The new Speetec laser motion control sensor from SICK Automation, a non-contact optical sensor that accurately measures the speed, length and position of almost any material, from metal sheeting to newsprint, is now available in South Africa. Relevant applications include metal cutting processes, packaging and printing, mechanical engineering and measurement and cutting of construction materials.
“It’s one of the smallest devices to offer non-contact measurement, as well as a host of other benefits,” says Stephen Eltze, product manager, SICK Automation. These benefits include:
• Accurate, high resolution, slip-free measurement with high reproducibility: since Speetec doesn’t contact the material it measures (or with the conveyor moving the material), it delivers slip-free measurement with enhanced accuracy, boosting productivity.
• Delivers ROI and reduces costs: the unit is priced at between a third to a quarter of that of existing laser speed sensors.
• Simple, quick installation: the unit’s small size, basic mounting requirements and simple electric connections make it easy to install and wire up, whether for a retrofit or a greenfield project.
• No additional safety measures required: many laser-equipped motion control sensors use Class 3 lasers which are hazardous for eyes and therefore require specialised housing to prevent harm to operators. Additionally, operating personnel require specialised safety training and PPE. Speetec comprises Class 1 lasers, which are safe for eyes and thus, it does not require additional operational safety measures.
Local testing has yielded positive results. “A roof sheeting metal manufacturer ran Speetec in parallel with their existing wheel encoder and found its performance exceeded expectations,” explains Eltze. “Speetec measured lengths of metal in 4 µm increments and it was found to be precise. Additionally, it’s a laser sensor so there was no issue with measuring different colour roof sheeting.”
The car of the future listens
Sensors & Transducers
The perception of external sounds in cars has been lacking, even in automated driving. That is why Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA is researching the integration of acoustic sensor technology in its KI4BoardNet project with the Hearing Car.
Read more...Telco Sensors for blocked or empty chute detection
Sensors & Transducers
In most industries there is a problem with photoelectric sensors as highly contaminated environments make it difficult to operate and sense reliably. Telco Sensors overcomes this through its powerful high-performance infrared sensors that ensure penetration of harsh pollution to guarantee reliable detection.
Read more...High-performance LineScan camera
Sensors & Transducers
Lynred, a global leader in infrared imaging technologies, has launched its next-generation SWIR LineScan camera and sensor, specifically designed for the inspection of silicon wafers, solar panels and waste management.
Read more...Online monitoring solution optimises asset performance across SKF South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
SKF’s sales, service and management teams has joined forces to deliver an advanced, integrated online monitoring solution for a key customer in Tunisia, operating nine mines, five plants and eleven production lines.
Read more...OMRON launches new non-contact
Sensors & Transducers
OMRON has unveiled its latest innovation in non-contact safety door switches, the D40A-2, which is designed to enhance workplace safety and streamline machinery operations.
Read more...Vibration monitoring in three axes ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. ifm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using but a single device.
Read more...Smart solutions for weighing in hazardous milling zones
Sensors & Transducers
Minebea Intec supplies highly accurate weighing and inspection solutions that enable milling companies to organise their processes safely, efficiently and compliantly - even in hazardous areas.
Read more...Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs
Sensors & Transducers
The Endress+Hauser inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission. This is considerably less time consuming than the process of determining total solids content in a laboratory.
Read more...Family of analysers for smart and efficient chlorine measurement ABB South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
ABB has launched ChloroStar, a family of sensors, transmitters and accessories for accurate and reliable chlorine measurement and analysis that enable users in the water, wastewater and other industries to control chlorine more efficiently, enhancing treatment and increasing process uptime.
Read more...Leading the way with Level 9 PDS implementation
Sensors & Transducers
Applying a Level 9 Proximity Detection System (PDS) to a mining operation is as much about changes in behaviour as it is about technical solutions, according to Pieter Wolfaardt from Apex, Booyco Electronics’ training partner of choice.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.