Banner’s adjustable-field laser sensors aid error proofing

Minneapolis, MN—Banner Engineering Corp. recently introduced its Q60 adjustable-field laser sensors, which feature a mechanically adjustable sensing cutoff point that allows them to reliably detect extremely small objects with relatively low reflectivity.

By Control Engineering Staff December 9, 2003

Minneapolis, MN— Banner Engineering Corp. recently introduced its Q60ately behind the set cutoff point. This sensing cutoff point can easily be set from 200 mm to 1400 mm (8 in. to 55 in.) for the Class 1 version and 200 mm to 2000 mm (8 in. to 80 in.) for the Class 2 version.

‘With a tightly collimated sensing point and extended sensing range, Q60 laser series sensors are ideal for error-proofing applications,’ says Joe Dolinsky, Banner’s technical manager for photoelectric products. ‘The accuracy of the Q60 at small feature detection is well suited to veri-fying punched holes, performing parts detection, or looking for unusual assembly positioning in automotive applications.’

Other applications for the Q60 Laser Series sensors include detection of irregularly shaped containers; over-height and positioning for the packaging market; parcel squareness; dimensioning and bar code reader triggering for the material handling market; and glue positioning, veneer monitoring and edge guiding for the forest products industry.

Banner adds that another unique feature of Q60 is its availability in a universal voltage format of 12 to 250 V dc or 24 to 250 V ac, which is in addition to the widely used, standard 10 to 30 V dc format. ‘Laser sensors have traditionally existed only in the 10 to 30 V dc format, which limits their overall application possibilities. Q60’s universal voltage option allows highly accurate laser sensing to be an option for many new areas of machinery, where only ac voltages are present,’ adds Dolinsky.

In addition, two multi-function pushbuttons allow operators to easily set a wide variety of output delay options; toggle between light and dark operating modes; or lock out the pushbuttons for security purposes. These functions can also be set using the sensor’s remote configuration wire. Seven LEDs indicate configuration and operating status during “run” mode, and a rotating pointer indicates the relative cutoff position in the sensor’s overall range, keeping users constantly aware of sensor performance.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com