Sensors & Transducers


Laser measurement for motion control

November 2021 Sensors & Transducers

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.”


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Rotary atomisers for efficient paint spraying
Instrotech Sensors & Transducers
Painting the bodywork is an integral component of vehicle manufacturing. Keller supplied intrinsically safe pressure transmitters and intrinsically safe temperature sensors to a client producing paint robots for the car industry.

Read more...
The smallest most powerful infrared sensor in the world
Sensors & Transducers
The superior performance and robustness of Telco’s infrared sensors ensures that there are no limits to any mining and industrial applications.

Read more...
Easy parameter setting of vision sensors
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Contour verification and object inspection are two of the most important functionalities in industrial imaging. With the new O2D5xx series, ifm now offers a solution that perfectly masters both functionalities

Read more...
New range of vision units
Beckhoff Automation Sensors & Transducers
Beckhoff has added four new vision units to its VUI2000 series. They integrate a camera, illumination and liquid lens technology for simplified installation.

Read more...
Condition monitoring sensor
Sensors & Transducers
The Balluff BCM Gen2 Condition Monitoring Sensor is an advanced IIoT-ready device designed for real-time machine health monitoring.

Read more...
Inductive IO-Link sensors
Turck Banner Southern Africa Sensors & Transducers
Turck Banner is expanding its sensor range, with inductive measuring sensors with IO-Link and an analogue output for flush and non-flush mounting.

Read more...
Value of PDS grows with data and sensing technology
Sensors & Transducers
Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by proximity detection systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers. Booyco Electronics sees improved PDS solutions being developed, such as the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.

Read more...
Pulp fiction or pulp precision?
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
The density of fruit concentrate has a direct impact on the flavour, texture and overall quality of the final product. The VEGA Minitrac 31, VEGASOURCE 31, and the KV 31 mounting bracket present a failproof solution that effectively addresses the technical complexities associated with high temperature, viscosity and fouling.

Read more...
Telco sensors in the pulp and paper industry
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
The pulp and paper industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. The high level of contamination in these dusty, dirty and grimy environments makes it impossible for most competing sensors to operate and sense reliably and efficiently.

Read more...
Vibration monitoring with IO-Link
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. fm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using only a single device.

Read more...