Driving innovation
From a workshop for bicycles and sewing machines in 1921 to a sensor and automation specialist for the Industrial Internet of Things: Balluff distinguishes itself by constantly developing and not being satisfied with the status quo. Over the past 100 years, Balluff has developed many technical innovations – a chronological overview.
- All
- Company
- RFID
- equipment
- Software
- year
- Sensor technology
- Connection technology
- Human Machine Interfaces
- Machine Vision
- Industrial network technology
- System solutions
- secondary
- Portfolio expansions
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Company founding
Gebhard Balluff founds a mechanical repair shop for
bicycles, motorcycles and sewing machines in Neuhausen a.d.F. -
Turnbuckles
Manufacture of turnbuckles for aircraft
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Spaetzle press
The spaetzle press is probably the most surprising product in Balluff’s history. In order to survive as a company after the Second World War, exotic products were also manufactured.
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Rocker arm
Production of precision parts such as the rocker arm for the legendary Mercedes-Benz “Silver Arrow” racing car
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Heller looking for a partner
BNS
The Gebrüder Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH company from Nürtingen is looking for a partner for the production of small components.
Read more -
Cam switch
BNS
One year later, Balluff launches the cam switch on the market.
With it, Balluff succeeded in moving away from being a pure manufacturer
of mechanical precision parts towards automation technology.
Up until then, there were still no electromechanical switching devices
for electrical control systems that had worked under the harsh
industrial environments of a machine tool. -
Balluff switch mechanism
BSW
The Balluff switch mechanism is used in particular for presses
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Inductive proximity switch
BES
From mechanical to electronic: Balluff made the actual breakthrough in sensor technology at the end of the 1960s when the company started to produce a self-developed inductive proximity switch. BES sensors are now still an integral part of the product portfolio of the automation specialist.
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RFID systems
BIS
Beginning of production for BIS industrial RFID systems:
The identification systems are a combination of data carrier,
read/write head and processor units. -
Photoelectric sensors
BOS
Photoelectric barriers conquer the Balluff portfolio for the first time
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Portfolio expansion through in-house and partner products
BOS
The development of in-house products and partnerships enables a wide range of photoelectric sensors.
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Magnetostrictive displacement sensor
BTL
Non-contact, wear-free and rugged displacement measurement. Position determination is based on the innovative principle of sound propagation time on a waveguide.
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Inductive analog sensor
BAW
Balluff is developing a supplement to the inductive proximity switch with the option of measuring short distances using an analog output.
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Capacitive sensors
BCS
Balluff includes capacitive sensors in its portfolio that measure certain variables based on changes in the electrical capacitance of a capacitor.
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Magnetic field sensor
BMF
With magnetic field sensors, Balluff enabled its customers to achieve reliable and wear-free position detection on all pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders.
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Inductive Factor 1 Sensors
BES F1
Balluff develops magnetic-field-resistant inductive sensors whose function is not disturbed by strong electromagnetic fields.
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Rotary encoder
BDG
Balluff includes a series of incremental rotary encoders in its own portfolio.
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Vision Sensor
BVS
Balluff develops its first in-house vision sensor with a partner company.
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Magnetic encoder
BML
Linear and rotary displacement measurement – absolute and incremental – with resolutions up to 1 μm and measuring ranges up to 48 m.
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Networking with IO-Link
IO-Link Master
Introduction of IO-Link as the first standardized digital interface
on the sensor/actuator level and as an enabler for the
Industrial Internet of Things. -
Balluff SIE Sensorik
Balluff expands its own portfolio in the area of capacitive sensors by integrating SIE Sensorik Industrie Elektronik in Viernheim.
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IO-Link sensor-actuator hubs
IO-Link Hub
Introduction of the first IO-Link hubs as a link between the existing discrete sensor technology and the advantages of the new IO-Link technology
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RFID read/write head with IO-Link interface
BIS
First RFID read/write heads with IO-Link interface on the market
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Connection technology
BCC
Extensive portfolio expansion in the area of connection technology with in-house portfolio of connectors and double-ended cordsets for industrial use.
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Databold
BIS
The data carrier is integrated in a screw body and is used for material tracking, for example in the production of engine blocks.
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Networking Ethernet Switch
Ethernet switch
Market revolution of the first IP67 unmanaged Ethernet switches with Profinet and Ethernet/IP
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Networking master with display unit
IO-Link Master
Market revolution with the first integrated display unit in an Ethernet networking module for configuring and diagnosing the device.
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Inductive coupler
BIC
Inductive coupler for contactless energy and data transmission
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Inductive positioning system
BIP
BIP inductive positioning systems are up to the task even in tight installation conditions: Perfectly suitable for integration, they measure the position of metallic objects with maximum precision in a non-contacting, and, therefore, wear-free manner.
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Pressure sensor
BSP
Pressure monitoring and pressure measurement of gaseous, liquid and viscous media.
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Inductive coupler with IO-Link
BIC
Inductive coupler with IO-Link for contactless energy and data transmission
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Systems Business Unit
Systems
Balluff expands the systems business division
with a new business unit. -
Ultra high frequency RFID system
BIS
Balluff develops an RFID system for intralogistics with large reading ranges.
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BIS V controller
BIS
Balluff develops a controller for four different RFID technologies.
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HighResolution
Through the integration of HighResolution, based in Kirchheim am Neckar, Balluff is expanding its own portfolio to include magnetic displacement and angular measurement systems.
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Signal lamp with IO-Link
IO-Link Device
Balluff introduces the first signal lamps that can be fully configured via IO-Link, including additional functions such as chaser light or signal horn.
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IO-Link Converters
IO-Link Device
Introduction of the first IO-Link converters with the aim of adapting existing analog or discrete systems to IO-Link
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Matrix Vision
Development partnership with image processing specialist Matrix Vision
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Portfolio expansion through STM
BGL, BOH
Strengthening of miniaturization expertise for very small optical sensors
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Read/write head for Bosch transfer systems
BIS
Balluff launches a read/write head for the TS1 and TS2 transfer systems from Bosch Rexroth.
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Inclination sensor
BSI
The Balluff inclination sensor measures the angle deviating from a horizontal or vertical axis up to 360°
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Monitoring of injection molds
Mold-ID
With Mold-ID, Balluff offers an efficient solution for monitoring injection molds.
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IO-Link stainless steel modules
IO-Link
Balluff is establishing a new product series for the food industry that is made entirely of stainless steel and can therefore withstand the tough requirements of this industry.
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Inductive coupler
BIC
Inductive coupler with IO-Link for contactless energy transmission and transparent, bidirectional data transmission
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Flexible mounting system
BMS
Balluff develops a universal mounting system for the attachment and precise positioning of Balluff sensors and devices.
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Magnetic encoder
BML
Balluff develops a new motor feedback system for rotary applications.
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Easy Tool-ID with barcode
Easy Tool-ID
With Easy Tool-ID, Balluff offers an easy way to recognize tool data via barcodes and to retrieve the data automatically.
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Machine lighting
BAE LX
Balluff launches robust and versatile LED machine lighting in a hygienic design.
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Safety over IO-Link HUB
Safety Hub
Balluff becomes a new player in the market with the safety hub. The approach is based on software instead of hardware.
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IO-Link Master CC-Link IE Field
IO-Link Master
With the new CC-Link IE Field IO-Link Master, Balluff enters Gigabit Ethernet.
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VU antenna
BIS
Ultra High Frequency Antenna for the BIS V Family
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Magnetic field sensor
BMF
Balluff launches the BMF 203K programmable magnetic field sensors.
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Magnetic encoder
BML
Magnetically encoded absolute displacement measurement system with IO-Link interface BML SL1
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One-fits-all
BOS
Configurable and with additional functions: the first step towards an automation system
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IO-Link Mix-Master Class A&B
IO-Link Master
Balluff develops the Mix-Master with 4 ports each for IO-Link Class A and B for Profinet.
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IO-Link Analog Hub
IO-Link Hub
Balluff launches the first universal IO-Link hub that offers maximum flexibility with 8 independent ports for universal analog signals (V/A/Temp).
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Concept study with Smart Mold-ID
Smart Mold-ID
Balluff publishes an IIoT concept study for predictive maintenance of injection molds in cooperation with Lufthansa Industrial Solutions.
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Integration into TCP/IP networks
BIS
Balluff launches a new processor unit for integration into PC systems for direct communication in the IIoT.
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Data carrier in PEEK design
BIS
for applications with high chemical and thermal requirements
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Capacitive, analog adhesive sensor
BCW
Balluff offers a DIY fill level sensor for flexible length adjustment and without medium contact.
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Integration of Matrix Vision
Balluff is expanding its own portfolio in the field of machine vision and industrial image processing by integrating the machine vision specialist Matrix Vision from Oppenweiler.
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iss innovative software services
Software
Balluff integrates the software company iss innovative software services into the group and thus strengthens its own software expertise.
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Foundation of the Balluff Softwarehouse
Software
Balluff bundles its own software
expertise in the Balluff Softwarehouse. -
Inductive Factor 1 Next Generation
BES F1
Achieve high switching distances with less effort using the latest technology.
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Magnetostrictive displacement sensor
BTL
Triple-redundant displacement measuring system with Profibus interface for explosion-proof environment
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Easy Tool-ID with RFID
Easy Tool-ID
With the further development of the Easy Tool-ID, the tool data is now recognized and retrieved via RFID technology.
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Vision system
BVS
Vision Controller with BVS Cockpit: Balluff develops a vision system with customer-friendly operability and multiple, high-resolution cameras.
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BFF flow sensors
BFF
Balluff develops thermal flow controllers for monitoring the flow of liquid media.
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Optical laser precision sensor
BOS
New high-precision laser from the diffuse sensor product family
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Inductive sensors for extreme temperatures
BES
The ultra-high temperature-resistant inductive sensors can be used in temperature ranges up to 230 °C.
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Temperature monitoring
BFT
Balluff develops wetted temperature sensors for monitoring and measuring the process temperature.
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Optical multi-function sensor
BOS
The all-rounder combines four photoelectric sensor principles in one sensor.
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Magnetic position sensor
BMP
Compact and accurate displacement measurement system for cylinder applications
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Optical mini sensors
BOS
New miniature photoelectric sensors with background suppression
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IO-Link Smart Light Indicator
SmartLight
Balluff develops the IO-Link Smart Light Indicator with infrared button.
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Inductive Factor 1 sensors
BES F1
Factor 1 sensors detect all metals such as steel, aluminum, brass with the same switching distance, without reduction factor.
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Condition Monitoring Sensor
BCM
The multifunctional sensor provides status data on vibration, temperature, humidity and ambient pressure
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Tool-ID DUAL
Easy Tool-ID
Balluff launches RFID read and write heads for two RFID technologies with low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF).
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Customer Project House
Balluff sets up the Customer Project House. There, developers design
and implement customer-specific IIoT solutions. -
Photoelectric mapping sensor
BOH
Balluff develops high-precision photoelectric sensors especially for the semiconductor industry.
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Easy Tool-ID 2.0
Easy Tool-ID
With Easy Tool-ID 2.0, tool data can be transmitted securely and quickly to the machine tool.
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Magnetic encoder
BML
The redesigned magnetically encoded absolute displacement measurement system with Drive-Cliq interface provides high accuracy of position and end position in real time.
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Strategic incubation programs
SIP
Small project teams develop new business models according to the Lean Startup method with a focus on value-added combinations of software and hardware.
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Magnetic field sensor
BMF
Welding field-immune magnetic field sensor for intelligent position feedback detects magnetic interference fields and mitigates them.
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Fieldbus variance
IO-Link Master
Balluff offers the most comprehensive networking portfolio on the market with a total of eight different fieldbus variants (PNT/EIP/ECT/CCL/CIE/CIB/PBS/DNT).
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Connected Mold-ID
Mold-ID
With the Connected Mold-ID software from Balluff, all data of the injection molds can be recorded in a central database.
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SmartCamera Lite
BVS
The SmartCamera Lite recognizes machine codes, text or serial numbers and supports robots in position finding.
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Interchangeable part detection using RFID
BIS
Secure exchangeable part recognition using RFID technology and new functions such as password query prior to write and read operations
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BVS Cockpit
BVS
Balluff is expanding the functions of the BVS Cockpit, which makes it easy to set up and operate SmartCameras.
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Digital position display
BDG
Balluff launches a digital position indicator that is intuitive to operate and impresses with its extended IO-Link functionality.
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HF RFID read and write head with condition monitoring
BIS
Besides the transmission of RFID and user data, additional information can be retrieved for intelligent condition monitoring.
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UNIX platform
BIS
The new BIS U6127 processor unit with UNIX platform: open software architecture of an RFID system
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RFID system with secure element
BIS
The first RFID system with integrated secure element for tamper-proof identification and data transmission
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Balluff Engineering Tool
BET
The first pure software product from Balluff is launched on the market. The Balluff Engineering Tool supports the manufacturer-independent commissioning and configuration of IO-Link devices.
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Rotary encoder
BDG
Balluff revises its portfolio of rotary encoders for dimensionally accurate positioning tasks.
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Smart Reordering System
With the Smart Reordering System, inventories can be managed easily and intelligently and material flows can be optimized.
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UHF M30 read/write head with IO-Link interface
BIS
Balluff launches the first ultra-high frequency read/write head with IO-Link interface.
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Balluff celebrates its 100th anniversary
The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary under the motto “Beyond Tradition”.
- All
- Company
- RFID
- equipment
- Software
- year
- Sensor technology
- Connection technology
- Human Machine Interfaces
- Machine Vision
- Industrial network technology
- System solutions
- secondary
- Portfolio expansions
-
Company founding
Gebhard Balluff founds a mechanical repair shop for
bicycles, motorcycles and sewing machines in Neuhausen a.d.F. -
Turnbuckles
Manufacture of turnbuckles for aircraft