TURCK Australia and New Zealand is expanding its portfolio of condition monitoring solutions with the IM18-CCM45: a control cabinet guard featuring integrated sensors and direct Multiprotocol Ethernet connectivity.
Unlike previous solutions, which required discrete individual sensors or complex, Linux-based monitoring systems with additional remote I/O modules, the IM18-CCM45 transmits measured values directly and cyclically to PLCs and IT systems. This saves users the need for additional hardware and engineering effort when connecting to the control system.
The device measures temperature, humidity, and the distance to the control cabinet door, and provides the values via PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus TCP.
"Until now, condition monitoring systems have typically involved multiple components, which require more wiring, configuration and engineering. The IM18-CCM45 reduces complexity by bringing the sensors into a single device, so there's less hardware to install and less work involved in getting it connected," explains David Coghlan, Head of Technology and Product for TURCK Australia & New Zealand. "Rather than relying on someone to physically check the cabinet or installing separate sensors and hardware to collect the readings, it continuously monitors what's happening automatically."
A small device with plenty of punch
The IM18-CCM45 requires only 18 millimeters of width on the DIN rail and can therefore be retrofitted even when space in the control cabinet is limited. "This is a win for anyone who wants to modernise their existing machinery without having to make major cabinet modifications," says David.
The device is also designed for straightforward setup and maintenance with configuration, diagnostics and firmware updates available through TURCK Automation Suite (TAS) and an integrated web server - no additional software is required. Its Zone 2 IECEx and ATEX certification also makes it suitable for certain hazardous environments, while an integrated RS485 interface leaves the device ready for future expansion.
The IM18-CCM45 is suitable for condition monitoring of control cabinets in mechanical engineering, plant engineering, and intralogistics, among other fields.
Typical applications include new installations and retrofits of existing systems, as well as use by OEMs and machine builders who require condition monitoring without an additional edge system. The device replaces several individual components, such as separate sensors and remote I/O modules.
Elaborating on the benefits of the IM18-CCM45, David highlights how it improves visibility of cabinet conditions and enables predictive maintenance, helping to reduce unplanned downtime. "In simple terms, it makes existing machinery smarter, without making the system more complicated," he concludes.
