Sensors

HBM Test and Measurement has introduced its new T21WN torque transducer. Based on strain-gauge technology, the T21WN uses contactless energy and measurement signal transmission to measure torque. The torque transducer enables demanding static and dynamic measurements of torque, rotational speed, and angle of rotation to be performed on non-rotating as well as rotating components.

Returning to the UKIVA Machine Vision Conference, SICK will be bringing the news of its pioneering AppSpace programming environment and how the concept is starting to bear fruit for automation and robotics development. At last year’s event, SICK successfully launched AppSpace, an open software platform that allows free and flexible customisation of applications on SICK programmable sensors and devices. 

The PE18 ProxEncoder from Joral LLC is a non-contact rotary encoder product line. Modeled in a threaded proximity switch housing, the 18mm true non-contact encoder is designed to capture rotary motion where conventional sensors fail.Two USPTO patents enable thePE18 ProxEncoderto detect on-axis rotation with up to 0.5” (12mm) air gap between the application and sensor. 

Muting processes are now being made more economical, simpler and safer, with the new process from Leuze electronics, ‘Smart Process Gating’. In intralogistics as well as in the automotive and packaging industry, material locks often need to be safeguarded against unauthorised access by means of safety sensors.

Supporting the ever-growing Industry 4.0 initiatives, Parker Hannifin has introduced a new series of 'smart' sensors with the P8S CPS series which are especially for for pneumatic cylinders. The sensors feature intelligent functionality such as the ability to acquire and locally process information, and communicate with upper level controllers and/or local networks.

Expanding its next-gen microScan3 family SICK has introduced the addition of EtherNet/IP and PROFINET compatible variants to enable easy integration of safety laser scanners into a safe network. This also facilitates simultaneous field evaluation of up to four fields, instead of the single field offered by standard I/O scanners. The SICK microScan3 Core – EtherNet/IP is the first safety laser scanner to support CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP and the microScan3 Core – PROFINET enables safe and reliable bus communication using the PROFIsafe protocol over PROFINET.

Extending its WDGA series of absolute encoders, Wachendorff Automation, the Geisenheim/Germany-based encoder manufacturer is using PROFINET-IO and EtherCAT Industrial Ethernet interfaces. With the new WDGA58F, Wachendorff has succeeded in constructing the world's smallest design in both diameter and length. As the trend towards ever more compact systems continues undiminished, this saves valuable installation space which can be crucial in new or retrofitted machines. 

  A self-adhesive capacitive sensor head with IP 64 protection has been developed by Balluff, designed for non-contact, continuous level detection on non-conductive vessel or pipe outer walls made of glass, plastic or ceramic.

Analysing the long term performance and reliability of hard working valves and pumps, Bifold Group has adopted radio frequency based torque transducers from Sensor Technology for two of its specialist test rigs. An inter-generational commitment to advancing science and engineering has seen Bifold transform from a 19th century mining lamp maker into a leading manufacturer of instrument valves and accessories, piping valves and pumps for the oil, gas and wider industrial markets.

One of the best ways to assess the performance of plant and machinery, is to monitor torque in a drive shaft. However because drive shafts rotate, hard wiring a sensor into place usually requires the use of a delicate slip ring. An alternative solution is to use a non-contact radio frequency detector to monitor 'Surface Acoustic Waves' (SAWs), as Mark Ingham of Sensor Technology Ltd explains.