Transparent plastic packaging, bottles made of glass or PET, ampoules and pipettes, flat, tubular and hollow glass, films for securing loads on pallets – in a transparent world, machine builders must deal with many manufacturing processes. Moreover, this world is diverse in itself, since product features, processes, and ambient conditions, differ from industry to industry and often even from one batch to another. Therefore, the range of sensors must be designed to cope with varying applications and to make future-proof solutions possible.
A multitude of requirements
Glass photoelectric sensors must meet a large number of requirements. Top priority is precise and reliable detection of transparent objects. Mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability are just as much in demand as a high level of robustness against optical disturbance variables from the environment. Differing installation space, electric connection systems and the desired sensor intelligence, eg, regarding integration into a machine’s communication structures, must be taken into account. Finally, intuitive operation of the sensor and quick, uncomplicated commissioning are called for as well.
The solution portfolio for the world of transparency
Wherever such features matter, the portfolio from SICK offers efficient photoelectric retro-reflective sensors for the world of transparency. The WLG4S-3 in the Inox miniature housing is the space saver among glass photoelectric sensors. It delivers convincing performance due to reliable detection of highly transparent objects, automatic switching threshold adjustment, hygienic design, and it is IO-Link-capable.
The WL11G-2 small photoelectric sensor in the robust plastic housing is ultra reliable for use in detecting transparent objects such as PET bottles or transparent film. Moreover, it provides convincing resistance against high-pressure cleaning. Another small photoelectric sensor – the WL12G-3 with and without adjustment of the switching threshold – guarantees top precision and reliability when detecting highly transparent objects in demanding industrial settings. Optionally, the robust metal housing can be coated with Teflon. Simple teaching at the push of a button ensures easy and time-saving commissioning of the IO-Link-capable sensor.
The latest technology highlight among the ‘transparent ones’ is the WL9G-3 small photoelectric sensor: It is the first glass photoelectric sensor featuring digital signal processing. Its strength is the high-precision option of setting the adjustable switching point, which enhances device availability in harsh environments. The housing made of particularly tough VistalI plastic as well as a special sensor construction ensure an extremely high level of stability and seal tightness. For the WL9G-3, IO-Link is available as an option.
The portfolio of glass photoelectric sensors from SICK has a suitable sensor solution ready for nearly any application, providing in the world of transparency maximum functionality and investment security in every operating scenario.
For more information contact Mark Madeley, SICK Automation Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 472 3733, [email protected], www.sickautomation.co.za
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| www: | www.sick.com/za/en/ |
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