Last week at interpack SICK presented its wide range of laser sensors, which detect objects reliably within large sensing ranges and the tightest of installation conditions. Providing excellent performance and security in a compact housing, they measure quickly and precisely in the µm range, and they guarantee high reliability up to 35 meters thanks to HDDMTM technology.
The Dx35 family of distance sensors, based on HDDM technology, combine maximum reliability, measuring capabilities, flexibility, and a perfect price-performance ratio in one very compact housing. Depending on the application, sub-product families are available for distance measurement on natural objects (DT35 and DS35) or on reflective tape (DL35 and DR35). The sub-product families also come with different interfaces. In addition to the IO-Link function, which all the devices have, the product family also offers sensors with analog and switching output (DT and DL) or the option of two switching outputs (DS and DR). Its final distinguishing feature when selecting the right sensor for the application is the light sender: infrared or red emitted light in laser class 1 or 2.
The OD Mini displacement measurement sensor impresses with its compact and rugged housing, which is available in either an aluminum or stainless-steel version. It is equipped with the latest CMOS receiver technology for precise measurement, regardless of the brightness and color of the surface material. The integrated amplifier unit enables the OD Mini to work on a stand-alone basis. For more complex measuring tasks, up to two OD Mini Pro sensor heads can be connected to the OD Mini evaluation unit and calculated together. The OD Mini is simple to configure due to its intuitive design and display with four status LEDs. The OD Mini can also be remotely programmed via the external teaching input. The large number of available interfaces also simplifies integration into industrial networks. This ensures the highest possible reliability and precision when solving a wide range of measuring tasks.
For the first time, the PowerProx MultiTask photoelectric sensor offers all of the advantages of time-of-flight technology in the world’s smallest housing – coupled with a high detection speed. Objects being conveyed at high speed, small and flat objects, and jet-black or shiny objects can now be reliably detected at sensing ranges between 5 cm and 3.8 m. For even more flexibility, up to eight switching points can be defined via IO-Link. The four variants – “Distance”, “Speed”, “Precision”, and “Small” – are designed to be used in different applications. This means that PowerProx offers not just the best solution, but the right one in each case – from occupied bay and clearance detection via rapid counting and precise edge detection right through to use in handling, assembly, and packaging technology.
Image processing 4.0
Meanwhile, the programmable InspectorP6xx camera is a solution designed for complex image processing tasks. Optics, illumination, evaluation, and interfaces – everything is integrated and highly customizable. The pre-installed, high-performance HALCON image processing library and the flexible design of web-based user interfaces make it possible to adapt the solution to specific customer requirements.
The InspectorP6xx product family consists of three programmable camera types that differ in terms of their design, evaluation speed, and camera sensor resolution. But they all have one thing in common: In conjunction with the new SICK AppSpace platform, the cameras offer the freedom and flexibility to develop application software for specific tasks. This makes it possible for system integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to implement tailor-made solutions and custom apps for individual customer needs. As the finished app is tailored precisely to the relevant application, its complexity can be reduced significantly. Furthermore, all cameras provide exceptionally convenient functions, such as aiming lasers, acoustic and optical feedback, as well as an SD memory card, which offer easy setup and operation and make simple analyses possible during use – perfect for Industry 4.0.
The InspectorP family provides programmable cameras for industrial image processing tasks. With a camera resolution of 1 to 4 megapixels, a flexible high-end optical design, integrated illumination even for large sensing ranges and fields of view, and the IP65/67 protection class, it is the ideal solution for demanding automation environments. Alongside the use of standard C-mount or S-mount lenses, the InspectorP6xx series even offers a variant with dynamic focus adjustment, which enables automated focus position adjustment from object to object so that parts can be easily analyzed at varying distances.
