Floating Magnets vs Sliding Captive Magnets on Transducers

Magnetostrictive linear transducers are feedback sensors that give an analog or digital signal relative to the position of a magnet along the waveguide.  One of the common questions we are asked is should I use a captive or floating magnet?  The answer depends on the application and the environment. 

Floating Magnets

Floating magnets are attached to the moving part with the transducer mounted parallel.  The magnet is not directly coupled to the transducer and thus an air gap exists between the transducer and the magnet.

• Floating magnets overcome the typical issue of debris and sticky fluid buildup overtime on the transducer track or rod. This is the main cause of mechanical failure on a sliding track magnet. 
• They can be mounted directly on the moving part, so machine wear is compensated, giving you a more realistic position over time. It allows you to monitor machine part wear. 
• They are easier to mount to the moving part versus a rod and possibly 2 ball or eye swivels- where you have 1 on the magnet and one on moving part.
• Magnetostrictive technology has advanced to allow a greater gap between the sensor inside the track and the magnet itself.  Distance is dependent on transducer and magnet type. 
• The technology advances have also allowed slightly more variance in magnet to transducer distance (X) over the length of the device within reason. Also, non- parallel movement (Y) is now more forgiving. Still should not allow both!  The transducer should be mounted parallel to the moving part. 
• There are many options available for floating magnet types.
• One issue is they cannot be mounted directly to steel or iron. Insulated mounting blocks are available with the magnets, or you can make your own non-ferrous mount. 
• EMF or high inductive local interference will also affect floating magnets.  In these environments do not use a floating magnet. 

Captive Magnets

Captive magnets ride in a track on the transducer and are linked with a mechanical linkage to the moving part.

• Captive magnets are used in relatively clean environments.
• They are used where you cannot put the transducer body close to the moving part.  
• A common perception is that the bearing surfaces and swivel eyes will wear with time. This is true only where direction change is sudden and at high speeds. Also -dirt/oil. Usually not an issue.
• As position repeatability is the most typical and desired function of any transducer even if play develops it may not be an issue if measurement is only in one direction. 
• 3 more parts to break. 
• The main reason for captive magnet use? X/Y variance of magnet distance to the transducer will never vary and a floating magnet will not work in the application.

Have questions on transducers?  Contact us and we will be glad to assist with your application.

Scott Equipment is thrilled to announce the addition of the Murrelektronik line of products.

Murrelektronik is your system partner to help reduce your wiring effort.

Control Cabinet
Murrelektronik views power management as the starting point
for machine efficiency. Power conditioning, properly sized power
supplies, current monitoring, redundancy and energy
savings are all considered when we assemble a power
management solution for our partners.

The combined technologies offered by Murrelektronik help you
to achieve a power management solution tailored to your
application, your budget and your peace of mind.

Filter – Power – Redundancy – Current Monitoring - Buffer :

all available from Murrelektronik

Interfaces
Signal transferring and processing happens all over in industrial
machine environments. Communicating the signals between the
cabinet and field is where Murrelektronik has multiple solutions
for creating the right interface for your application. Convenient
service outlets, space saving control panel interface, Ethernet
switches, and signal convertors are all available from
Murrelektronik. Combining our array of cabinet signal interface
products with the rest of our connectivity solutions will help to
improve machine reliability and serviceability.

Modlink MSDD | Modlight | MIRO GSM | Ethernet Switch

Fieldbus
With Murrelektronik‘s fieldbus technology you can connect
sensors and actuators conveniently and systematically to a higher
control level. This allows cost-effective installation and
automation solutions in machines and plants for many industries.

Murrelektronik offers solutions for any application. Our fieldbus
modules enable convenient and thorough diagnostics. While the
principle of “changing the bus without changing the system”
provides flexibility.

Cube20 | Cube20S | Cube67+ | Impact20 | Impact67 | MVK

Connectivity
Versatile, easy to use, interchangeable M12 connectors for
industrial applications reduce your wiring effort and ease
installations.

Murrelektronik offers a wide variety of M12 & M8 components in
several color and cable choices for your applications. Distribution
boxes are available to handle up to 16 signals. The cost effective
overmmolded cable design will simplify your wiring and replace
junction boxes.

M8 | M12 | Valve Plugs | Distribution Boxes | Field Wireables

For more information about Murrelektronik visit their webpage:  http://www.murrinc.com/

Contact Scott Equipment today to find out how Murr can help you reduce your wiring effort.

New Hazardous Location Magnetic Proximity Sensor - 7HL

New from Canfield Connector - Hazardous Location Magnetic Proximity Sensor
This 7HL rugged magnetic proximity sensor is designed to sense actuator position in stringent, hazardous location applications. The switch features a robust, epoxy-filled, aircraft aluminum body, and has a vibration and shock resistant, electronic circuit. The 7HL is an expansion of the popular Series 7000 "floating" clamp design and will clamp on 2 to 8 inch bore NFPA tie rod linear actuators.

Canfield Magnetic Sensors are available in either reed or electronic sensing styles, the sensors are fully encapsulated for IP 67 service.


Additional Information:

Catalog Link: 7HL Catalog Page

Installation Guide: 7HL Installation Guide

Laser Sensor with OLED graphic display

 

SMARTEYE® SmartDot™

TRI-TRONICS® has introduced a unique Laser Sensor with an OLED graphic display that provides visible feedback of proper setup and continual monitoring of performance.

The SMARTEYE® SmartDot Laser Sensor is designed for General Purpose sensing applications, and can also be used for precise, small parts detection at long ranges. The consistently small laser beam is used to detect such things as a tab on a battery, a misaligned or missing bottle cap, or a cross-threaded can lid. The SmartDot Laser Sensor is easily aligned, easily set up, and designed for repeatability of performance from sensor to sensor. It is useful in general purpose applications such as a product detector for vision systems, and simple inspection applications. The sensor can also be used in high precision applications for small parts detection, critical identifying feature inspection, and detection of micro electronic packages.

The SMARTEYE® SmartDot Laser Sensor has an OLED display providing the kind of visual confirming information which makes setup a breeze, and instills confidence in the user as to the longterm performance of the sensor. Displaying all the necessary information to determine proper setup for maximum up-time was the ultimate deciding factor in including the OLED display in this highly capable sensing device. For any applications, either general purpose, or those requiring small spot precision, the SmartDot Laser Sensor from Tri-Tronics is an excellent choice.

Features

• OLED Graphic Display
• 180° Rotating Connector
• NPN and PNP Outputs
• M12, 5 pin Connector, or Cable
• 240μs Response Time
• Threshold and Set-Point Numeric Graphic
• Timers; On Delay, Off Delay, One Shot
• Sensor Scope Diagnostics
• Built-in Digital Instructions

Benefits

• Easily Align Replacement Sensors
• See Through Tight Spaces at Long Distances
• Easy Setup
• Low Maintenance
• Confident Setup
• Robust and Durable
• High Speed
• Accurate
• Repeatable

Applications

• Edge Detection - Packaging, Wafers, etc.
• Shaft Key Orientation
• Small Parts Detection
• Container Cap Alignment
• Vision System Trigger
• Metal Thread Detection on Machined Parts

Additional Information:
Brochure Link:  SmartDot Brochure (PDF)
Tri-Tronics Website:  http://www.ttco.com/
Contact us:  800-222-2903 / sales@scotteq.com

Application Spotlight - Ultrasonic Sensors

Ultrasonic Sensors - Sound solutions for object detection and measurement

Whether your application is position detection, distance measurement, or the detection of solid, powder, or liquid media: BUS ultrasonic sensors are precise all-around performers. They remain high-performance independent of color, transparency, and surface properties. Even poor lighting conditions and dark, transparent, or highly reflective objects pose no problem.

Ultrasonic sensors show their true strength when long operating ranges with high accuracy are needed. In dusty, humid, and hazy environments, they are sometimes the only alternative. Even in the case of heavy debris, BUS sensors have proven themselves.

Ultrasonic sensors can be used in many application areas

Foil tear monitoring Ultrasonic sensors
with switching output can be used for foil tear
monitoring. If large waves are formed in the foil,
the sensor should be operated as a diffuse
reflective sensor. This operating mode functions
reliably even if the sound is reflected by waves in
the foil.

Height and width measurement
Through the use of multiple BUS M30 or
BUS 18M ultrasonic sensors, three-dimensional
measurements can be made for everything from
small boxes to large cartons.

Presence verification BUS detect filled or
empty pallets and measure the content of
transport containers. If a box or a container is to
be inspected with multiple sensors, they can be
synchronized with each other.

Robot positioning Due to their small dimensions, BUS are
ideally suited for exactly positioning robot arms:
BUS 18M ultrasonic sensors in threaded
sleeve and BUS R06K in block-style housing.

Control foil sag and monitor roll diameter Using an ultrasonic sensor with analog output, the material on a roll or a coil is detected and the roll drive or a brake readjusted. Another sensor with analog output readjusts the material infeed at the dancer roller as a function of the cable loop.








Scott Equipment offers a complete line of ultrasonic sensors from Balluff.  For additional information on Balluff ultrasonic sensors contact us or visit the Balluff Website.




Application spotlight provided by Balluff: 
Balluff, Inc.
8125 Holton Drive
Florence, KY 41042
www.balluff.us

Analog feedback for Grippers

Many applications have a need for precise jaw position feedback on pneumatic grippers.  Precise jaw position feedback may be needed for higher process speeds or improved quality control.  A few of ideas for use of the analog feedback on pneumatic grippers are to:

• Differentiate objects by physical size based on jaw position.
• Feedback to an analog pressure control circuit to control grip pressure based on position to prevent object deformation while ensuring a secure grip on the object.
• Part present in gripper detection.

Balluff offers a number of sensors and technologies ideal for analog feedback relative to jaw position on pneumatic grippers:

Measurement with analog magneto-inductive linear sensors (BIL or Micro BIL)
An analog sensor that uses magneto-inductive linear technology is attached to the gripper in a position where it will sense the grippers internal magnet mounted on the piston.  The Micro BIL unit (pictured below) can slide into the t-slot of many modern grippers, taking the place of existing hall-effect or reed-switches and providing analog feedback.

Measurement with analog inductive sensor
To use this method you utilize an analog proximity sensor.  The analog proximity sensor measures position based on the amount of the sensor face  covered by a moving target on the gripper.  The image below shows an example of how this could be mounted and used.

Analog prox sensor detects jaw position.

Direct measurement of a inclined target

Better suited for large grippers with longer strokes a inclined target, like shown below, moves with the gripper jaw.  An analog inductive sensor detects the inclined target and feeds back jaw position.

For more information contact Scott Equipment.  We will be glad to assist you in specifying a Balluff analog sensor for your application.

New True Color Sensor

Tri-Tronics has released a new true color sensor. From the Tri-Tronics market release:

Designed to work as well as an instrument or spectrometer, this sensor can solve the most difficult color applications at higher speeds than color cameras or the closest priced competitive product. The 4 Channel Monitor provides a visual confirmation of performance without having to switch channel selections or touch the sensor in any way.

Benefits:

• Low cost color solution; vs. color camera, competitive sensors, or spectrometers 
• Visual verification of individual channel performance 
• One model fits all applications; selectable outputs, timers, resolution, speed, etc. 
• Internal logic removes the need for extra processing; ex. Input for latch reset 
• Quick disconnect for easy changeover 
• Solves shade-to-shade or color-to-color applications 
• Capture colors from HMI, PLC, or remote button 

Features:

• 4-Channel Monitor for At-A-Glance performance feedback 
• 4-Digital Outputs; NPN or PNP (selectable) 
• 3-Analog Outputs; 0-5VDC - XYZ or xyY (selectable) 
• Light On, Dark On, or Mute selection for each channel 
• Speed versus Resolution (selectable) 
• Color versus Color + Intensity (selectable) 
• Remote Color Capture 
• 14-Wire, 6 Foot Cable, or 6 Inch Pigtail ¼ Turn Connector 
• Input for Latch Reset/Inhibit or Windowing 
• Adjustable Light Intensity; 1 to 100 
• Adjustable Tolerance for each channel; 1 to 50 
• Adjustable Timers; 1 millisecond to 10 seconds 
• Off Delay 
• On Delay 
• One Shot 
• Latch

We are enthused about this new sensor and the sensor's potential to make improvements for our customers.  At approximately $750 each this sensor can solve applications that  previously required much more expensive and complex solutions.

If you would like to see a demo of this sensor, or would like us to test an application in our sensor lab please contact us.

Registration mark sensor with (5µs) repeatability

Tri-Tronics Company, Inc. has introduced the new SMARTEYE® X-MARK™ Photoelectric Registration Mark Sensor with a 10us response time and 5us repeatability.  This is the ideal sensor for registration mark sensing in today's packaging, printing and converting applications where higher speed and accuracy are demanded.

If you would like a demonstration or to test the sensor in your application give us a call  (800-222-2903) or contact us online.

Balluff IP69K Washdown Sensors for Food and Beverage

In automated canning processes, it is important to maximize uptime and keep the line running. As shown, the BOS 18M sensor is doing dual duty as a sensor counting product as well as detecting line jams. If the line stops, the controller sees a lack of on-to-off transitions of cans and signals an alarm. This sensor is also used as a trigger to the upstream processes of placing the lid on the top and adding the label to the outside of the can. In between production runs, the IP69K rating of the BOS 18M is ideal for resisting the harsh cleaning solvents commonly used in food facilities. Read more about this application...

View the Balluff PDF Spotlight