Photoelectric Sensors Offer Application Advantages
December 27, 2011 by Randy Frank
Filed under Featured, Photoelectric
Pepperl+Fuchs ML4.2 Series Subminiature Photoelectric Sensors have faster response times, multi-beam redundant detection, independent outputs and zero deadband sensing. The newest ML4.2 high-speed models offer 250 µs response time, half the time of the standard ML4.2 
models. ML4.2 dual sensor redundant detection models have dual light beams from two emitter LEDs that reflect light to two receivers. Compared with single beam sensing, the redundant light beam enables more reliable sensing of transparent or glossy objects that are foil or plastic-wrapped.
For more information about Pepperl+Fuchs ML4.2 Series Subminiature Photoelectric Sensors, click here for high speed models or here for dual sensor redundant detection models.
BIM-UNR Dual Sensor For C-Groove Cylinders
Minneapolis, MN — TURCK’s BIM-UNR line of compact magnetic cylinder position sensors now includes a dual sensor designed for detecting short and long stroke C-groove cylinders. BIM-UNR dual sensors provide a distinct advantage by combining two sensors through one cable connection to speed installation, as well as lessen wire costs and connection points. This design makes the sensor particularly beneficial in areas where multiple cylinders are used, as it only requires a single cable. With dimensions of 2.9 x 4.6 x 18 mm, BIM-UNR features one of the lowest profiles on the market.
Delivering reliable performance and high EMC immunity, TURCK’s BIM-UNR dual sensor provides an exceptional alternative to ordinary cylinder position sensors. The sensor mounts within C-groove cylinders with no accessories required. Plus, it can be inserted into a C-groove from the top rather than from the side, further simplifying installation. On the sensor’s side is a built-in tab that keeps the sensor in place to facilitate one-handed mounting. As the mounting screw is located near the cable exit, the sensor remains fastened even if the cable is pulled.
TURCK
www.turck.us
Dual-sensor, Split-connector Cuts Cylinder Costs
by Jack Moermond
Product Specialist, Magnetic Field Sensors
Balluff, Inc.
Three areas where you can look to cut costs on pneumatic cylinder applications include installation time, cables, and the sensors used for detecting the piston’s position. For example, first consider the sensor in a standard cylinder. Most standard cylinders use proximity switches, either internal or external to the aluminum housing that detect special targets or magnets mounted on the piston. Unfortunately, these proximity switches can be relatively expensive, take up valuable space, and are difficult and time-consuming to install.
A dual-sensor, split-connector system coupled to a multiple-interface block (MIB) in a high-density application reduces the number of wires and potentially doubles the number of cylinder switches that can be used in the same installation.
A better solution is designed around a new dual sensor with a split connector. The configuration has two low-profile, magnetic-field sensors molded together into a single, four-pole connector. Compared to the standard application (where the end of the piston’s stroke is detected in both directions), the dual sensor system does the same job with one less connecting cable, fewer terminations, and less connective hardware, which require less time to install. This dual sensor arrangement can cut an application’s cost by 50%.
Even in a smaller application, a dual-sensor, split-connector system installed on a cylinder to detect the end of a piston’s stroke can reduce installation time and material costs compared to a standard two-proximity switch arrangement.
A dual-sensor, split-connector system combines two magnetic-field sensors with a single connector. This approach uses only one four-conductor cable and less installation hardware with fewer terminations than the standard method.
In another installation where numerous cylinder switches are densely packed, multiple interface blocks (MIBs) are typically used to reduce the number of wires needed to return to the control panel. However, you get a bonus when you use a dual sensor system in the same installation: It doubles the number of cylinder switches that can be connected to the same MIB, or it cuts the MIB size in half for the same number of switches. Either way, your cost-cutting goal is realized.
Balluff
www.balluff.com/vtwin
jack.moermond@balluff.com
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