- Compact inductive sensors
- Applications
Assembly, robotics, welding and stamping applications
Robot gripper / end-of-arm tooling
Intelligent object detection is the key to complex automated systems. As manufacturers make their grippers smarter and more efficient, the gripper sensitivity is becoming increasingly important. Sensors provides the robot with a sense of touch and are crucial for unleashing the automation potential of collaborative robots.
Dropping objects during automated assembly can be very expensive. The sensor detects the open / closed positions of the gripper and provides feedback to the control system. Sensors must be installed in proximity where space is at premium.
Small inductive proximity sensors have optimal properties for position detection and takes up little space in the gripper, so assemblies can be further reduced in size.
Small object detection
Size of the sensor face relative to the target size influences sensing range. Large inductive sensors may not be able to detect small objects at all if the object is too small to collapse the electromagnetic field. This leads to incorrect switching.
The small inductive proximity sensors are best suited for this application. With the sensor's small face, tiny metallic objects can be detected accurately and reliably.
Flat pack design in a welding fixture
A tooling nest holds a collection of parts firm while a welding robot completes the necessary welds. Typically, many sensors are used to confirm part presence and to ensure no parts move during the weld cycle. But traditional sensors are subject to mechanical damage when loading and unloading the parts.
The flat pack design allows the sensors to be embedded in the tool itself to protect the face from impact. The all-metal face of the IQ and MQ flat pack sensor family provides the most robust protection from mechanical damage at a price point below most plastic face sensors. Slag build up can be detected using the diagnostic functions of IO-Link so the sensor can be replaced prior to receiving false signals.
Flat pack design in stamping die
Stamping dies contain precision-machined features to make complex parts quickly and efficiently. Repeatability in a stamping press is critical to avoid damaging the tool, which can lead to catastrophic downtime for a plant.
Accurate feedback from the die ensures that the die is safe and not drifting toward a crash. It also ensures the blank is in the correct position for proper stamping of the part.