- Full metal sensors
- Technology
Full metal sensors: Technology
All inductive sensors have the same basic components:
- Housing – various shapes, sizes and materials of construction
- Basic sensor element – varies depending on the technology
- Electronics -- evaluates what the sensor detects
- Electrical connection – provides power and signal(s)
Pulse technology of metal-face sensors
With pulse inductive technology, direct current flows through the sensor coil and an electromagnetic field is generated around it. The coil current is switched on and off frequently (induced voltage), so the field builds up and decays on a predictable basis. When a target is present, the decay rate changes and sensor output switches.
Designed and tested for specific applications
For food and beverage applications
- High quality stainless steel construction
- IP69K high-pressure test where sensors are exposed to 1500-psi spray at a distance of 4”. The 140 °F water is sprayed in 30-second cycles.
- Thermal shock test where sensors are subjected to temperature fluctuations of 0…100 °C in short time intervals.
For welding and stamping applications
- Weld slag resistant coating
- Impact test where sensors are struck twice per second by a 1 kg hammer. This simulates the force of a large part being loaded into a cell. Ifm sensors withstand 500,000 impacts compared to plastic sensors that failed after 32,000 impacts.
- Abrasion test where sensors are in direct contact with six wire-wheel brushes in a rotary fixture. Sensors are scoured for 1,000,000 passes to simulate the abrasive cleaning process.
For machining applications
- High quality stainless steel construction
- IP68 coolant test where sensors are completely submerged in industrial oils and coolants at 176 °F and then tested to ensure no changes to sensing characteristics.
- 1000-hour cycle test where sensors are subjected to temperature cycles of -30…70 °C to apply stress to the electronics and housing and to test overall design integrity.