Good Price Original New Pressure Sensor With Display IFM PN3129 Stable Performance for Industrial Machinery

IFM PN3129 Electronic Pressure Sensor with Display – Precision Vacuum Monitoring for Modern Automation

The IFM PN3129 is a compact electronic pressure sensor designed specifically for vacuum and very low-pressure applications. With a measuring range from -1…0 bar (-1000…0 mbar, -14.5…0 psi), it is ideal wherever reliable monitoring of vacuum levels is critical – from pick-and-place systems and packaging lines to process engineering and laboratory automation. 

Unlike mechanical vacuum switches and analogue gauges, the PN3129 combines a digital red/green display, a programmable switching output, a fully scalable analogue output (4–20 mA / 0–10 V) and IO-Link communication in a single robust sensor body. This allows engineers to use the same device for local indication, limit supervision, closed-loop control and data acquisition in connected plants. 

Key Technical Data – IFM PN3129

Dedicated vacuum sensor for stable process control

Where many general-purpose pressure sensors are optimised for positive pressure, the PN3129 is tailored to the vacuum range, covering the entire span from atmospheric pressure down to full vacuum. This makes it particularly well suited to:

• Vacuum gripping systems

• Vacuum packaging machines

• Degassing, drying and impregnation processes

• Laboratory and pilot plants using vacuum vessels

The ceramic-capacitive measuring cell converts diaphragm deflection into a stable electrical signal with very low hysteresis and excellent long-term stability. Ceramic technology is inherently resistant to many process media and offers high overload capability even when exposed to quick pressure changes, for example when valves open or close suddenly. 

Because the sensor measures relative pressure, all readings are referenced to ambient atmosphere. This gives a direct interpretation of “how far below atmospheric” the system is, which is exactly what vacuum users want to see.

Display concept and local operation

On the front of the PN3129 you find a four-digit alphanumeric display that can indicate the current pressure value in bar, mbar, kPa, psi or inHg. The display colour can switch between red and a red/green pattern to highlight the switching state or indicate “in tolerance vs out of tolerance” conditions. 

Additional LEDs show the active unit and switching status. Together with the numeric value, this provides an at-a-glance view of system conditions:

• Operators can immediately see if the vacuum level is sufficient.

• Maintenance staff can quickly identify leaks or failing pumps.

Three integrated pushbuttons allow on-site parameter setting without a laptop or programmer. Typical parameters that can be configured locally include:

• Switching and reset points for the digital output (hysteresis or window mode).

• Switching logic (normally open or normally closed).

• Choice and scaling of the analogue signal (4–20 mA or 0–10 V).

• Damping and response behaviour to smooth out pulsations.

For cramped installations, the upper housing section can be rotated by roughly 345°, so the display and keys can always face the user even if the process connection is fixed. 

Outputs, IO-Link and flexible integration

The PN3129 offers two configurable outputs:

• OUT1: PNP switching output for direct on/off control – for example, enabling a pump, releasing an alarm or interlocking a motion axis. 

• OUT2: Analogue output that can operate as 4–20 mA or 0–10 V; this channel can also be used as an IO-Link port if a digital communication interface is required. 

Key electrical characteristics:

• Supply voltage 18…30 V DC (suitable for standard industrial 24 V systems). 

• Maximum switching current up to 150–250 mA depending on temperature, allowing direct connection of small loads and relays. 

• Output protection against short circuit, overload and wiring mistakes (reverse polarity).

The IO-Link interface turns the PN3129 into a smart sensor:

• The PLC or IO-Link master can read the exact vacuum value in high resolution.

• Parameters (switching thresholds, units, scaling, filters) can be stored and downloaded automatically when a device is replaced.

• Diagnostic information (for example, internal error states) can be accessed centrally, supporting predictive maintenance and simplified troubleshooting. 

This flexibility lets the PN3129 fit equally well into classic hard-wired panels and fully networked, data-driven production lines.

Mechanical and environmental robustness

The PN3129 uses a G 1/4 internal thread as the main process connection, a common standard in vacuum and fluid systems.  With the appropriate seals and fittings it can be integrated into manifolds, stainless steel lines or compact blocks.

Mechanical and environmental characteristics include:

• Pressure rating around 2 bar with a burst pressure of roughly 5 bar – more than enough for typical vacuum systems and associated pressure peaks. 

• IP65 / IP67 protection, so the sensor is resistant to dust, splashes and temporary immersion when properly cabled.

• Operating temperature range of -25…80 °C, allowing use in most indoor industrial environments, machine frames and technical rooms. 

• Housing components in reinforced PBT / PC combined with stainless steel wetted parts and an FKM seal, offering good chemical resistance and mechanical ruggedness. 

These features enable long service life even when the sensor is mounted directly on pumps, vacuum manifolds or moving mechanical structures that are exposed to vibration and occasional cleaning.

Typical application examples

Because of its specialist vacuum range and integrated electronics, the IFM PN3129 fits into many industrial scenarios:

• Vacuum pick-and-place systems
  Measure the suction level on vacuum cups to ensure parts are held firmly before motion starts. The switching output can stop the cycle if the vacuum is insufficient, reducing the risk of dropped or damaged parts.

• Vacuum packaging and sealing lines
  Monitor chamber vacuum levels during food or component packaging. The analogue signal can be fed into the PLC for quality logging, while IO-Link enables central recipe management for different products and packaging formats.

• Drying, degassing and impregnation processes
  Track the pressure inside vacuum vessels or autoclaves. Precise measurement down to full vacuum helps optimise cycle times and verify that process steps reach the required conditions.

• Laboratory and R&D installations
  Provide both local display and digital feedback in test benches, pilot plants and experimental rigs that rely on controlled vacuum levels.

• Central vacuum supply systems
  Supervise the vacuum level in distribution manifolds, detect leaks early and trigger backup pumps if the pressure rises above acceptable limits.

In each of these cases, the combination of display, switch, analogue output and IO-Link means a single PN3129 can serve as both a local instrument and a data source for higher-level control.

Benefits for OEMs and plant operators

For machine builders, standardising on the PN3129 as a vacuum specialist reduces the number of sensor variants needed across different machines. The same hardware can be parameterised for different switching points, output behaviours and communication modes, simplifying design, documentation and spare-parts logistics.

Plant operators benefit from:

• Clear visual feedback at the machine through the red/green display.

• Reliable vacuum monitoring with high repeatability and long-term stability thanks to the ceramic-capacitive measuring element. 

• Easy integration with PLCs and IO-Link masters for data logging, diagnostics and remote parameter handling.

• Robust housing and protection features that keep the sensor operational in demanding environments.

Summary

The IFM PN3129 pressure sensor with display is a dedicated vacuum and low-pressure device that brings together accurate measurement, a bright digital display, flexible outputs and IO-Link communication. Its -1…0 bar range, ceramic-capacitive sensing element, compact G 1/4 process connection and IP65/IP67 protection make it an excellent choice for vacuum handling, packaging, processing and laboratory applications where stable, repeatable vacuum monitoring is essential for safe and efficient operation.