Metrology & quality assurance

- 2 in 1: speed sensor and evaluation in one compact housing - Particularly space-saving design - Inductive or magnetic sensor principle - Flexible combination of housings, connections and output signals In many industrial applications drives need to be monitored for rotational speed or standstill. In the automotive, food, steel and mining industries, speed sensors are used to safely detect standstill, overspeed and underspeed of drives or belt break on conveyors. On mobile machines such as fork-lift trucks, speed sensors serve as speed pick-ups. Speed sensors integrate rotational speed detection and monitoring in one unit. The sensor head operates using inductive or magnetic sensing principles. The sensor detects metal actuating surfaces on a rotating machine part. The integrated evaluation converts this information into rotational speed.

- Compact and robust housing - Wide angle range - Sensor types for signal output via CANbus, as digital or analogue signal - High protection rating for the requirements of harsh industrial environments - Configurable CAN sensors Often the horizontal alignment of machines or machine parts is an important requirement for reliable operation. Inclination sensors are designed for angular position detection or levelling of mobile machinery. They are commonly used for position detection on working platforms or levelling of mobile cranes or excavators. Industrial applications include solar panel tracking systems. Inclination sensors are offered as 1 or 2-axis versions. ifm provides units with switching output, analogue output, combined switching and analogue output and IO-Link, or with CAN interface.

- Display of analogue process values - Display and monitoring of process values - Display and monitoring of pulse-shaped signals In industrial processes, decentralised indication and processing of current process values is essential both to keep important process data in view and to be able to quickly execute a fault analysis if disruptions occur. Displays with analogue input show the actual values according to the preset physical units. Displays with switching output signal if limit values are reached or exceeded.

- Quick set-up: no need to align transmitter and receiver - Fine and precise light beam across the whole fork width - Metal housing reduces distortion - Light-on/dark-on mode selectable via rotary switch - Easy sensitivity setting via potentiometer Photoelectric fork and angle sensors are used for the detection of very small objects and for counting tasks in feeding, assembly and handling applications. Further application examples are belt edge and guide monitoring. The sensors are distinguished by a high switching frequency and a particularly fine and precise light beam. This allows for the reliable detection of very fast processes. Made from distortion-resistant diecast zinc, the housing ensures long-term stability of the optical axis. No time-consuming adjustment is required because transmitter and receiver are already aligned towards each other. The sensitivity can be set intuitively via potentiometer. Light-on / dark-on mode is selected via rotary switch.

- Reliable connection of controllers and dialogue units - Connection technology with high protection rating - For use in mobile machines - Wide operating temperature range The planar aerials are used for GPS data reception or communication in mobile networks via GSM or UMTS. The aerials have an integrated amplifier and a CAN interface. They can be mounted on all metallic or non-metallic plain surfaces (e.g. roof installation on trucks, cars or other mobile machines). Thanks to their robust housing and high protection rating, the units are ideally suited for construction machines, agricultural machinery and municipal vehicles.

- Inputs for analogue, digital, diagnostic and pulse signals - Digital, PWM or current-controlled outputs - Programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS - High-performance CAN interface for various communication tasks - E1 type approval by the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (German Federal Motor Transport Authority) The ifm controllers of the ecomatmobile series are designed for use in harsh conditions. They are suitable for direct installation in vehicles and mobile machines. Apart from compact, flexible and low-cost mini controllers, the range also offers powerful, freely programmable controllers with a large number of inputs and outputs. For safety-critical tasks, safety controllers are available. The signals produced by sensors are quickly and reliably processed by the controllers and provided to the actuators. Besides multifunctional inputs and outputs for different applications, each controller has several CAN interfaces. Data from the engine controller can be processed by means of the J1939 protocol. The IEC 61131-3 based programming software CODESYS enables easy and accurate adjustment of the controller function to the individual application. The units offer increased EMC levels and hold an e1 type approval. Thanks to the high protection rating of the housing, the modules are suited for outside panel and surface mounting as well as for cabin installation in construction machines, agricultural machinery or municipal vehicles.

- 3,072 distance values per measurement for the detailed assessment of the application - Two switching outputs, one of which can be configured as analogue output - Visual assessment of distance, level or volume - Illumination, measurement and evaluation in one unit - Reliable function due to time-of-flight measurement Photoelectric 3D sensors are suited for many different applications, such as volume, distance and level detection. They measure the distance between the sensor and the nearest surface point by point using the time-of-flight principle. The sensors illuminate the scene with an internal or external infrared light source and calculate the distance by means of the light reflected from the surface. These sensors for industrial applications can be used for completeness checks, volume determination or sorting tasks. Sensors for applications in mobile machines have an outstanding shock and vibration resistance.

- Quick set-up of the sensor - Quick and easy mounting - For safe installation to a mounting rod - User-friendly setting of parameters - Intuitive, user-friendly handling The 3D sensor is adjusted and put into operation with the highly intuitive software 'ifm Vision Assistant'. A mounting set allows easy, fast and cost-efficient installation of the camera on an existing rod on the machine.

- Intuitive, user-friendly handling - Integrated wide-range power supply - Easily programmable output functions - Devices for monitoring standstill, speed, direction, slip, and frequency - Switching relays and transistor outputs, scalable analogue output Pulse evaluation systems monitor rotating and linear movements as well as all physical quantities which can be converted into pulse sequences. Units with different functions allow customised monitoring of slow and fast rotational speeds as well as complex synchronous or direction monitoring. Relay or transistor outputs give a signal if the actual value is above or below the set limit value.

- Reliable stretching and division of pulses - Reliable frequency-to-current conversion - Adjustable switch-on and switch-off delay In machines and installations, monitoring and evaluation of pulse sequences is often necessary. For evaluation in a control system, the generated signals must be preprocessed. The ifm range includes pulse dividers, pulse stretchers, frequency-to-current converters and units for switch-on and switch-off delay of signals. All units can be mounted on a rail.

ifm offers a wide range of electronic pressure sensors to meet the requirements of various industrial applications. The ceramic-capacitive measuring cell, tried and tested millions of times, is complemented by a stainless steel measuring cell with thin-film or thick-film wire strain gauges (series PK, PV, PT) and a piezoresistive measuring technique (for pneumatic applications). All units have robust housings and do not require moving parts such as pistons or springs. The result: The sensors are extremely shock and vibration resistant and operate without any wear or maintenance. The tried and tested ceramic-capacitive measuring cell is corrosion-resistant and long-term stable. This ensures consistent and long-term accuracy of the measured values. The sensors are resistant to dynamic pressure peaks and guarantee high overload resistance even in the case of extreme pressure peaks that occur for example with fast closing valves. Units with wire strain gauge in thick-film technology on a stainless steel measuring cell are distinguished by their very compact and robust design. They can be used in almost all industrial areas. The welded stainless steel measuring cell without any seals ensures a high degree of safety, in particular for applications with gas pressures of up to 600 bar as well as in air-conditioning and refrigerating technology where aggressive coolants (freons) are used.

- For the installation of sensors in tanks or pipes - Easy, quick and secure mounting - For use in industrial and hygienic applications - Large variety of process connections - Efficient protection against soiling, impact and shock Adapters and T-pieces provide easy, fast and reliable installation of process sensors in tanks or piping systems. ifm offers a wide range of process connections for use in industrial or hygienic applications. Protective devices shield the electronics, housings and displays of pressure, flow, level and temperature sensors from dirt, overheating, shocks and impacts. Device-specific accessories enable quick set-up and safe operation of the sensors.

- Easy mounting of the puck directly on the shaft of the valve actuator - Various diameters and heights for adaptation to the different drives - Complete mounting sets for drives from different manufacturers - High shock and vibration resistance - Simple installation of the rising stem valve sensor on common valve types A round target (also known as a 'puck') is used for reliable position feedback of pneumatic quarter-turn actuators or valve plates. The puck is mounted directly on the actuator shaft. It is equipped with two metal screws that are mounted at different heights and offset by 90°. A dual inductive sensor with two integral sensors detects the upper or the lower metal screw and, thus, the "open" or "closed" position of the valve. The system operates without contact or wear and is self-cleaning. It is virtually resistant to external influence and insensitive to mechanical stress such as vibration and shock. Mounting adapters allow for installation of the rising stem valve position sensor on valves of various manufacturers.

- High-performance OPC server software for vibration diagnosis - User-friendly parameter setting software with data visualisation - Safety barrier for the intrinsically safe operation of vibration sensors - Pulse generator for the generation of defined mechanical pulses - Efficient protection against defeating and soiling The ifm range of accessories for vibration monitoring systems comprises mounting adapters, pulse generators, protective covers and safety barriers. Mounting adapters are used for screwing vibration sensors into the machine surface. Pulse generators serve to determine the optimal installation position for a vibration sensor. The protective cover prevents unintentional setting or manipulation of sensors. Combined with safety barriers, vibration sensors can be used in hazardous areas.

- Dual inductive sensor for pneumatic actuators and valves - Designed for simple fit to common actuators based on VDI / VDE 3845 - Quick and easy installation of the AS-i dual sensor - Position feedback for rising stem valves with up to 80 mm stroke - Reliable permanent valve monitoring In industrial processes where liquids, air or gases are used, valves are needed for dosing and control. Dual inductive sensors provide reliable position feedback for pneumatic valve actuators and valves. They are operated in combination with a switch target (also called 'puck') and detect the "open" and "closed" positions of the valve. Valve sensors provide position feedback on linear valves. The sensors signal up to three important valve positions to the controller: valve open, valve closed and any position in-between, e.g. for the seat lift.

- For liquids and gases - Versions for the use in hygienic applications - Variable process connection using adapters - Flow monitoring also for aggressive media In almost all fields of process and plant engineering liquids or gases are used, e.g. for coolant and lubricant supply of plants and power units or ventilation of installations and buildings. Electronic flow sensors are used to prevent damage or downtime caused by flow interruptions. ifm's product range comprises flow sensors with different measuring principles for monitoring the most varied types of media, including water, oils and coolants, but also air, compressed air or aggressive media. Their application areas range from simple monitoring tasks to precise flow rate measurements.

- Pressure sensors for the detection of the system pressure in machinery and plant - Reliable monitoring of liquids and gases in pipes - Level and limit level monitoring on tanks and containers - Temperature sensors with high precision over the whole temperature measurement range - Devices with clearly visible LED display with alternating red-green indication In industrial processes where liquids, air or gases are used, process sensors serve to measure and detect pressure, temperature, flow and levels. Pressure sensors are used to detect the system pressure of oil in hydraulic systems or to measure the hydrostatic pressure in tanks and vessels in the food and beverage industry. Flow sensors monitor the coolant and lubricant supply of machines, power units and industrial furnaces or ensure ventilation of installations and buildings. Electronic level sensors monitor filling levels of liquids or bulk materials in containers, tanks and silos. In the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, temperature sensors are used to ensure that products are at the correct temperature. In machine tool and automotive applications, the temperature or temperature difference measured at drives, gears and motors plays an important role as an indicator of the machine condition. In the steel, metal and glass industries, temperature monitoring of cooling circuits serves to prevent overheating of plants. Valves are used for dosing and control of liquids, air or gases. Dual inductive sensors provide reliable position feedback for pneumatic valve actuators and valves. Valve sensors provide position feedback on linear valves.

Electronic level sensors monitor filling levels of liquids or bulk materials in containers, tanks and silos. Even critical process conditions such as emptying a hydraulic tank or the unintentional overspill of a tank are monitored using level sensors. The ifm product range includes units for continuous level measurement or point level detection. Depending on the application, different measuring principles such as capacitive, guided wave radar or hydrostatic level measurement are offered. For non-contact level detection, photoelectric distance sensors or 3D camera systems can be used. Build-up and wear often lead to failures, in particular if mechanical switches are in contact with the medium. The electronic ifm sensors can do without any mechanical parts or floats. This makes the sensors especially robust and reliable. Further advantages of electronic sensors are the local level indication and easy switch point setting via pushbuttons.

- Inclination sensors with CAN or analogue interface - Inductive sensors with high protection rating - Pressure sensors with a robust measuring cell for mobile hydraulics - High shock and vibration resistance - Wide operating temperature range In automation technology sensors are the "sense organs" of the control systems. They are also used in mobile machinery and installations. In contrast to devices for industrial automation, the demands on sensors for mobile applications are much higher. The ifm units are distinguished by a robust housing and high protection rating for use in harsh environments. They are shock and vibration resistant and designed to be used in harsh, dirty environments. The sensors have an extended temperature range so that they can operate reliably in extremely cold conditions and when installed next to hot engines. Moreover, the devices are insensitive to rapid temperature changes. A wide voltage range ensures that even high fluctuations of the on-board system do not affect the function. To comply with the ever increasing EMC requirements in mobile applications the devices feature an increased EMC resistance. Many sensors have the e1 type approval. The ifm product range for mobile applications includes inductive sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, inclination sensors and cameras, among others.

- Integrated flow, temperature and wire monitoring - Adjustable switching outputs for monitoring flow and temperature - Clearly visible multi-colour LED bargraph display - Signal output via potential-free relay contacts - Connection options: Insulation displacement / screw terminals and cage clamps In applications where it is not possible to use flow sensors with integrated evaluation, sensors are used in combination with evaluation units. For example, this is the case in hazardous areas, confined spaces or if flow values are to be indicated in a decentralised manner. The product range comprises evaluation units for control cabinet installation or local mounting. Depending on the unit, it is possible to monitor flow, temperature and/or wire break. All units indicate the flow by means of an LED bar graph. The evaluation units for local mounting are connected to the flow sensor directly at the measuring point using an M12 connector. Sensors and evaluation systems are designed and approved for use in hazardous areas according to the applicable directives.

- Units with integrated or separate evaluation electronics - Modular concept for a large variety of applications - High process safety due to self-monitoring - Variable process connection using adapters - High shock and vibration resistance Temperature is the physical variable most often measured in machines and installations. In the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, temperature sensors are used to ensure that products are at the correct temperature. In machine tool and automotive applications, the temperature or temperature difference measured at drives, gears and motors plays an important role as an indicator of the machine condition. In the steel, metal and glass industries, temperature monitoring of cooling circuits serves to prevent overheating of plants. A large selection of ifm temperature sensors is offered to suit different temperature ranges, installation depths, environmental conditions and media.

ifm offers a large selection of electronic vacuum sensors for different industrial applications such as monitoring of vacuum pumps. For example, vacuum sensors used on vacuum grippers ensure that parts, workpieces or goods are reliably picked up by robots. Besides vacuum monitoring, some units can also be used for pressure measurement. All sensors have robust housings and do not require moving parts such as pistons or springs. The result: The sensors are extremely shock and vibration resistant and operate without any wear or maintenance. The sensors are resistant to dynamic pressure peaks and have a high overload protection.

- Illumination units for contour and position verification - External LED illumination for object recognition - Permanent light or pulse operation - White light, red light and infrared versions - Compact and robust housing The lighting units generate a homogeneous light field with visible red or invisible infrared light and are available in three different sizes. They are most often used in combination with object recognition and object inspection sensors for contour and position verification. The high-quality LED illumination creates homogeneous light - either for virtually shadow-free object illumination or for emphasising surface characteristics such as dot-peened codes, scratches or nicks. The optional angle bracket and the tried-and-tested ifm mounting system facilitate the alignment of the different types of additional illumination.

- Illumination units for contour and position verification - External LED illumination for object recognition - Operating software and OPC server software - Protective panes for vision sensors - Mounting sets for quick and easy mounting With the wide selection of accessories the vision sensors can be integrated simply, quickly and reliably into different applications.