In the most demanding of applications one type of sensor stands out amongst the sensor crowd, ultrasonic technology can be the savior in your application needs.
The ultrasonic success is due to its high reliability. Versatile in a plethora of situations for object detection and level measurement, these sensors operate with extreme precision due to their highly reliable sound wave technology.
Other measuring technologies, such as proximity or retroreflective sensors, would have a difficult time trying to duplicate the ultrasonic effectiveness on such a wide range of applications. The robust design make them ideal for even the toughest conditions; insensitive to environmental influences these sensors employ sound in order to function in nearly any condition. By incorporating frequencies above the 16 kHz human-hearing threshold, P+F’s ultrasonic sensors are capable of sensing solids, liquids, and granules regardless of their transparency, shape or color.
In the past, measuring with ultrasonic sensors was considered the last option due to the belief that the technology was difficult comprehend and use. But today this old view is something that is in the rearview mirror as ultrasonic sensors have become streamlined and easy to use in almost any application.
Where would one find these sensors being used?
- Engineering/Machine Tool/production line systems
- Food and beverage, Pharmaceuticals
- Wood & Furniture construction
- Construction Materials
- Farming/AG
- Construction Equipment
- Paper Industry
- General Material handling (AGV, Conveying)
- Leveling type measurements
What are the typical types of ultrasonic sensors?
Diffuse and Retroreflective – Ultrasonic sensors fall most commonly under the diffused category. The design lends itself to the emitter/receiver combination. In Pepper+Fuchs’ case their line of sensors can be converted into a retroreflective type via a software programming parameter alteration, used for difficult to detect objects.
Through Beam Sensors – Ultrasonic thru-beam sensors are much more powerful than diffuse or retroreflective sensors and come with a much larger sensing ranges. However, this style sensor does not continuously switch between emitter-receiver systems. This allows for much faster response times while maintaining high switching frequencies.
Double sheet sensors – These are ultrasonic thru-beam sensors that have been tuned for sheet feed applications; including double sheet detection, label counting, and splice detection. The double sheet & double material sensors can sense the difference between empty gaps, or thickness differences between one, and two layers of material. These materials typically include papers, metals, lumber boards, and even glass panels. When performing label detection tasks, the sensors can distinguish between the label backing and the base label material.
In summary, we have many partners that offer some form of ultrasonic sensors. Partners like PEPPERL+FUCHS, BAUMER, IDEC, and CARLO GAVAZZI. All these manufacturers have fantastic product offerings.
Still have questions about ultrasonic sensors? Feel free to contact our tech support or our sales team via email or give us a call and we’d be happy to help you find the perfect sensor for your application!
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