Product category:
Proximity Sensors
News Release from: Contrinex UK | Subject: Ultrasonic detectors
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 October 2004
Low cost ultrasonic sensors find new
applications
A new range of low cost ultrasonic sensors is finding applications that, previously, could only have been solved with more expensive photoelectric sensors.
A new range of low cost ultrasonic sensors is finding applications that, previously, could only have been solved with more expensive photoelectric sensors The increased functionality and reliability of ultrasonic devices often result in improved sensor solutions
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 11 Feb 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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For example, it has always been difficult to construct a splice detection system to detect clear or printed thin film using traditional photoelectric sensors.
Some success has been gained with capacitive sensors but their life is reduced due to static build up that damages the sensitive electronic components.
Joe Williamson of More Control, the Milton Keynes based technical distributor for Contrinex, has designed a system using the new Contrinex ultrasonic detectors that has proved highly successful for a Kent based manufacturer of printed film.
A key factor in the success of the system is the ability to reliably sense the web in two places.
The ultrasonic sensor generates a sound wave and the time of flight of this wave from sensor to product and back is accurately measured and from this the sensor calculates the distance to target.
A simple teach-in setting defines the distance at which the sensor will switch.
This type of sensor is unaffected by changes in target colour and so is ideally suited to printed or clear plastics without the need to change settings.
More Control has already incorporated these new Contrinex sensors in other difficult applications such as fruit punnet detection on labelling machines and olive oil bottling lines.
These applications produce a lensing effect that causes real problems for photoelectric sensors.
The new Contrinex range is now available from under GBP 100 and opens up a whole host of applications.
Available in M18 and M30 sizes, these new devices are ideal for applications where distances have to be measured in air to targets that are solid, liquid, granular or in powder form.
The target material may be transparent or coloured, any shape and have either a polished or matt surface.
They are supplied in diffuse or reflex and switched or analogue formats and can achieve operating distances up to 6000mm.
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