Proximity Sensor Measures Without Touching Its Target
The KD-2446 high-precision proximity sensor system from Kaman Precision Products offers lead-free RoHS compliance in a compact DIN package that is simple to install. Featuring a 10 KHz analog output and threshold-adjustable 3.3 KHz switched output, the KD-2446 is a flexible solution for high speed automated manufacturing and process control applications.
The KD-2446 performs with 0.0008 percent FS resolution and 0.56 percent FS switch point hysteresis. With CE and RoHS compliance, the system is appropriate for OEM applications with worldwide distribution, including displacement, vibration, sorting and event capture.
Using inductive, eddy current technology that measures without touching the target, the sensor system also offers high performance with both ferrous and non-ferrous targets. It consists of two sub-assemblies: the sensor with integral cable and the signal conditioning or electronics module. Input voltage is variable from 12 to 24 volts DC, and gain is adjustable for up to 22 volts output, with 24 volt DC input.
The Kaman KD-2446 system comes standard with one of two production sensor configurations, 9C or 5CM. Both sensors are rated for continuous operation up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
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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