Sensor technology Sensors: the five highlights from April

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FAULHABER Drive Systems

They offer 70 percent more measuring range, optimize the assembly process, significantly facilitate manual adjustment processes, have optimized electronics, and can be used for many different applications thanks to an adjustable sound lobe and small blind area. Here come our sensor highlights:

Everything is getting smaller, space is becoming increasingly limited: The computer, for which you needed a separate room years ago, is now in your pocket. CD and video collections have been replaced by streaming, large displacement by small, turbocharged engines. Everything becomes more efficient, everything can do more. Like some displacement transducers from A.B.Jödden, for example the SM401.120 series. The displacement transducers can now measure 70 percent more displacement at the same housing size. This is made possible by an innovative technology that allows far more information to be provided during the measurement process. Of course, the series can also measure less, even with an accuracy of 0.25%.

Multifunctional ring sensors optimize the assembly process

The feed of very small objects with low mass through tubes is commonplace in today's automated manufacturing processes. In the context of downstream work and assembly steps, the parts must be recognized and counted. Thanks to an optimized coil winding, the inductive ring sensors of the IRSD series from Di-soric achieve an above-average resolution. For fast-fed parts, the integrated pulse extension generates a well-evaluable output signal. The effective shielding makes the robust ring sensors immune to external influences. Even in dirty environments, users can rely on reliable results.

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Without influencing each other, the innovative ring sensors with their switchable operating frequencies can also be installed directly next to each other. With 16 variants, 8 sizes and detection ranges between 6 mm and 50 mm, there are sufficient variants available for nearly every feed application, even under cramped installation conditions.

The digital interface offers users various process-optimizing parameter setting and diagnosis options. The multifunctional ring sensors can be precisely and easily adapted to customer-specific tasks: for example, one can specifically choose between NO/NC, static and dynamic switching principle, antiparallel (Push-Pull), pnp and npn. The Autoteach/Intelliteach function is used for learning falling and quickly passing objects. The stability diagnostic function, which indicates, for example, when object detection is impaired by dirt, is also helpful.

Significantly facilitate manual adjustment processes

The digital position display SeGMo-Assist by Lenord+Bauer simplifies manual adjustment processes. It can be combined with the external rotary sensor GEL Serot, which is suitable for installation in hard-to-reach places thanks to its hollow shaft and compact design. It contactlessly records position changes of a machine shaft or spindle. It is mounted at a spatial distance from the associated position display GEL Sepod L. Therefore, the measured values can be read and acknowledged independently of the measuring point. The integrated multiturn encoder makes reference runs after a power outage or emergency stop unnecessary and is electrically maintenance-free thanks to battery-less operation. It resists high shock and vibration loads.

The recorded values as well as the operating states are transferred to the position display, displayed on the screen, and transmitted to the higher-level system control.

Even more precise force measurements

Megatron has further optimized the electronics of its strain gauge series KT705 and KT805. The force sensors of series KT705 and KT805 have been equipped with a completely new electronics. By integrating these new analog electronics, the force transducers now also deliver a negative output voltage, or indicate when the force transducers are actuated against the intended force direction.

The new integrated analog amplifier also eliminates the need for external electronics. Despite the additional electronics, the sensors are very compact (KT705: 68x30x31 mm) and require significantly less space and wiring effort in the application than sensors with a separate amplifier. The small diameter of the flexible cable (Ø 3.4 mm) also contributes to this. New is also the individual test protocol, which is now included with each force sensor.

Both force sensor series have the same options for output signals (0...10 V / -10...+10 V / 4...20 mA) and the same electronics, but they differ in the nominal forces, the size, and the material. While the measuring body and housing of the KT805 are made of nickel-plated steel, the KT705 is made of aluminum. Both force sensors work according to the Wheatstone strain gauge full bridge principle. The KT705 measures nominal forces of 200 N, 500 N, and 1 kN, the KT805 can detect forces up to 2 kN and 5 kN. With a limiting frequency of 1.6 kHz (response time 650 µs), the force sensor can be used for fast processing cycles in automation.

The force transducers of the KT705 and KT805 series are used to measure preload forces during crimping processes in cable assembly and to record press-in and joining forces in industrial manufacturing processes. The force sensors are also used in medical technology and fitness equipment.

Simply use flexibly

The new ultrasonic buttons of the 420B and 412B series from Leuze are available with adjustable sound lobes and both as switching (HTU) or measuring (DMU) sensors - this allows for very flexible use. The sound lobe can be adjusted via an IO-Link interface in three stages to narrow, medium or broad, and thus adapt to the respective application. The ultrasonic sensors operate with maximum precision: They reliably detect where optical sensors reach their limits. They also effortlessly detect shiny, reflective, very dark, or transparent surfaces as well as liquids. The 420B series includes ultrasonic sensors in compact cubic plastic housings. It replaces the 420 series. With the new devices, users benefit from smaller dead zones with the same or higher sensor range. The 412B series complements the cylindrical sensor portfolio in the M12 housing with devices with IO-Link and analog output.

The HTU420B ultrasonic buttons in the red housing are suitable for demanding detection tasks thanks to the adjustable sound lobe, IO-Link interface, and two switching outputs. For example, two positions can be monitored simultaneously, or two filling levels can be recognized. The changeable sound lobe makes the sensors versatile all-rounders. A narrow sound lobe, for example, is suitable for detecting a filling level through small container openings. When set wide, the sound lobe, on the other hand, covers larger areas - optimal for bulk goods or diffusely reflecting objects with a complex surface or structure. Practical: An interruption filter recognizes short-term measurement changes within a certain interval due to interfering objects, for example, a stirring mechanism. The sensor filters out these interference signals via the IO-Link interface, ensuring a smooth production process.

To measure distances, plant operators can also rely on the DMU420B and DMU412B ultrasonic distance sensors. The devices have an analog output (either current or voltage), an IO-Link interface, and an adjustable sonic cone as well.