May 3, 2011 - Balluff introduces Q40 inductive proximity block sensor with sensing ranges up to 40mm in a small housing, with weld field immunity and the ability to sense aluminium and steel at the same distance. Each Q40 sensor head can be mounted in five positions and has highly visible corner LEDs. The connector outlet is also adjustable within a 270° range. Although the factor 1 sensors can be used in hostile welding applications due to their PTFE coated sensing face and immunity to magnetic fields, this sensor is also suitable for other applications where the sensor needs to perform no matter what the type of metal target material. Balluff’s Factor 1 Q40 Block sensors are specifically designed with multi-metal functionality in mind.
An example of this would be a packaging line where cans of various sizes and/or materials are being run on the same line. Aluminium cans are a difficult target to detect due to their thin walls and low inductance. The Factor 1 Q40 sensor not only detects the cans as they backup in the accumulator, but it also detects the cans at a distance much greater than a standard tubular proximity sensor. Additionally the switching and operating state of the sensor can be identified far away due to the highly visible LED.
