New Danfoss VLT® Decentral Drive E cient, reliable and powerful

SENSORS
Cable extension
sensors have
selectable outputs
Variohm is offering a rugged cable
extension sensor with a plastichybrid
potentiometer and winding
drum that can be configured for 4–
20mA or 0–10V DC outputs by
connecting the appropriate signal
wires during installation. The
Celesco SP3 String Pot sensor
provides absolute linear position
measurements in four ranges from
120–1,270mm, with an accuracy of
0.25–1% of full-scale, depending
on the stroke length.
The sensor needs no critical cable
alignment, making it suitable for
awkward applications where there is
insufficient space for traditional
measurement devices, or where the
moving components may be
submerged or obscured by other
equipment. The 120mm-travel
version has a rated life of more than
2.5 million cycles, and repeatability is
said to be better than 0.05% FS. The
supply voltage is 8–40V DC for the
current output version, and 12–32V
DC for the voltage version.
Variohm EuroSensor
01327 351004
www.variohm.com
Scanning array detects web positions
Sick has announced a scanning optoelectronic sensor for web-positioning and edgedetection
applications. The Ax20 array sensor offers repeatable automated object
detection with a resolution down to 50 microns, allowing precise control of web
positions, even at high speeds.
The device operates from one side of the web and has a measuring range of up to
30mm. A visible light spot makes accurate alignment easy, without needing a teach-in
procedure. The sensor is said to be more versatile and reliable than fork sensors, and
easier to set up. It needs no reflector, making it simple to mount. It is unaffected by
ambient light and reflective or transparent materials. Applications include measuring the
thickness of, and detecting the edges of, sheet-fed materials such as paper, even in
stacks. It can also count small parts, determine widths, and track glue beads.
Sick (UK) 01727 831121 www.sick.co.uk
High-power LEDs boost sensor performance
Pepperl+Fuchs has released a range of
miniature photoelectric sensors for
applications requiring long ranges and
high reliability. The ML100 sensors use
powerful lenses and PowerBeam LEDs,
said to guarantee good visibility of the
red light spot and easy alignment.
The high power density and quality of
the light spot improve the sensors’
reliability and service lives. The IP67-
protected sensors have low power
consumption, are insensitive to ambient
lighting, and are protected against
ifm has introduced inductive ring and
tube sensors for detecting the passage of
small metal items such as screws, rivets
and springs. The high-resolution sensors
have a 0.2ms response time. They can
detect 0.6mm-diameter steel balls
moving at up to 35m/s.
For the ring sensors, the tube is guided
through the ring. Because the sensing
crosstalk. Indicator LEDs show the
operating and switching status.
There are two versions that optimise
the light spot for different applications.
The ML 100-8-H diffuse-mode sensors
with background suppression are suitable
for short ranges, providing a bright, sharp
spot for simple setup and reliable
detection of dark objects. The ML100-55
sensors provide a larger spot for easy
alignment and longer detection ranges.
Pepperl+Fuchs GB
0161 6336431 www.pepperl-fuchs.com
Inductive rings and tubes detect small parts
field lies inside the ring, external
disturbances are minimised. The tube
versions can be installed quickly and one
type of sensor can be used with different
diameter tubes. Pulse stretching and
sensitivity are adjustable, and users can
select normally open or closed operation.
ifm electronic
020 8213 0000 www.ifm.com/uk