Sensors

The OD5000 displacement sensor has been launched by SICK to provide high-performance measurement at frequencies of up to 80kHz even with fast-moving and rotating objects, and in high-speed production. The sensor also has an outstanding capability for thickness measurement of surface coatings and transparent materials.

With the Bosch Sensortec BME680, Rutronik UK is expanding its product portfolio to include the first integrated MEMS sensor measuring individually, highly linear, and precise, gas, air pressure, humidity, and temperature. The BME680 is an integrated environmental sensor specifically developed for wearables and mobile applications. It features a space-saving design and low power consumption.

THK CO at Hannover Messe this week has announced and exhibited product prototypes. At the exhibition, THK displayed a humanoid sensoroid that is able to grasp various conditions of the surrounding environment. Sensors can be embedded all over the robot, thus enabling the environment in which a person is situated to be visualised on the basis of a diversity of factors. A ‘smart’ sensing chair that measures a person´s respiration, heart rate, stress levels, and more will also be on display.

  For an engineering education competition, called Formula Student, high performance electric cars are being developed across Europe. The team from Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal may have a secret weapon in the form of a test bench based upon a wireless torque sensor.

Providing data for the predictive maintenance of low voltage motors is theABB Ability Smart Sensor, which was on show at the MACH and Drives and Controls shows last week. In partnership with Emile Egger, a Swiss producer of pumps, ABB has now developed the solution to remotely monitor pumps.

Expanding its comprehensive range of pressure sensors, Variohm EuroSensor has introduced the new low-cost EPT2105 series for a 0.5-4.5V ratiometric output in two measurement range options of 10 and 12 bar. With its silicon pressure cell design based on Variohm´s well-proven EPT2100 series, the new sensor replaces the 2100´s stainless steel casing with a moulded glass fibre reinforced Polyamide housing.

  Oldham, a company within the 3M Group, Personal Safety Division has announced the launch of a new infrared sensor for detection of refrigerant gases and SF6. The OLCT 100 is a 4-20mA analogue gas transmitter designed for industrial applications in hazardous locations.

  Used for oil and gas transmission in refineries and petrochemical plants, control and shut-off valves are crucial. The valve position is regulated using the position measuring systems, because they are extremely reliable, especially in very harsh environments.

The PE18 ProxEncoder non-contact rotary encoder product line from Joral receives a square housing with side sense capacity. Enhancing the original PE18 proximity style form factor, the new rectangular design allows for easy mounting on flat surfaces. Two USPTO patents enable the PE18-BX ProxEncoder to detect on-axis rotation with up to 0.5” (12mm) air gap between the application and sensor. 

A low-cost, high-performance infrared temperature sensor from RS Components (RS) is a non-contact thermometer that is designed to measure temperature from a distance. The RS Pro sensor measures just 31mm diameter by 30mm high – and side-entry cable, makes it ideal for mounting in areas were space is limited.