Looking through the glass
Looking through the glass
Keywords Baumer,Photoelectric sensors, Sensors
Photoelectric sensors are generally not ideal for detecting transparent objects. They require fine tuning by potentiometer and are easily affected by dirt build-up or being knocked out of alignment. That was true until Baumer electric recently developed its Series 16 self-teach retro reflective sensors.
Now there is a positive,reliable and reproducible means of seeing things that were more or less invisible. The Series 16 senses subtle fluctuations in light reflection.
In a self-teaching mode the unit adjusts to the size of reflector and ambient conditions. This action is initiated externally by simply connecting the white wire to the +Vs. The result is extremely fine detector tuning, with no manual intervention for potentiometer adjustments as with other devices. Build-up of dirt and grime on the optics of a detector would normally require regular cleaning or adjustment. But in this instance continual adjustment can be initialised on a time basis from the PLC or on a machine cycle. An extended dynamic range allows the device to remain fully functional even under heavy contamination. The sensor has an integrated emitter and receiver, and contains a microprocessor to ensure optimum sensing at all times, via the external teaching wire.
Units are comprehensively protected to IP67 for dependable operation in wet environments, and are able to operate in temperatures from 25 to +65°C. The sensor has a response time/release time of ¾ 2.5ms and a sensing range of 0.6m ¾ Sb ¾4m.
For further information contact: Ian Frais, Baumer Electric Limited, 33-36 Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Majors Road, Watchfield, Swindon SN6 8TZ, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1793 783839;Fax: +44 (0) 1793 783814.
