Today's Automation News Headlines from Automation.com

July 26, 2011 – Banner Engineering introduces a metal version of its TM18 EZ-BEAM compact photoelectric sensor for use in heavy duty environments. The TM18 offers nickel-plated, die-cast zinc metal housing, as well as completely epoxy encapsulated electronics. Rated IP69K, the TM18 provides superior durability and resistance in harsh sensing environments, especially in high pressure washdown applications. Featuring a compact, right angle shape, an 18mm threaded barrel mount and integral all metal M12 quick disconnect, the TM18 sensor has the ability to fit in tight places and avoid sensor damage during machine assembly, transport, maintenance and operation.

Featuring visible red emitter LED models—available in opposed, polarized retroreflective, diffuse and fixed-field (background suppression) modes—the TM18 sensor easily aligns to the desired target. This makes the photoelectric sensor ideal for providing reliable sensing on conveyors in heavy duty machine settings, automotive machining and production equipment, off-road and outdoor equipment, or in high traffic area where the sensor could be bumped or stepped on.

Similar to the previous models, the TM18 provides a single-turn potentiometer on the diffuse model, while no adjustment is necessary on the polarized retro, opposed mode and fixed field background suppression models. Models with 4-wire complementary NPN or PNP, or 3-wire I/O block compatible outputs are available. 

“The plastic version of theTM18 has been very popular for Banner in the past because of its small size, compact shape and hygienic design, making it an attractive sensor for our food and beverage industry customers,” said Dennis Smith, Technical Marketing Manager at Banner Engineering. “The new TM18 series provides a mechanically robust sensor targeting heavy duty customers with its all-metal, one-piece design. The TM18 also offers improved immunity to electro-magnetic noise, and enhanced immunity to fluorescent lamps.”

“With the new TM18, we provide all the benefits of our popular T18 series, but have enhanced it with bright visible red emitters beams and rock solid toughness. The fixed-field and diffuse models have a greater immunity to false outputs from lights beyond the sensing point,” added Smith.

About Banner. Banner Engineering is a world leading manufacturer of photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors, indicator lights, vision sensors and vision lighting, electronic machine guarding systems, wireless networks, fiber optic assemblies and precision measurement systems.