Space-saving machine components such as mini-sensors are the future of modern industry. Balluff takes advantage of the most modern technologies to make its sensors smaller while offering higher performance. Some technologies used are hybrids, chip-on-board, wire bond and flip chip electronics.
Balluff's BES product family includes small inductive sensors with mini housings and maxi switching distance. The Ø 3 mm sensors for example, offer a switching distance of 1 mm, and for the Ø 4 mm housings, 1,5 mm. This makes their installation and set-up easier and more versatile, even in harsh environments. Their stainless steel housing makes them insensitive to temperature fluctuations, moisture, shock, electromagnetic fields and voltage spikes.
Balluff also offers rectangular inductive proximity switches in miniature housings. The BES R04KC in just 8 x 16 x 5 mm has extremely flat configuration with an IP67 rating and is ideal where space is at a premium, such as in robot gripper arms. Additional advantages include ease of installation and an operating voltage of 5-30 V.
The BMF series excels in sensing piston position in pneumatic cylinders. The BMF 303, with 3 mm width, is the smallest of these and disappears into the cylinder slot. Nothing extends over the cylinder surface, which is a great advantage when clearance needs to be maintained. For position sensing in short-stroke cylinders, Balluff's BMF 103 has a housing width of just 9 mm along the axial direction of the cylinder. The BMF 303 and BMF 103 use 'Giant Magneto-Resistive' technology.
High-tech in the smallest possible space describes Balluff's BOS 6K series. Using microcontroller and laser technology, this series can be packaged in extremely small housings. Analog version BOD 6K covers a range of 20-80 mm and is equipped with an additional switching output. The series BOS 12M has the smallest metric opto-sensors for automation tasks, including new models featuring red light and background suppression. The base units for BOS 74 and BOS 20 plastic fibre-optic cables offer maximum flexibility in small packages. The user can choose from simple, reliable teach-in set-up or a highly flexible potentiometer setting.
The BAW with 6,5 mm diameter is the smallest analog distance sensor with integrated electronics and temperature output available on the market. The temperature signal allows the user to compensate for thermal expansion of the machine. Its linear range is from 0,5 to 2 mm, which is the same as the actual working range. The M8, M12 and M18 series work over a range of 1,5-8 mm. These inductive analog distance sensors measure without contact with high repeatability and resolution.
For longer distances the BIL magneto-inductive distance sensor for travel up to 60 mm measures without contact and features an analog output with a passive position marker. The housing has a cross-section of 15 x 15 mm and an overall length of just 95 mm, with all the processing electronics integrated into the housing. The sensing element and electronics are fully potted in an IP67 housing. The BILs are highly tolerant of moisture, shock and vibration.
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