New Recision Original Pressure Sensor With Display IFM PN3160 for Industrial Application

IFM PN3160 Pressure Sensor with Display – High-Pressure Monitoring up to 600 bar

The IFM PN3160 is a compact electronic pressure sensor with an integrated digital display, engineered for demanding industrial applications where high pressure, reliability, and clear visual indication are essential. With a measuring range from 0 to 600 bar and robust internal thin-film sensing technology, the PN3160 is well suited to tasks such as hydraulic pressure monitoring, test stands, clamping systems, and high-pressure process circuits in modern automation systems. 

Key Technical Specifications

Key parameters are based on manufacturer datasheet and major distributor listings. 

High-Pressure Capability for Demanding Systems

Unlike low-pressure sensors aimed at pneumatics only, the PN3160 is designed for applications up to 600 bar. This makes it an excellent choice for hydraulic power units, clamping systems, injection moulding machines, forging presses, and other equipment where pressure levels are far above typical compressed air networks. 

The device offers

• Measuring range 0…600 bar, allowing continuous monitoring of operating pressure throughout the full high-pressure cycle.

• Pressure rating of 800 bar and a bursting pressure of around 2500 bar, giving a large safety margin against occasional pressure surges or pressure spikes during system start-up and shutdown. 

This robust design helps to protect both the sensor and the machine from failure in demanding environments, giving designers confidence in using PN3160 for critical process monitoring and protection functions.

Thin-Film Measuring Cell and Industrial Media Compatibility

At the heart of the PN3160 is a metallic thin-film measuring cell. This technology combines high overload resistance with good long-term stability, which is particularly important in hydraulic applications where sustained high pressure and transient spikes are common. 

The sensor can be used with a wide range of liquids and gases, provided they are compatible with the wetted stainless steel materials. Typical media include:

• Hydraulic oils in industrial power units

• Mineral oils and synthetic fluids used in presses and clamping systems

• Water-based media used in test rigs or process cooling

• Inert gases or compressed air in high-pressure test applications

The specified medium temperature range of -25…+80 °C covers most hydraulic reservoirs and industrial cooling circuits, avoiding the need for separate “high-temperature only” models in many standard machines. 

Flexible Output Concept with IO-Link Integration

The PN3160 is more than a simple on/off pressure switch. It combines:

• One PNP switching output, which can be configured as normally open or normally closed.

• One analogue output, which can be parameterised as 4–20 mA current or 0–10 V voltage output.

• IO-Link communication, allowing digital transfer of the actual pressure value, diagnostic data, and parameters. 

This combination gives designers several options:

• Use the switching output for limit alarms, pump start/stop, or pressure-based interlocks.

• Use the analogue signal for closed-loop pressure control in PLC or motion control systems.

• Employ IO-Link in modern installations to access the full resolution pressure data, operating hours, switching cycles, and advanced parameter sets without additional analogue cards.

The switching output supports switching frequencies up to around 170 Hz, and the analogue output has a very short response time (in the millisecond range), which is useful when monitoring rapid pressure changes on test rigs or dynamic hydraulic circuits. 

Rotatable Housing and Clear Red/Green Display

The PN3160 belongs to IFM’s PN series with a distinctive 4-digit alphanumeric display that can show the measured pressure value in bar, MPa, or psi. The display can operate in red only, or in a red/green mode where the colour changes according to switching status or user-defined thresholds. 

The upper part of the housing can be rotated by about 345°, so after the sensor is screwed into a manifold block or pipe, the display can be aligned towards the operator. This is particularly useful on hydraulic power packs, where space is limited and several sensors are mounted on the same manifold face. 

Together with three front-mounted pushbuttons and status LEDs, this design makes local set-up and visual checking straightforward:

• Operators can quickly verify whether the system is within the desired pressure window.

• Commissioning engineers can adjust switching points, reset points, output functions, and display units directly on the device.

• Maintenance personnel can diagnose issues without connecting a separate pressure gauge.

Electrical and Mechanical Integration

Mechanically, the PN3160 uses a G 1/4 internal thread process connection, which is standard in many hydraulic and general industrial systems. Where necessary, adaptors can be used to connect to other thread standards or directly into manifolds. 

Electrically, the sensor is powered from 18…30 V DC and uses a 4-pin M12 connector. The design includes

• Reverse polarity protection

• Short-circuit and overload protection on the outputs

• An integrated watchdog function to improve operational safety in the event of internal faults

The enclosure achieves IP65 / IP67 protection when used with a suitable mating connector, which allows installation in environments where the sensor can be exposed to splashing water, oil mist, and dust. 

Typical Application Examples

Because of its 600 bar range and robust construction, the IFM PN3160 fits a wide spectrum of industrial applications, for example:

• Hydraulic power units – Monitoring main circuit pressure, accumulator charging pressure, or clamping pressure.

• Machine tools and metal forming – Supervising pressure in hydraulic tool clamps, drawbar systems, presses, and bending machines.

• Test benches – Recording high pressure for component endurance testing, burst testing, and performance validation.

• Plastic injection moulding – Monitoring injection pressure or clamping pressure, feeding back data to the machine controller.

• Industrial process skids – High-pressure cleaning units, pressure boosters, and special purpose rigs with elevated pressure levels.

In each of these cases, the sensor can provide both the control signal (via switching or analogue output) and a clear local indication on the machine panel.

Advantages for OEMs and Maintenance Teams

For machine builders (OEMs), choosing PN3160 offers several practical advantages:

• One sensor type covers a wide range of high-pressure tasks, reducing the number of different part numbers in the bill of materials.

• IO-Link simplifies stock management and commissioning: parameter sets can be stored in the IO-Link master and automatically downloaded when a sensor is replaced.

• The clear red/green display improves the machine’s visual interface without requiring additional indicator lights. 

For maintenance and plant engineers, the device helps to:

• Shorten troubleshooting time by providing immediate on-site pressure values.

• Reduce unplanned downtime – protective functions and robust pressure ratings help avoid sensor damage from occasional overpressure.

• Standardise spare parts across multiple machines that operate with high pressure.

Conclusion

The IFM PN3160 pressure sensor with display is a high-pressure specialist in the PN series, designed for applications up to 600 bar where reliability, robustness, and clear indication are essential. With its metallic thin-film measuring cell, flexible output configuration (switching, analogue, IO-Link), rotatable housing, and IP65/IP67 protection, it provides a strong foundation for modern hydraulic and high-pressure systems. 

For engineers seeking a durable, high-performance pressure sensor that can be used both as a control element and as a diagnostic tool on the machine, the PN3160 offers a balanced combination of measurement range, mechanical strength, and smart connectivity features.