Sensors & Transducers


Laser beam sensors for harsh environments

August 2003 Sensors & Transducers Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management

Banner Engineering Corp is offering ruggedised PicoDot sensors - Class 2 laser sensors with environmentally sealed housings that enable them to deliver laser power and precision to applications in harsh environments. Available in convergent beam and retroreflective mode models, the sensors make appropriate solutions for a variety of applications. They are suitable for presence sensing of tiny parts at close ranges and small parts at medium ranges, as well as precise long-range and high-speed sensing.

The sensors provide all of the standard PicoDot features and functionality in an environmentally sealed housing that protects the electronics from dust/dirt, gases, rain, snow, sleet, hosedown, heavy splash, and occasional submersion. Both convergent and retroreflective models utilise a 650 nm visible red sensing beam, and both provide a 200 ms response time with 50 ms repeatability.

Convergent beam models, available in 50 mm, 100 mm and 200 mm focal lengths, create a precise high-energy sensing spot measuring 0,25 mm at the focus point. Retroreflective models feature a precise narrow sensing beam that provides accurate long-range sensing at ranges from 0,2 m to 10,6 m.

These tough Class 2 laser sensors are also compact and self-contained. Measuring 42,7 mm high, by 15,2 mm wide, by 49,1 mm deep, they fit and function in smaller spaces than many competitive sensors. They also save on installation and maintenance expenses, compared with opposed mode sensors, because only one sensor has to be wired.

The sensors include green and yellow LED indicators that provide a constant display of operating status. The 10 to 30 V d.c. sensors feature integral circuitry that protects against reverse polarity, overvoltage and transient voltages. The output configuration includes an SPDT (complementary) solid-state switch with a choice of NPN (sinking) or PNP (sourcing) outputs, each capable of switching up to a 150 mA load, and a choice of light operate (N.O.) or dark operate (N.C.).

The sensor housing is constructed of Cycolac KJB heat-resistant ABS (rated UL94-VO) and includes an acrylic lens. Rated IEC IP67 and NEMA 6, the sensors were designed to withstand harsh environments. An operating temperature range, from -10 to +45°C, allows the sensors to perform reliably under most industrial conditions. They are available with integral 2 m, or 9 m unterminated cable, or with a 5-pin Euro-style 150 mm pigtail quick-disconnect fitting.

For more information contact, Rodney Topham, RET Automation Controls, 011 453 2468, [email protected], www.retauto.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

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...
Duct and plant room air quality (PRAQ) sensors
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Schneider Electric South Africa offers a comprehensive range of SpaceLogic duct and plant room air quality sensors. These cutting-edge sensors are designed to enhance building air quality and energy efficiency by combining multiple sensing capabilities into a single unit.

Read more...
The sensory reaction of the BMS
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Today’s building management systems cannot function properly without sensors. Like our senses, they are an integral part of operations that run silently in the background, almost taken for granted.

Read more...
Empower individuals to control their biometric data
Information Security Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management
What if your biometrics, now embedded in devices, workplaces, and airports, promising seamless access and enhanced security, was your greatest vulnerability in a cyberattack? Cybercriminals are focusing on knowing where biometric data is stored.

Read more...
Strategies for combating insider threats
Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
In Africa, insider threats pose an increasingly significant risk to businesses, driven by economic uncertainty, labour disputes, and rapid digital transformation. These threats can arise from various sources, including disgruntled employees and compromised third-party service providers

Read more...
World-first safe K9 training for drug detection
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Government and Parastatal (Industry)
The Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy recently announced the results of its scientific research into training dogs to accurately detect drugs and explosives without harming either the dogs or their handlers.

Read more...