Self-bunkering BunkerProx inductive sensors for welding fixtures

In welding applications 'bunkering' is the technique by which sensors are mounted within tough metal brackets to provide protection from impacts. However, many sensors have not been properly bunkered, resulting in repeated (and costly) failures from impact damage. Often it is too difficult and time-consuming to retrofit these applications with adequate bunkering protection.

Balluff's BunkerProx also benefits from a frontal impact deflection ring that helps to protect the high-temperature ceramic face from impact damage during part loading and unloading. In addition, the ceramic face resists the melting and burn-through that can short out the sensing coil of standard proximity switches, causing them to fail. The all-important sensing coil is also reduced in diameter compared to standard M18 sensors, providing a perimeter 'crush zone' so that incidental corner impacts do not result in immediate coil damage and sensor failure.

Longer life

An unusually thick connector/barrel junction helps to eliminate connector failures from excessive shock, vibration, heavy contact or undue cable stress. To repel hot weld slag and prevent it from sticking, the BunkerProx is fully coated with slag-resistant material, while weld-field immune electronics eliminate false signals during the welding cycle. Offered in a PNP, normally-open output configuration with a micro connector, the nominal sensing range for the BunkerProx is 4.0mm.

Installing Bunkerprox sensors into impact-prone weld fixtures can help to reduce unplanned downtime, sensor replacement costs and maintenance expenses. Balluff claims that the higher throughput and lower operating costs can be dramatic.

Follow the link for more information about BunkerProx M18 inductive proximity sensors.