Electricity and Control November 2020

SENSORS + SWITCHES

The technology is also used for presence detection of anti- vibration pads on vehicles.

At a glance 

In production, processing and logistics applications sensors serve to check the presence, completeness, accuracy and positioning of supplied parts.  Light section sensors work on the principle of triangulation, using a projected laser line to detect height profiles and edge contours accurately.  Laser-line triangulation technology combining a light section sensor and a vision sensor offers critical advantages in some applications.

A useful feature of the device is the option to out- put the deviation of the current position from the learned X position and Z po- sition. If an application does not allow accurate sensor triggering, standard sen- sors such as light sensors or ultrasonic sensors are not suitable for presence detection. In such cases, laser-line triangulation sen- sors can deliver geomet-

until consumed for reasons of taste and aesthetics. Proper separation of the components is a prerequisite for custom- er acceptance as well as for correct, air-tight sealing. It is therefore necessary to check the orientation of the trays before they are filled. Here too, the light section sensor can prove its worth, as the plain, mostly white trays offer little contrast. The Matcher always delivers reliable and unam- biguous results by detecting the height profiles. Ready-to-use line triangulation solution Laser-line triangulation technology offers critical advantages for some applications and has the potential to be used in many others. All these applications can be served by the SmartRunner Matcher laser-line triangulation sensor. The device combines a high-precision light section sensor and a vision sensor in one compact unit. The Matcher is factory- optimised to recognise a previously learned reference contour, can store up to 32 profiles, and can be integrated immediately into applications as a plug-and-play solution. The evaluation results are output via switching outputs as good or bad signals that any control panel can process. Fieldbus solutions and gateways are also available for PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, and EtherCAT.

The SmartRunner Matcher is designed for easy parameterisation using control codes.

ric displacement results to the control panel. A powerful LED lighting system is also integrated into the device to generate image documentation of faults, process states, and quality characteristics. Alternatively, the sensor can be easily parameterised using Data Matrix control codes, without requiring a PC. □

For more information visit: www.pepperl-fuchs.com/southafrica

SENSORS + SWITCHES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Ultrasonic sensors with up to 8 m range

with IO-Link allow for the width of the sound beam to be adjusted and set individually according to the application. The IO‑Link functionality also means the user is prepared for Industry 4.0. The vibrating sound transducer reduces the deposit of dirt and the sensor has a robust stainless steel housing.

The new ifm ultrasonic sensors in M30 design are distinguished by their long range of up to 8 m. This makes them particularly suitable for the detection of objects at such distance or for continuous level monitoring, of bulk materials or liquids, for example. Unlike photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors are unaffected by colour, transparency or the surface shine of the object or medium being monitored. Due to limited space, unwanted reflections on the inside of a tank may occur in level applications and can lead to faulty measurement results with some sensors. ifm’s M30 ultrasonic sensors

The M30 ultrasonic sensors are suitable for continuous level monitoring of

bulk materials or liquids and other applications.

For more information contact ifm South Africa.

Tel: +27 (0)12 450 0400 Email: info.za@ifm.com Visit: www.ifm.com

Electricity + Control NOVEMBER 2020

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