Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring


High power laser beam sensors detect tiny parts at close ranges

June 2000 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

Banner Engineering (represented by RET Automation Controls) now offers Picodot polarised retroreflective laser sensors. Picodot Class 2 laser sensors are compact, lightweight and self-contained, designed for precision sensing at both close and long ranges. Picodot sensors are good for applications where high power and narrow beam precision are crucial, including wafer handling, small parts sensing and precision long range sensing applications. They are also a good solution for high-speed presence detection or counting applications, due to their 0,2 ms sensing response time and 50 ms repeatability.

Utilising a visible red laser beam, equipped with a polarising lens, Picodot sensors provide good accuracy at ranges up to 40 m, allowing them to replace opposed-mode laser-based photoelectrics in long range sensing applications. Measuring only 40,6 (H) x 12,7 (W) x 45,6 mm (D) and weighing less than 28 g, they fit and function in smaller spaces than many photoelectrics, including robot arms and end effectors. They are also easier to apply because only one sensor has to be wired, saving on installed cost and maintenance.

Green and yellow LED indicators on the sensors provide constant operating status information. The green LED indicates power on and flashes to indicate output overload. The yellow LED indicates light sensed and flashes to indicate marginal sensing conditions (low excess gain) in light condition.

Picodot supply voltage is 10 to 30 V d.c., 10% maximum ripple, consuming less than 20 mA. Protective circuitry guards against reverse-polarity, overvoltage and transient voltages. The output configuration includes a 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 (NO) or dark operate (NC). Integral circuitry guards the output against continuous overload or short circuit.

Picodot sensors were designed to withstand industrial environments, with a rugged ABS housing and an acrylic lens cover. They are rated IEC IP54 and have an operating temperature range of -10 to +45°C. The sensors are available with integral 2 or 9 m unterminated cable, or a five-pin Euro-style 150 mm pigtail quick disconnect fitting.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Oxygen measurement in beverages
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar offers a complete range of oxygen measurement instruments for total package oxygen (TPO) measurements, at-line quality control (QC), and in-process monitoring. These instruments help beverage manufacturers achieve accurate, reliable oxygen control at every stage of production.

Read more...
Analysers achieve OIML R140/MID accuracy class A certification
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Qmicro by Sensirion has received the OIML R140/MID accuracy class A certificate No. TC12537 for its DynamiQ-X GC analysers for the analysis of natural gas and natural gas blended with hydrogen.

Read more...
Sustainable water management
Wearcheck Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Water sustainability is critical for the future wellbeing of people, land and marine ecosystems, and socio-economic development. WearCheck Water provides a range of water analysis techniques to determine water quality for various sectors, including mining, agriculture, domestic and the healthcare industry.”

Read more...
Biofilm monitoring system
Instek Control Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Alvim, through Instek Controls, provides innovative, high-tech solutions for biofilm and biofouling monitoring in industrial plants.

Read more...
WearCheck Water earns AdBlue/DEF analysis accreditation
Wearcheck Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WearCheck Water recently became the first laboratory in Africa to be officially ISO17025 accredited to test AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid by the South African National Accreditation System.

Read more...
Streamlining strain gauge load cell integration
Vepac Electronics Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Vepac’s data acquisition hardware provides an efficient and effective all-in-one solution for customers looking to simplify, enhance and optimise their strain gauge load cell systems.

Read more...
Oxygen measurement in beverages
Anton Paar Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar offers a complete range of oxygen measurement instruments for total package oxygen (TPO) measurements, at-line quality control (QC), and in-process monitoring. These instruments help beverage manufacturers achieve accurate, reliable oxygen control at every stage of production.

Read more...
Sensors and controls for food, beverage and pharmaceutical
Instek Control Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Included in Instek Control’s range is Anderson-Negele, which has adopted ‘Hygienic By Design’ as its guiding principle, with a particular focus on meeting the stringent regulatory requirements found in industries such as dairy, brewery or pharmaceutical.

Read more...
Vertical labelling of test tubes in clinical laboratories
Omron Electronics Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Werfen has implemented a new automated machine for the supply of reagents to drug toxicology laboratories, built by MACCO in collaboration with OMRON and Marini Pandolfi. It uses OMRON SCARA robots and advanced vision systems to ensure reagent quality through vertical handling and labelling process of test tubes.

Read more...
Keeping a close eye on product quality and purity
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Colour measurements are necessary in many processes to avoid product losses and ensure safe production and batching.

Read more...