The alternative for difficult surfaces
Ultrasonic sensors transmit and receive sound waves in the ultrasonic range. The object to be detected reflects the sound waves and the distance information is determined via time of flight measurement. As opposed to photoelectric sensors colour, transparency or the object’s surface shine do not play a role. Blister packages in packaging technology or transparent plastic bowls in the food industry, for example, can be reliably detected.

High performance
The ifm ultrasonic sensors in M18 design provide a particularly small blind zone and long sensing ranges which are usually only achieved by sensors of a considerably larger design. The sensors operate reliably with heavy soiling so that they can be used in applications in which photoelectric sensors meet their limits.

Wide sensing field
The wide beam even allows reliable detection of latticed objects.
In all kinds of applications, ranging from batch height monitoring of cardboard boxes and distance monitoring to "empty" detection of shiny plastic labels, the new sensors provide the correct analogue value at all times.

Added value by using IO-Link versions

Opting for an IO-Link version of ifm's ultrasonic sensors offers the following benefits:

• Virtual teach button for easy and efficient switch point setting
• The distance value is provided in mm
• Adjustable sound beam for M30 versions
• Adjustable switch-on and switch-off delay
• Detailed documentation of the set parameters is not necessary since the data is stored in the IO-Link master
• Sensors can be easily replaced by adopting the parameters from the memory plug or by importing the data from the IO-Link master