PackExpo 2003: Sick introduces new ultrasonic sensors

Las Vegas, NV— To provide multi-sheet detection capabilities, Sick Inc. (Minneapolis, MN) unveiled its new ultrasonic sensors on Oct. 12 at PackExpo 2003. Sick’s new line ultrasonic sensors includes two series. UM 30 offers versatile solutions for analog and limit value determination with its variety of ranges and output versions. UM 18 provides an all-in-one solution, with no calibration to material required, solving the double sheet detection applications.

In general, ultrasonic sensors scan without contact by emitting an ultrasonic impulse and evaluating its time-of-flight, taking into account ambient temperature and other factors. Depending on the variant, they either provide binary distance information via one or two switching outputs or distance-proportional information via an analog output.

Consequently, ultrasonic sensors are particularly suitable for detecting transparent objects, foils, liquids and bulk materials, even in harsh environmental conditions. Ultrasonic sensors cover a wide range of applications, including measuring filling levels in hoppers and silos, such as in the food and beverage industry, as well as performing positioning tasks, checking presence, access and distance checks, monitoring heights and distance to prevent collisions, and other applications involving object detection.

UM 30 includes ultrasonic sensors in five different ranges, up to 6,000 mm. Each version is available with one or two binary outputs, for linked switching points for min-max control of filling levels, as well as an analog output for continuous detection tasks.

UM 18 reliably detects multiple sheets across a wide range of material types, weights and thickness, and provides a misfeed detection solution for tough applications. Sick s reports that it’s the only standalone device on the market that doesn’t require an external controller and doesn’t need extra calibration or teach-in about the material type being detected.

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

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