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SPS IPC Drives 2013 exclusive show report

06 January, 2014
a VGA sensor; and the more powerful T4x series with 1.1GHz processors and a choice of three resolutions. Finally, Datalogic has four new series of encoders, including incremental and absolute (single- or multi-turn) devices.

Eaton has launched a new range of rectangular IP66 photoelectric sensors for space-restricted applications. The 13mm-long, 38mm deep E71 NanoView sensors offer a choice of operating modes: polarised reflex sensing (with a 2.5m range); through-beam (1.5–6m); reflective (350mm); and clear object detection.

Hima Paul Hildebrandt claims to have the world’s first linear safety-related position sensor certified to SIL 3 / PLe. The PCV80A system uses a data matrix code strip and can position objects to a resolution of 1mm over distances of up to 10km. It includes detailed diagnostics and a Z coordinate for non-safety-related distance measurements.

New from ifm electronic is a range of wear-free capacitive touch sensors (above) that can be used to start and stop machines, to open and close gates, or as enable switches. Dynamic operation allows an approaching hand to be sensed (even when wearing a glove) and suppresses items such as water. Static operation can be used to detect objects even through glass.

The encoder manufacturer Kübler was highlighting several ranges at SPS including: Profinet IO encoders that can start up in less than 1s; a new generation of EtherCat-compatible absolute encoders that can update positions within 62.5µs; a range of incremental encoders that provide interpolable Sin/Cos differential signals so that even small rotary movements will produce continuous speed and position signals; incremental encoders with Atex and IECEx approval; and a range of draw-wire encoders, said to combine good performance with an attractive price.

Leuze electronic announced a range of IP67-protected ultrasonic sensors, available in switching versions (HTU 418B) with ranges of up to 1.3m and as measuring devices (DMU 418B and DMU 430B) with ranges up to 3m. The sensors, in M18 and M30 housings, are shorter than their predecessors and offer improved teach functions.

Leuze also has a new range of sensors (called 18B) for detecting small, thin and transparent objects which are smaller, tougher and faster than its previous range, with higher switching frequencies, improved adjustability of the switching point, and a tracking function for extending cleaning intervals 50-fold.

Pepperl+Fuchs has developed a series of measuring light grids that provide results in mm via an IO-Link interface and avoid the need to perform complex single-beam evaluations. The LGM light grids consist of IP67-protected emitter and receiver strips which cover a rectangular area with 8–50mm beam gaps and heights of up to 3.2m. There are 16 predefined evaluation methods and configuration can be carried out from a PC.

Sensopart has announced a range of laser autocollimation light barriers that use the same optical axis for both transmission and reception, thus avoiding blind spots and allowing them to detect objects through tiny bore holes. The FR 25/55-RLO sensors (above) can detect leading edges and parts as small as 0.2mm. They have operating ranges from 0mm–20m.

At the SPS show, Sensopart was also demonstrating an expanded range of sub-miniature sensors, including LED devices. These include a proximity switch with adjustable background suppression, and a blue-light version for objects that absorb light.

Sick has developed a photoelectric proximity sensor for transparent, shiny and reflective objects that avoids the need for a reflector and instead uses machine components as reference surfaces. The TranspaTect sensor adapts its switching threshold to compensate for contamination using an AutoAdapt function.




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