Africa’s mining sector is moving from reactive maintenance to predictive operations. IO-Link technology and intelligent sensors are providing the connectivity needed to turn field data into operational insight.

The SUC clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter from ifm mounts without pipe modification, automatically detects wall thickness and guides users through setup via an intelligent wizard.

Configurable stackable light towers from ifm allow users to customise industrial machine status displays with up to five colour-coded LED segments.

ifm’s inductive ring sensors detect metallic parts such as screws and nuts as they pass through tubes at speeds up to 35 m/s, enabling precise counting, flow control and blockage detection, with sensitivity and output functions configurable via IO-Link.

ifm’s ultrasonic sensor detects flows of conductive and non-conductive media with high precision.

ifm’s 3-axis VMB301 condition monitoring sensor integrates into the vehicle network via CANopen, delivering real-time bearing, vibration and temperature data to help mobile machines avoid costly damage and downtime.

ifm’s G1/2 PF pressure sensor monitors highly viscous or abrasive media directly on the system, with a robust ceramic measuring cell, a rotatable display and a flush design that prevents clogging.

The SU Puresonic Hygienic ultrasonic sensor from ifm detects flows of conductive and non-conductive media with high precision.

Smart automation is closing the gap between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, and the data to do it is already inside the plant. With ifm’s sensing and digitalisation technologies, manufacturers can turn machine intelligence into measurable sustainability gains.