The line of capacitive proximity sensors with potentiometer adjustment for sensitivity allows sensing of metal and nonmetal objects through insulating materials, such as wood or plastic. They are often used to sense fill levels of liquids or powders. New lower-priced 18-mm and 30-mm capacitive proximity sensors have a simple potentiometer sensitivity adjustment. Operating voltages are 10 to 30 VDC; shielded and unshielded versions and NO or NC units are available.
Existing capacitive sensors have a pushbutton teach function. CK2 series 18-mm capacitive sensors with IP65/IP67/IP69K ratings provide an unshielded sensing distance of up to 15 mm. 30-mm DC-powered CT2 series capacitive sensors have metal (IP65 rated) or plastic (up to IP69K rated) housings with sensing distances up to 25 mm. The sensors are cULus and CE approved and have a lifetime warranty. Automation Direct www.automationdirect.com
Analog-to-IO-Link interface modules
Four new second-generation, single-channel, analog-to-IO-Link interface modules can convert a variety of analog input data, such as current, voltage, and RTD/thermocouple measurement to digital equivalent values. Having IO-Link onboard enhances the diagnostic information available. The new modules and their functions are:
BNI00C9 – Analog input conversion of input data like current, voltage, and RTDs
BNI00C7 – Analog input for temperature measurement sensors, Type J, Type K, or RTDs
BNI00C8 – Analog output module with voltage or current output configurations
BNI00C6 – Universal analog module, configure as either an analog input or analog output.
These modules simplify installations by eliminating analog in-chassis interface boards and reducing additional analog network blocks. IO-Link lets users replace lengthy shielded cable runs with basic unshielded cables. Balluff www.balluff.com
Ultrasonic sensor for situational awareness
Via integrated auto-negotiation technology, the camera has automatic backward compatibility to NBASE-T (5 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps) and the traditional 1000BASE-T (1-Gbps output) for companies running vision applications on these lower-speed Ethernet standards. This makes the camera suitable for the slowest to the fastest running color line scan setups, including applications in food sorting, plastic sorting, bottle/bottle cap inspection, and print/label inspection.
The TS3, 3D ultrasonic sensor combines hardware components with signal processing algorithms. It is suited for indoor navigation and object avoidance for robots of all types. The TS3 sensor enables them to map an environment and to localize themselves in predefined maps to execute complex path-planning algorithms. The operation mimics the echolocation techniques used by bats and dolphins for navigation and orientation in the wild. TS3 sensors perform independently of ambient light conditions and are even capable of detecting mirroring and transparent surfaces. For reliability, the generated 3D point cloud can be fused with data from other system-relevant sensors. The core technology is the company’s SoundVision1 chip. Technical specifications include a detection range of up to 5 meters and a scan rate of approximately 28 Hz. Toposens www.Toposens.com
Family of tension load cells
The UXT family of tension load cells, with OIML and NTEP approval, is certified for trade weighing applications. Capacities start at 50 kg to 7,500 kg, ensuring the UXT is suitable for a range of industrial and medical applications, particularly process weighing systems using suspended vessels or tanks. Other common uses include lifting applications, such as crane scales, and medical applications, such as a patient hoist. The load cells are OIML C3 3000d certified and have NTEP approval to Class III and Class IIII, IP67 environmental protection, bidirectional tension and compression loading, and metric and imperial threads available. With its nickel-plated, alloy steel construction, the UXT is an alternative to the company’s stainless steel ULB tension load cell, while maintaining an environmental protection rating of IP67. Flintec www.Flintec.com
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