New laser sensor for process food and beverage applications

These sensors are equipped with similar technology to the optoNCDT 1402 standard range of laser sensors, offering measuring ranges between 5mm and 600mm. Due to their particularly low power consumption of 50mA, applications that require wireless energy transmission to the sensor are now possible. In this model, the housing is made from corrosion-resistant V4A steel, which meets all food industry standards and regulations.

There are eight models available, with measuring ranges from 5mm up to 600mm. The sensor benefits from a robust, compact and lightweight (83g) design, enabling machine builders and OEMs to easily integrate the sensor into their existing systems.

Micro-Epsilon's optoNCDT 1402SC range achieves reliable measurement results if operating environments are even more demanding. During IP69K protection class tests, the sensors demonstrated high resistance under extreme operating conditions. In addition to an 8-hour, high-pressure jet wash test using hot water (85degC) and at pressures of 80-100bar, these tests also included an 8-hour dust-resistance test. The sensor electronics operate at a measuring frequency of 1.5kHz, achieving linearity of 0.18 per cent and a resolution of 0.01 per cent.

Like all optoNCDT 1402 sensors, the SC version has an integral controller that automatically compensates in real time for difficult-to-measure surfaces such as shiny metal, gloss paint finishes and black rubber. This real-time surface compensation (RTSC) feature enables OEMs and machine builders to more accurately measure a variety of object parameters, including thickness, roundness, position, deflection, tilt, displacement and vibration.

Rapid mounting and installation

The sensor housing measures just 65mm (L) × 50mm (H) × 20mm (W). This compact design and integral controller enable rapid mounting and installation, even in restricted spaces on machines or next to production lines. With no separate controller to mount, machine builders and systems integrators will reduce wiring costs and free up space in their control cabinets.

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon (UK) Ltd comments: "The optoNCDT 1402SC sensor is unique in terms of offering the customer a high-performance, cost-effective laser displacement sensor for harsh environments, which compensates for changing surfaces in real time, but which is flexible enough to allow the user to adjust the measuring range to suit their individual task. An adjustable measuring rate up to 1.5kHz, linearity of 0.18 per cent and resolution of 0.01 per cent, combined with its high protection rating, means the sensors can easily cope with fast, inline production systems, food and beverage processing, assembly and quality inspection tasks."

The optoNCDT 1402SC offers an analogue current/voltage output, an RS422 digital interface. Other options include high flex cables for use with drag chain and robots. Configuration software and a calibration certificate are supplied as standard.

Follow the link for more information about Micro-Epsilon's optoNCDT 1402SC sensors or email [email protected].