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Here you will find everything that the designer needs for his design and the development engineer for his new development, from the draft to quality assurance in production, such as new products, their applications, new technologies or research results. Company reports as well as topics on technological and megatrends in all industrial sectors complete our range of industry news. Let's start with the news.

Company News

Jumo's new Sensilo plant construction is progressing
Jumo is building a factory in the technology park for the production of temperature and pressure sensors with a production area of ​​around 13 m². At around 000 million euros, the new building is the largest investment in the company's history.
3DExperience Word 2024 in Dallas
At 3DExperience World 2024 in February in Dallas, Texas, Dassault Systèmes celebrated the event's 25th anniversary. The annual user meeting supports the global community in the development of future-proof products and processes.
Michael Koch GmbH moves into a new workshop
There is now more space available in Michael Koch's “Factory” for the assembly of customer- and machine-specific safe braking resistors. The new, modern hall was recently “taken by storm” by the employees.
Elon Musk is suing OpenAI for profit-making
Elon Musk files a lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, accusing them of breach of contract because the company, which was originally designed as a nonprofit, is now operating for profit.
Murat Simsir strengthens strategic corporate management at Montech
Murat Simsir took over the position of CSO at Montech on January 1, 2024. The former head of sales and project management is now strengthening the company's strategic management as part of the management team.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Industry news for your design and development from the specialist areas

switch cabinet

switch cabinet

On to the intelligent drive train for predictive maintenance

The Roba-brake-checker module or the torque-measuring shaft coupling from Mayr ensure intelligent safety in smart production.

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plastics

plastics

The first 100 Igus bikes hit the streets

The first 100 Igus Urban Bikes hit the streets and an in-house production facility with a capacity of 10.000 bicycles is set up in Cologne.

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Couplings

Couplings

Torque measuring shaft coupling

The smart steel multi-plate coupling Roba-drive-checker from Mayr can do more than just transmit torque and compensate for shaft misalignment.

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Robotic

Robotic

Programming robots for cable handling

As an exhibitor in the Application Park at the Hannover Messe, Artiminds Robotics is presenting a cable handling application for precise cable harness assembly.

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INDUSTRY SPECIALS

Industry news for your design and development from the branches

food technology

food technology

Lubrication and sealing-optimized linear guide

Schaeffler presents linear guides for food technology with optimized seals, wipers and long-term lubrication units.

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Mobile Machinery

Mobile Machinery

Flexible, customizable gateway for agricultural technology

IFM Electronic is presenting the Isobus Gateway at the Hannover Messe, which is designed for agricultural equipment and can be specifically adapted.

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Energy Technology

Energy Technology

All Electric Society – vision of the future of connectivity

At the Hannover Messe Preview, Harting gives an outlook on the Hannover Messe and draws the future picture of an “All Electric Society”.

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Inverter

Inverter

Certified servo controller with Profisafe interface

At Logimat, Wittenstein is presenting a safety-certified servo controller with a Profisafe interface and integrated safety card for AGVs.

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EXHIBITION SPECIALS

Industry fair news

Hannover Messe promotes energy for sustainable industry
As a networked industrial ecosystem, the exhibitors demonstrate how climate neutrality can be achieved through the use of electrification, digitalization and automation under the guiding theme of Energizing a sustainable Industry.
Control Fair 2024 | The industry is already looking forward to Stuttgart
Control 2024, the important international trade fair for quality assurance, will take place from April 23rd to 26th in Stuttgart. The trade fair places a particular focus on automation and digitalization.
SPS Nuremberg: Now in 16 halls!
The SPS – Smart Production Solutions from November 14th to 16.11th. 2023 will see significant growth in the trade fair compared to the previous year and is on the way to pre-Corona levels.

Here you will find the latest developments in the field of optical sensors for measuring distance, presence, position etc. You can find out everything about it in our article State of the art, diverse applications and you will receive answers to your questions about optical sensors. Read how an optical sensor can meet your needs.

Micro Epsilon optical sensor

Contents

 

Optical sensors 2024 – The most important things in brief

The developers of optical sensors are focusing on significantly increasing their Precision, sensitivity and versatility. For example, optical sensors that measure various properties such as distance, color, brightness and reflection are used in industrial applications Image Processing, Medical Technology and Automotive industry employed.

A current trend in optical sensor technology is the integration of advanced algorithms and machine learning, allowing sensors to better analyze complex patterns and scenarios. This expands their applications in areas such as automated inspection and quality control.

There is also an increasing trend towards... miniaturization of optical sensors. The reduced sizes allow them to be integrated into portable devices and areas with limited space. At the same time, the development of energy-saving optical sensors enables their use in battery-powered and mobile devices.

Multimodal optical sensors combine different Measuring principles for more comprehensive data collection and analysis. This trend leads to more precise and reliable measurements in demanding environments.

Fastest laser sensors with highest performance

03.01.2024/1420/XNUMX | The laser sensors from the Opto NCDT XNUMX series (pictured above) from Micro-Epsilon offer doubled measurement rates up to 8 kHz and 16 bit digital/analog conversion. They are now the fastest laser sensors in their class. The optical sensors are suitable for advanced automation series applications.

The measurement rates make the optical sensors one of the best fastest sensors in their class. They offer the highest performance in any environment and have a temperature stability of ±0,015% d.m. / K and a resistance to ambient light of up to 50.000 lux.


Micro Epsilon distance sensorsReading tip: Optical and other distance sensors


The Laser sensors measure on almost all surfaces. The intelligent exposure control compensates for light-dark and matt-glossy changes quickly and reliably. Thanks to the small light spot, even the smallest details can be captured with high precision.

The robust aluminum housing with protection class IP67 protects the sensor from external influences and makes it vibration-resistant. The optical sensors also have an integrated controller and are suitable for drag chains Cables. The sensors are light and compact, which makes them, among other things, for the Robotic predestined.

The handling is easy and ranges from analogue to digital, from the plug-and-play solution to the web interface to ASCII programming commands. In addition to the powerful redesign, the sensors are now available as standard for all measuring ranges from 10 to 500 mm and for every performance class.

Optical sensor for LED signal light

03.07.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX – The optical sensor K30 Pro from Turck is suitable for applications that require an optical sensor and a multicolor LED display. The very compact device with a diameter of 30 mm is a space-saving solution at a low price from Turck's opto partner Banner Engineering. It is designed to detect objects in an adjustable range from 20 to 1000mm for clear operator guidance.

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Lidar sensor recognizes the environment in four dimensions

Sep 08.09.2020, XNUMX | In the area of ​​assistance systems for e.g. b. self-driving cars Many automakers rely on lidar technology. lbeo Automotive Systems has the new one for it Lidar sensor developed. The Ibeonext has a new type of photon laser measurement technology. For the reliable detection of objects, it creates a high-resolution 3D point cloud.

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Optical touch sensor teaches the robot how to feel

24.04.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX | researchers of ETH Zurich have a simple one Touch sensor invented so that robots can reliably grasp fragile or slippery objects. Using machine learning, the optical sensors measure forces precisely and with high resolution. In addition, the material hardness can be tested with the touch sensor and touches can be recorded digitally.

2D lidar sensor for more flexible transport shuttle from Montratec

03.12.2019 | Pepperl + Fuchs has worked in close partnership with montratec developed a customer-specific 2D Lidar sensor for a more flexible transport shuttle based on the specially developed Pulse Range Technology. This makes it possible to distinguish between permanently installed parts of the route such as tunnels or curves. This was not possible before and not entirely easy, as this user report shows:

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Reflection light scanner in miniature format

Baumer light buttonJuly 29.07.2019, 200 | The OXNUMX diffuse reflection sensors with background suppression Baumer are particularly reliable and fast in cramped engine rooms. Thanks to their increased functional reserves, according to the manufacturer, they are currently the best in their class with a unique range of 120 mm.

And this also works on extremely dark and shiny objects like cell phone cases. Reflection light scanner with background suppression evaluate the light intensity reflected back by the sensing object and also record the distance of the object to the sensor. This means that objects that are within the adjustable tactile range can be detected very reliably, regardless of their color and surface.

The O200 sensors Don't let yourself be disturbed by external light such as LED lights, camera lights, machine reflections or the light from other sensors. Due to their short response time of 0,25 ms, which is unaffected by any interference, they enable extremely fast and precise position detection of even the smallest objects up to 0,25 mm. For additional functional reserves, the O200 high-power mode can be activated via IO-Link.

Optical sensors for mounting in confined spaces

June 24.06.2019, 8 | With the VSXNUMX series from its optical sensor partner Banner Engineering offers Turck now offers miniature sensors for precise detection in tight spaces or near moving objects. The optoelectronic sensors detect very small parts and other difficult objects that easily overwhelm other sensors.

With dimensions of 21,1 x 14,6 x 8 mm, the devices are only half the size of a matchbox. They are there red laser as well as with red or blue transmitter LED and as a through-beam light barrier or retro-reflective light barrier with fixed or variable background suppression.

The red laser models even detect multi-colored targets and objects as small as 0,5 mm with their precise light spot. The blue LED devices reliably detect targets with dark or reflective surfaces as well as transparent objects - without a reflector.

Side holes ensure easy installation of the sensors in new or existing systems. The possible one Dovetail groove-Mounting also allows tilting and swiveling by ten degrees for subsequent precise alignment of the sensor. Clearly visible status LEDs, easily accessible push buttons and the remote teach option make programming and thus the entire commissioning of the sensors easier.

Sensors with IO-Link with real added value for everyday use

April 16.04.2019, XNUMX | Counting, measuring, detecting – sensors from Baumer have a clearly defined task in machines and systems. There is much more in these small power packs. Many Baumer sensors therefore have IO-Link, a fast one Communicationinterface through which not only the actual measured values ​​are transmitted, but also a wealth of additional information - in both directions.

IO-Link capablee Sensors communicate with a master that addresses up to eight sensors. In this way, parameter data can be exchanged, for example to automatically distribute the parameter data stored in the master to many sensors.

This means that a sensor can be adjusted more precisely to an application, which is particularly important when a machine processes different objects. Another advantage: A sensor can be installed in one other function use an inductive sensor, for example as a frequency meter or counter. IO-Link is therefore an important component for digitalization and a must for Industry 4.0.

Despite the advantages, some users are still unclear about the benefits of IO-Link. For example, the sensor can use the IO-Link “nerve pathways” to report how well the Signal quality or whether a certain temperature has been exceeded. Such diagnostic data is interesting for business models for predictive maintenance. It is also useful to transmit several process data at the same time: optical sensors from the O300 series with IO-Link deliver both a switching signal and distance measurement values. And if a sensor needs to be replaced, identification data provides information about the type, serial number and application of the sensor.

Optosensors for increased working distances with IO-Link connection

May 07.05.2018, 200 | The R201 and RXNUMX open up the product architecture of optoelectronic sensors Pepperl + Fuchs Applications with larger working distances. Both series – like the compact R100, R101 and R103 – offer all optoelectronic functional principles in a mounting-specific and now larger design.

The R100, R101 and R103 series as well as the new R200 and R201 sensors not only reduce the complexity for the user Sensor choice – it also benefits from high flexibility in every application and assembly situation.

Technologically, the new series also have the most robust ones Dura Beam laser technology and the high-precision “Multi Pixel Technology” (MPT) for distance measurement on board. The uniform usability across all series and functional principles as well as IO-Link make it easier to parameterize the sensors during commissioning and when changing the functional principle or to another series.

The R200 and R201 series also form all optoelectronic functional principles from: Through-beam sensors, retro-reflective sensors with polarizing filters or for transparent detection, energetic reflex sensors, sensors with background suppression and foreground suppression, measuring Photocells with two switching points and distance sensors.

All series offer an intuitive and identical Look and feel during parameterization. A multiturn potentiometer and a push button as a combination control element with three LEDs for parameterization, status and diagnostic visualization ensure quick and easy setting of the sensors. The look and feel when parameterizing through-beam sensors, retro-reflective sensors or retro-reflective sensors from the R100, R101 or R103 series is the same as with the R200 and R201 designs.

This also applies to measuring devices with multiple switching points or Distance sensors. The standardized IO-Link connection via current Smart sensor profiles ensures comfortable and secure sensor integration.

Light section sensors measure edges, heights and curves

Baumer light section sensors07.02.2017/XNUMX/XNUMX | With its compact, calibrated Light section sensors "Poscon" offers Baumer a unique solution portfolio for the efficient measurement of object geometries. The sensors using the light section method close the gap between tactile sensor solutions and complex 3D measurement technology.

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Light barriers and light scanners with increased performance reserve

Leuze light buttonSep 29.09.2015, 46 | In the new SR XNUMXC series from Leuze Electronic The functional reserve could be increased by up to 80% compared to the previous models.

This essentially has two reasons: the optimized suppression of extraneous light and the automatic sensitivity adjustment in the event of contamination and reflections. These improvements have a direct effect on more stable system function and less downtime.

This makes the series suitable SR 46C very good for use in conveyor systems, the wood processing industry and in special machine construction. A temperature range of -40° to +60 °C as well as the high protection classes IP 67 and IP 69K qualify all sensors in this series for harsh environmental conditions.

Other features include: teach button for simple and quick parameterization directly on the device, the potentiometer with a large adjustment range, the clearly visible light spot, the improved status LED and the additional display behind the front window on the L 46C through-beam light barriers.


Schmersal safety relaySafety relay for signal processing for machine safety


Within the series there are also: One-way light-barriers Single-beam safety light barriers SLS 150C of type 46 and type 2 are also available for efficient machine protection with the highest functional reliability at ranges of up to 4 m. The PRK 46C light barriers are ideal for small reflectors, heavy contamination and foil-wrapped objects. The RK 46C VarOS retro-reflective photoelectric sensors offer reliable detection thanks to the light band optics. Finally, the HT 46C photoelectric sensors are suitable for detecting dark and shiny objects.

Robust small light sensors with IO-Link for the wet area

ifm light button16.12.2014/6/XNUMX | The compact optical sensors of the “OXNUMX Wetline” series offer IFM Electronic now available as a variant with IO-Link. The particularly robust stainless steel housing with protection class IP68/IP69K ensures reliable use even under the toughest conditions. In addition, the devices are characterized by an extremely interference-free background suppression.

The automatic system guarantees even in steam, smoke and highly reflective surroundings Sensitivity tracking a reliable function. The clean, round light spot in the work area offers a homogeneous light distribution in the light cone. Scattered light around the light spot is avoided.

The compact O6 Wetline is very well sealed. The two adjustment potentiometers are equipped with a double seal. The front window and potentiometer are flush-mounted. This allows cleaning to be as residue-free as possible. These compact, powerful devices are available as a disposable and reflex system.

The O6 Wetline sensors are now also available as variants with IO-Link available. Using this interface, the user can, for example, detect range, sensitivity, light/dark switching, switching delay or deactivation of the controls to adjust.

Optical edge sensor as an alternative to the laser measuring system

Baumer edge sensorAug 27.08.2014, 3 | The new optical edge sensor “Poscon XNUMXD” from Baumer is the most powerful in its class. What was previously only possible with complex laser measuring systems can now be done very reliably by the Poscon 3D. It is also easy to install and operate. Its numerous features make the edge sensor a versatile problem solver for measuring edge positions, object or gap widths. The sensor does not need a separate reflector.

Within the measuring field, the object can move towards or away from the sensor without this affecting the measurement result. Different colors and surfaces are also available Poscon 3D no problem.

Thanks QTarget the optical axis of the sensor is aligned with the mounting holes. This means that it can already be planned into the system using the existing CAD data. To operate: Simply mount it, align it with the object, set the language and measurement function using the touch display and the sensor is ready to go.

The Poscon 3D's areas of application are very diverse. For example, the measurement at the position edge is ensured even if the 3D sensor cannot be positioned vertically above the edge. The inclination can be up to 30°. The width of an object is also measured within a very short time and with an accuracy of 0,2 mm - no matter where the object is within the measuring field.

The Poscon 3D can do that center of an object determine. It immediately registers when the object leaves the specified tolerance range and activates the switching output as required. The sensor is also very suitable for measuring column widths, for example in packaging. It precisely measures the gaps between the closure tabs and is used to detect e.g. B. open packaging.

Micro Epsilon: Laser light will measure more accurately than the red

May 03.05.2011, XNUMX | Video statement from JOhann SalzbergerManaging Director of Marketing & Sales Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Ortenburg, to the on the Control, trade fair for quality assurance, the world first Blue Laser presented in Stuttgart and other innovations:

 

FAQ

What is an optical sensor?

An optical sensor is a device that uses a light source to detect and measure physical properties or changes in its environment. Optical sensors are known for their precision, speed and non-contact measurement capabilities.

What does an optical sensor measure?

Optical sensors can different properties measurement, including distance, position and location, movement and speed of objects, presence of an object, color recognition and discrimination, light intensity, reflection and refraction on surfaces, transparency and opacity of materials and much more.

Where are optical sensors used?

Due to their ability to measure without contact and react to changes in light, optical sensors are versatile and offer solutions for complex measurement and detection tasks such as the following:

  • Industrial Automation for precision measurement, quality control and position detection of parts on production lines,
  • Automotive industry in driver assistance systems, for lighting control and distance measurement,
  • Medical Technology in diagnostic devices, for monitoring vital parameters and in imaging procedures,
  • environmental monitoring for measuring air and water quality,
  • consumer electronics in smartphones and tablets for screen recognition, gesture control and camera use,
  • security systems for Surveillance Cameras and Access control systems.

How do optoelectronic sensors work?

Photoelectric sensors convert light signals into electrical signals. They use light sources, often LEDs or lasers, and light detectors such as photodiodes to measure various physical parameters. They work by emitting light and detecting the change in the returning light. The working principles of these sensors may vary depending on the type:

  1. Reflection basede Sensors emit light and measure the intensity of reflected light from an object. The change in light intensity is used to determine the presence, color or distance of the object.
  2. Interruption basede Sensors (light barriers) interrupt the light beam between the transmitter and receiver when an object is present. This is used as a signal to detect the object.
  3. Transmitted lightSensors consist of a light transmitter and a separate light receiver. If an object interrupts the light path, the signal at the receiver changes.
  4. diffuser-Sensors detect objects by measuring light scattering, which occurs when the emitted light is diffusely reflected by an object.

Source: This article is based on information from the following companies: Banner Engineering, Baumer, ETH Zurich, Ibeo, IFM Electronic, Leuze, Micro-Epsilon, Turck.

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Jens Struck

Jens Struck is a business owner, journalist and web designer at German Online Publisher GbR in Ried.