Shining results

May 2008 Sensors & Transducers

SICK has further supplemented its range of analog distance sensors with the introduction of the DT20 Hi. The custom developed CMOS receiver, which ensures extremely high immunity to ambient light and white to black transitions, has opened up new possibilities for the use of laser light transmitters in distance sensing applications.

Three versions are available for the measurement ranges of 50–150 mm, 100–300 mm and 10–600 mm. Supplier specifications include:

* Accuracy – up to 0,5 mm.

* Reproducibility – up to 0,2 mm.

* Resolution – up to 0,1 mm.

According to SICK these are largely independent of surface reflectivity.

The units are equipped with a user friendly display and set-up menu, while an innovative plug concept allows connection of the sensor at any angle through 90°. The sensitive electronic and optical elements are protected from operational stresses by a newly designed metal housing, which provides a robust and easily aligned mounting platform.

Use in classic applications such as winding processes, gantry positioning, classification of screws and surface quality inspections is accomplished without fully utilising the devices' functional reserves. This extra capacity has, however, been put to use in innovative new applications such as the automatic laying of flooring tiles.

Further reading:

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Fiber-optic amplifiers for precise object detection
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Distance sensor for confined spaces
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Inclination sensors for motion control
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The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.

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