Contrinex Long Distance📏 Inductive Sensors Help Keep a Safe Distance
Contrinex is renowned as a technology leader for sensors and the long sensing range of it’s ‘500 Series’ inductive sensors are trusted by an Automotive sub-supplier to verify the presence of a metal washer. The 20mm rated operating distance of Contrinex’s M18 inductive sensor was essential in achieving reliable sensing at a safe distance in a congested automated assembly line.
The automotive industry is perhaps the largest employer of automation, using it to provide efficiency and to ensure the accuracy that is an essential part of vehicle reliability.
An example application is an automotive first-tier manufacturer of forged and machined components that trusts Contrinex distance-measuring photoelectric sensors to ensure that the correct gear is fitted in an assembly.
CUSTOMER APPLICATION
The automated assembly of an electrical switch for an automotive customer needs to verify the presence of a critical dark-coloured wave-shaped washer. The washer, which is used to provide a good mechanical switching action and long-term reliability, is not visible once enclosed within the sealed switch.
The switches are assembled on an automated line because of their small size, and the automotive industry’s quality expectation that parts are 100% verified. The assembly operations are intricate with lots of moving parts and there is very limited space to accommodate sensors.
The congested assembly line made it difficult to position a photoelectric sensor, whereas an inductive sensor provided more flexibility on location. Additionally the uneven surface and dark colour of the wave-shaped washer were a concern for the long-term reliability of photoelectric detection.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION
The wave washer is inserted early in the assembly of the switch, at the third station of 15. The presence of the washer is checked before the workpiece passes to the next assembly station to guarantee quality and minimise waste should it be missing.
Space within the assembly machinery is very limited, and whilst an inductive offered flexibility in its mounting location compared to a photoelectric sensor, a sensor not larger than M18 was desired. Because of the speed and number of moving parts within the assembly system, it was advantageous to mount the inductive sensor as far from the moving workpiece assembly as possible to avoid collisions.
An M18-sized, Contrinex ‘500 Series’ inductive sensor is used because of its long sensing range and its ability to reliably detect the small amount of metal within the wavy washer. The patented Condist® technology provides excellent sensing stability against environmental influences, especially temperature change, which provides this non-embeddable M18 sensor with a 20mm sensing distance.
The sensor looks down at the workpiece carriers and semi-assembled switches as they pass below on an automatic conveyor line. If the sensor detects a missing washer, the control system activates a solenoid to prevent the workpiece carrier from advancing to the next station, whilst an alarm is sounded to alert the operator.
Being able to locate the inductive sensor well away from moving parts protects it from collisions and mechanical damage which are frequent causes of downtime. Its excellent reliability ensures end-product quality and eliminates a potential source of customer complaints.
PRODUCT ADVANTAGES
📏Long sensing ranges – Up to 4x standard distance
🕵🏽 Fast, accurate high-performance detection
💰 Very affordable & high-performance
📏 Long sensing ranges – 4x standard sensors
💪 Robust & reliable in demanding conditions
🦾 Metal housing & Plastic sensing face
📡 Strong EMC protection
🌡️ -25°C to +70°C – Excellent temperature stability
🎛️ IO-Link – Ideal for Industry 4 and offering Plug and Play swap-out
Click to download Contrinex’s Product Overview brochure.
Call PLUS Automation on 0121 58 222 58 or email Sales@PLUSAutomation.co.uk to discuss how they can help you #MakeSenseofSensors using 🧲Inductive, 👷Machine Safety,🔦 Photoelectric, 🗜️Pressure, 🥛Process, 📻RFID & 🦇Ultrasonic sensors from Contrinex, ReeR & Satron.
With over 2,000 sensors in UK stock, supported by stock held in Europe and short manufacturing lead times, they’d welcome the opportunity to talk about improving automation and machine performance, or how to reduce costs.
