So, who is LightWare?

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IBG - SA Instrumentation & Control Buyers' Guide

August 2016 News

Production processes are complex so it’s important that the measurement technology used to control and monitor your processes is precise. LightWare Optoelectronics is a manufacturer of laser-based instrumentation for non-contact industrial process measurement. With the goal of developing innovative measurement technology that is easy to use, LightWare provides customers with products that improve production efficiency.

Research and development of laser level instruments has been the LightWare team’s focus for over three decades. James Portman, previously the founder and managing director of Laser Measurement – acquired by ABB – established LightWare in 2011, operating from Centurion, Gauteng. James is an expert in developing cutting edge, problem-solving laser products. Joining him in this new venture is his long-term business partner, Nadia Nilsen, who previously headed up ABB South Africa’s Instrumentation department. Their goal is for LightWare to become a global leader in applied laser measurement technologies.

James Portman (left) and Nadia Nilsen.

“We are involved in a variety of global markets such as UAV, aviation, security, traffic management and cinematography, but our roots are still in process control and it is a very important sector for us,” says Nilsen, LightWare financial director.

LightWare manufactures private label industrial laser level sensors for a number of companies across the globe. In addition, the company manufactures and distributes its own range of industrial level sensors called InoxLaser. The InoxLaser products have been on the market for three years, distributed in South Africa through LightWare’s strategic partner, Newco Instruments.

These non-contact level sensors are designed to measure the level of solid materials and opaque liquids, as well as for positioning applications. A unique feature of laser technology is its narrow beam divergence, which allows for accurate measurement regardless of nearby structure, material buildup or falling materials. LightWare’s InoxLasers are successfully installed on crusher bins, tripper carts, silos, bins and ore passes across South Africa.

The InoxLaser sensor is available in two models: the NL-01 model measures to a maximum of 50 metres, and the NL-02 measures to 100 metres. Both models feature a robust IP66 303 stainless steel housing, 4 ... 20 mA output and two relays. They connect directly to, and can be powered from, a Windows laptop for quick and easy setup; no expensive handheld accessory is needed.

The compact InoxLaser NL-01 sensor is 14 cm long with a diameter of 6 cm, is powered by 24 V DC and is competitively priced at R14 990,00 (excl VAT). The larger InoxLaser NL-02 sensor is 18 cm long with a diameter of 9 cm, can be powered by both 110/220 V AC and 24 V DC, comes standard with an aiming laser and is priced at R19 800.00 (excl VAT). “We understand our local market’s need for a no fuss, robust and reliable level product at an affordable price. The InoxLaser products were developed for the current tough economic climate,” says Portman. “We also have a number of groundbreaking industrial products in our development pipeline, which we will bring to market over the coming years.”

For more information contact Nadia Nilsen, LightWare, +27 (0)12 942 0408, [email protected], www.lightware.co.za

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