depth is .020-.030. Core hardness 40HRC. Each retention knob is coated utilizing a hot black oxide coating to military specifications. Our retention knobs are 100% covered in black oxide to prevent rust. All retention knob surfaces (not just mating surfaces) have a precision finish of 32 RMA micro or better: ISO grade 6N. Each retention knob is magnetic particle tested and tested at 2.5 times the pulling force of the drawbar. Certifications are maintained for each step in the manufacturing process for traceability.