Accessories for position sensors

- High noise immunity - Sensing range adjustable by means of potentiometer or teach button - Plastic or metal housings for different applications - Sensors for position and level detection - Accessories for mounting on tanks or sight glasses Capacitive sensors are used for the non-contact detection of any objects. In contrast to inductive sensors, which only detect metallic objects, capacitive sensors can also detect non-metallic materials. Typical applications are in the wood, paper, glass, plastic, food, chemical and semiconductor industries.

- Reliable optical distance measurement with high ranges up to 10 m - Switch point setting via pushbutton, setting ring or IO-Link - Use in applications with background suppression - Excellent price/performance ratio - Versions with laser protection class 1 or 2 PMD technology PMD sensors with time-of-flight measurement (PMD = Photonic Mixer Device) combine the following advantages: long range, reliable background suppression, visible red light, high excess gain and all that in connection with either laser class 1 or 2. In the same price range as standard sensors, these units are a clever alternative. Easy handling The switch point is set easily to the nearest centimetre via "+/-" buttons and display, by turning the setting ring (easy turn) or via IO-Link, which also allows read-out of the actual value. Any surface and any mounting position Shiny, matt, dark or light objects of any colour: The OID features reliable background suppression and allows any angle of incidence and thus flexible mounting positions. This simplifies installation and saves costs. Laser class 1 Versions with laser class 1 meet the requirements of applications in the automotive industry.

- A sensor for all common cylinder types - Accessories for clean line, tie rod, T-slot, integrated profile and trapezoidal slot cylinders - Low height due to a perfectly adapted mechanical solution - Protected position of the sensor in the adapter - Easy, quick and secure mounting Special adapters are offered in order to make the advantages of the T-slot cylinder sensor also available for all other common cylinder types. Thanks to the adapter range, the sensor can be easily fixed to different cylinder profiles such as clean line, tie rod, integrated profile or trapezoidal slot cylinders. The special adapter design facilitates set-up and protects the sensor against mechanical damage.

- Low-cost systems for standard mounting - Just clamp - systems for rod mounting - Rotatable in all directions for free-standing mounting - Ingeniously simple, the ifm CUBE for aluminium profile mounting - Wide range of reflectors for retro-reflective sensors ifm offers a complete component system of easy-to-use mounting sets that make the installation of sensors and reflectors easier for you. The solutions consist of a clamp fastened by only one screw that keeps the sensors safely in position and guarantees free movement in all axes. Whereas the sensor mounting elements used depend on the sensor type, the clamps can be mounted in three different ways: rod mounting, free-standing mounting and fitting onto aluminium extrusions which are common in industry.

- Low-cost systems for standard mounting - Just clamp - systems for rod mounting - Rotatable in all directions for free-standing mounting - Ingeniously simple, the ifm CUBE for aluminium profile mounting - Wide range of reflectors for retro-reflective sensors ifm offers a complete component system of easy-to-use mounting sets that make the installation of sensors and reflectors easier for you. The solutions consist of a clamp fastened by only one screw that keeps the sensors safely in position and guarantees free movement in all axes. Whereas the sensor mounting elements used depend on the sensor type, the clamps can be mounted in three different ways: rod mounting, free-standing mounting and fitting onto aluminium extrusions which are common in industry.

- Extensive range of fixing components - Damping magnets in different designs In addition to the customised installation and fastening options ifm also offers various target magnets.

- Low-cost systems for standard mounting - Just clamp - systems for rod mounting - Rotatable in all directions for free-standing mounting - Ingeniously simple, the ifm CUBE for aluminium profile mounting - Wide range of reflectors for retro-reflective sensors ifm offers a complete component system of easy-to-use mounting sets that make the installation of sensors and reflectors easier for you. The solutions consist of a clamp fastened by only one screw that keeps the sensors safely in position and guarantees free movement in all axes. Whereas the sensor mounting elements used depend on the sensor type, the clamps can be mounted in three different ways: rod mounting, free-standing mounting and fitting onto aluminium profiles which are common in industry.

- Simple clipping of the symbol disc in the touch sensor - Reliable identification of different functions Capacitive touch sensors can be used, for example, as a start and stop button on machines, as enable switches and for opening and closing gates. Compared to mechanical switches the sensors operate without wear. The symbol disc for the sensing face is snapped on after installation of the sensor. No sensor alignment is required during installation. For 100 mm diameter touch sensors, coloured cover rings can be used to mark different functions.

- Easy fit 'drop from the top' into a slot - Suitable for the most commonly used C- and T-slots - Versions with connectors or connection cable - Wide range of adapters Cylinder sensors are used for position detection of pistons in pneumatic cylinders. They are directly mounted onto the cylinder. The ring magnet attached to the piston is sensed through the housing wall of non-magnetisable material (e.g. aluminium, brass or stainless steel). They can be fixed to almost any T-slot, C-slot, clean-line, tie rod, integrated profile or trapezoidal slot cylinder.

- Efficient protection against soiling, impact and shock - Robust stainless steel mounting brackets and angles - Quick and easy mounting ifm offers a wide range of accessories to protect the sensors against environmental influences, dirt, deposits, mechanical destruction or inadvertent manipulation. The range includes protective covers for position and process sensors, siphon tubes, cooling and protection boxes for distance sensors or thermowells and temperature sensors.

- 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 Valve sensors In industrial processes where liquids, air or gases are used, valves are needed for dosing and control. Pneumatic valve actuators are normally used for mechanical positioning. The valve position must be monitored electronically. Dual sensor for valve actuators A round target, also called a 'puck', with two metal screws offset by 90° is mounted on the actuator shaft. The screws are located at a different height. A compact dual inductive sensor (type IND) with two integral sensors detects the upper or lower metal screw depending on the valve position and thus the two switch positions. This system operates reliably with no wear at all. It is virtually resistant to external influence and insensitive to mechanical stress such as vibration and shock. Sensor for rising stem valves For position feedback on rising stem valves efector valvis is used. Two or three switch points can be set via pushbuttons over a stroke of 80 mm. In addition to the "open" and "closed" positions of the valve, a third position is used for "seat lift" monitoring (active during the cleaning process). Thanks to a resolution of 0.2 mm the sensor detects even very small changes in the position of the valve. The inductive measuring principle guarantees wear-free non-contact operation. Different adapters allow for easy installation of the same sensor on valves of various manufacturers and sizes.

- Wide operating temperature range - High protection rating for the requirements of harsh industrial environments - Reliable detection due to low sensor tolerances - Reduced storage due to wide range of applications Inductive sensors are nowadays indispensable for industrial applications. As compared to mechanical switches they offer almost ideal conditions: non-contact operation free from any wear and tear, high switching frequencies and accuracy. In addition, they are insensitive to vibration, dust and moisture. Inductive sensors detect all metals without contact.

- Capacitive sensors for position detection or level monitoring - Distance sensors with very long range and background suppression - Ultrasonic sensors for non-contact detection of objects - Photoelectric sensors for specific applications - With switching output, analogue signal and IO-Link Position sensors are nowadays indispensable in industrial applications to reliably detect positions on machines. Compared to mechanical switches, inductive, capacitive and magnetic sensors offer ideal characteristics: non-contact operation free from any wear and tear, high switching frequencies and accuracy. In addition, they are insensitive to vibration, dust and moisture. Cylinder sensors are used for position detection of pistons in pneumatic cylinders. In industrial processes where liquids, air or gases are used, valves are needed for dosing and control. Valve sensors reliably signal the positions of valve actuators, valves, slides and flaps. Photoelectric sensors as "artificial eyes" are fundamental to automation technology. They are used where reliable and non-contact detection of the exact position of objects is required. The material of the object to be detected is of no importance. Compared to inductive, capacitive and magnetic sensors, photoelectric sensors have a much larger sensing zone. Laser sensors are used for the detection of very small objects. In combination with time-of-flight measurement, even long distances can be measured reliably.

- Reliable detection of tiny objects - Simple alignment due to visible red light - Simple switch point setting via pushbutton - Sensors for special applications - Accurate fine adjustment by means of system components Laser sensors are used where small objects or precise positions are to be detected. They are designed as through-beam sensors, retro-reflective sensors or diffuse reflection sensors. Laser light consists of light waves of the same wave length with a fixed phase ratio (coherence). This results in an important feature of laser sensors, that is the almost parallel light beam. The result: Long ranges can be achieved thanks to the small angle of divergence. The laser spot which is clearly visible even in daylight makes the alignment of the system easier.

- Reliable detection also through non-magnetisable metals - Cylindrical or rectangular types - Small housings with very long sensing ranges - High mechanical stability in case of shock or vibration - Flush or non-flush mountable in non-magnetisable metals Magnetic sensors are used for the detection of positions without contact or wear and tear. They are used where very long sensing ranges are required. Since magnetic fields penetrate all non-magnetisable materials, the sensors can detect magnets through walls made of stainless steel, aluminium, plastic or wood.

- Simple alignment due to visible red light - Versions for the use in hygienic applications -LED display to check operation, switching status and function - Setting process saves time and cost during set-up - Extensive range of system components for easy and secure mounting Automation technology can no longer be imagined without photoelectric sensors as "artificial eyes". They are used where a reliable and non-contact detection of the exact position of objects is required. The material of the object to be detected is of no importance. Compared to inductive sensors, photoelectric sensors have a much greater sensing zone. Through-beam sensors are distinguished by a long range. The system consists of two separate components: a transmitter and a receiver. The light only covers one way (from the transmitter to the receiver). Adverse effects in the applications, such as dust in the air, dirt on the lenses, steam or mist do not immediately interfere with the system. For retro-reflective sensors the transmitter and receiver are incorporated into one housing. By means of a reflector the transmitted light is returned to the receiver. Retro-reflective sensors without polarisation filter operate with infrared light, systems with polarisation filter with visible red light. Diffuse reflection sensors are used for the direct detection of objects. The transmitter and receiver are integrated into one housing. The transmitter emits light which is reflected by the object to be detected and seen by the receiver. The light reflection from an object is evaluated. Therefore additional functional components (such as reflectors for retro-reflective sensors) are not needed for the operation of a diffuse reflection sensor.

-High-quality photoelectric sensors for different applications -Excellent price/performance ratio -Compact laser distance sensor with 10 m range -Easy adjustment via teach buttons or potentiometer -Extensive range of system components for easy and secure mounting In highly automated industrial processes the colour is often a selection criterion for detecting, sorting or inspecting various products and goods. Both the colour of a product itself and the packaging, labels or imprints can be precisely detected using electronic colour sensors. With contrast sensors, print marks and very flat objects can be detected easily and reliably. Sensors for the detection of transparent objects consist of a retro-reflective sensor with polarisation filter and a very fine prismatic reflector. They safely detect glass, film, PET bottles or transparent packaging and can be used for counting bottles or glasses or monitoring film for tear. Photoelectric level sensors detect levels of bulk materials and non-transparent liquids without contact.

- Protective caps ensuring the protection rating even if sockets are not used - Nuts for the reliable fixing of sensors with threaded sleeve - Mounting bases for a fast exchange of sensors - Label tags for the reliable marking of connections and sub-assemblies Protective caps are used to cover unused sockets of splitter boxes or modules to guarantee the requested protection rating. Label tags are used to mark components. Sealing rings are used for reliable sealing of process sensors installed in pipes or vessels.

- One- or two-channel design - Small design requiring only very little space - Programmable output function - Relay or transistor outputs - Easy mounting on DIN rail The transistor outputs of conventional sensors are designed for small load currents. If the user wants to switch higher currents or even alternating currents, he must use a switching amplifier. It uses the sensor signal to control an output relay.

- Robust alternative to mechanical pushbuttons - Wear-free and maintenance-free thanks to switching without any mechanical pressure - Actuation by finger or hand - High protection rating for the requirements of harsh industrial environments - Dynamic, static or bistable principle Capacitive touch sensors can be used, for example, as a start and stop button on machines, as enable switches and for opening and closing gates. Compared to mechanical switches the sensors operate without wear. A distinction is made between the dynamic, stable and latching operating principle. Dynamic touch sensors detect an approaching human hand and suppress interference such as water, layers of ice or foreign bodies to a large extent. However, a gloved hand will still trigger them. Static touch sensors detect hands and objects even through glass for as long as the sensing face is covered which provides, for example, protection against vandalism. With the latching operating principle it is possible to switch the sensor on by touching briefly and to switch it off again by touching briefly again. The housing is resistant to oils and it is also impact and scratch resistant. Powerful LEDs as optical feedback signal that the sensor has been activated.

Ultrasonic sensors are used for reliable position detection and precise continuous distance measurement of solids, powders and liquids. They transmit and receive sound waves in the ultrasonic range. The object to be detected reflects the sound waves and the distance information is determined via time-of-flight measurement. Blister packages in packaging technology or transparent plastic bowls in the food industry, for example, can be reliably detected. Even in operating conditions with heavy soiling, dust or mist the sensors detect objects reliably and without interference. ifm's compact ultrasonic sensors provide a particularly small blind zone, long sensing ranges and a high resolution. The product range includes units with programmable switching output, analogue output, or a combination of both. Output function, switch points and measuring range are conveniently set via a pushbutton on the unit or via wire teach. Some sensor types can additionally be configured via IO-Link, e.g. using a USB interface. The LINERECORDER SENSOR software is used to visualise, transfer and archive parameter sets.