Company milestones

The two founders of ifm, Robert Buck and Gerd Marhofer, introduce inductive sensors under the name efector in Germany.

Capacitive sensors now also allow the detection of non-metallic materials.

First electronic rotational speed monitor in a DIN rail housing, the basis for evaluation systems.

Photoelectric sensors and systems complement the inductive and capacitive sensors.

Incremental and absolute encoders are added to the product range.

ifm introduces the first flow sensors to the market – launch of fluid sensor range at ifm.

Presentation of ifm‘s first own control systems for industrial use and - later - for use in mobile machines.

Introduction of the fieldbus system AS-i (actuator sensor interface).

Market launch of ifm pressure and vacuum sensors.

Temperature sensors complement ifm‘s range of fluid sensors.

The new field of "safety technology" offers certified products for safety-related applications.

Introduction of the first level sensors with freely selectable switch points without any mechanically moved parts.

Première of the innovative vibration diagnosis system efector octavis. Creating new possibilities in condition- based maintenance.

Compact 2D sensor efector dualis: contour and position recognition for assembly and handling technology.

The first identification systems: optical (data matrix code reading) and by radio (RFID technology)..

Market launch of ifm magnetic and cylinder sensors.

ifm electronic gmbh wins HERMES AWARD with optical distance sensor „efector PMD“.

ifm electronic has launched its own connection technology onto the market for the first time. The revolutionary ecolink technology concept has caused a sensation in the industry.

For the first time ifm uses microwave technology for efector GWR for level measurement in compact tanks.

Another step towards condition-based monitoring: the compact sensor for pump diagnosis efector PIM.

Magnetic-inductive inline flow sensor. Compact and low-cost monitoring of conductive liquids with efector mid.

Multicode Reader for optical identification. Identification of bar codes and 2D codes.

Fusion of pressure sensor and analogue display. The first fully electronic contact manometer.

The third dimension at a glance. Visual assessment of distance, level or volume with the efector pmd3d 3D vision sensor.

Unique in the market - the ecomat mobileBasic controller concept for simple mobile vehicles. Its three modules - BasicRelay, BasicController, BasicDisplay - allow any combination.