Distance Sensor

One of the most important tasks in industrial production is measuring distances

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Distance Sensor Overview

One of the most important tasks in industrial production is measuring distances

One of the most important tasks in industrial production is measuring distances. However, the applications are so varied that it is not possible to produce one sensor capable of fulfilling the requirements of every application. A wide range of products for measuring distances to handle the great variety of measurement tasks. Optoelectronics and ultrasonic sensor technology serve as the operating principles for the distance measurements. Sensors can be used in conjunction with a reflector, directly on the target surface or both depending on the individual sensor and application requirements. Sensors working on the basis of the triangulation principle measure an object directly. They measure a wide variety of surfaces, miniature parts, recesses or uneven areas, even in the μm range.

Distance sensors plays a crucial role in modern technology, enabling devices to measure the distance between the sensor and an object accurately. These sensors are widely used in various applications, ranging from robotics and industrial automation to automotive safety systems and consumer electronics. As technology continues to advance, these sensors will likely become even more integral, contributing to safer, more efficient, and intelligent systems.

Main Types of Distance Sensors

Ultrasonic Sensors

Utilize ultrasonic waves to measure distance.Emit ultrasonic pulses and measure the time taken for the waves to reflect off an object and return.Commonly used in robotics, parking assist systems, and industrial automation.

Infrared Sensors

Emit infrared light and measure the time it takes for the light to reflect off an object and return.Suitable for short-range applications.Found in proximity sensors for smartphones, gesture recognition devices, and object detection systems.

Laser Sensors

Use laser beams to measure distance.Provide high precision and accuracy, making them suitable for various applications.Commonly found in industrial automation, 3D scanning, and autonomous vehicles.

Time-of-Flight (ToF) Sensors

Measure the time taken for light to travel to an object and back.Provide accurate distance measurements and are used in applications like augmented reality devices and camera autofocus systems.

Key Highlights of Distance Sensor

Measuring range:- upto 500 MeterResolution: ±1 millimeter.Switching output:- pnp (2x), 200 mA, NO/NC, configurable
Analog output :- 0 … 10 V, 4 … 20 mAInterface :- IO-Link V1.1, COM2Industrial Ethernet: PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT

Key applications of distance sensors

Object Detection and Avoidance
  • Distance sensors are widely used to detect the presence of objects along the production line.
  • In automated manufacturing processes, these sensors can identify the position and movement of objects, ensuring that machinery operates smoothly and without collisions.
Conveyor Belt Systems
  • Distance sensors are integrated into conveyor belt systems to monitor the position of products.
  • They help regulate the flow of items, ensuring proper spacing and preventing jams or overlapping on the conveyor.
Robotic Guidance
  • In robotic applications, distance sensors provide crucial input for navigation and guidance.
  • Robots equipped with these sensors can accurately determine the distance to objects, allowing for precise movements and manipulation of items in their environment.
Palletizing and Depalletizing
  • Distance sensors assist in automating the palletizing and depalletizing of goods in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
  • They enable robotic arms to identify the position and height of items on pallets, facilitating efficient stacking and destacking processes.
Quality Control
  • Distance sensors are employed for quality control purposes in the inspection of manufactured goods.
  • By measuring distances and dimensions, these sensors help identify any deviations from the specified standards, ensuring that only products meeting the required criteria move forward in the production process.
Packaging Systems
  • In packaging applications, distance sensors help optimize the packaging process by precisely measuring the dimensions of products.
  • This ensures that packaging materials are dispensed accurately and that the packaging process accommodates variations in product sizes.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
  • AGVs use distance sensors to navigate through a facility, avoiding obstacles and maintaining safe distances from other objects in their path.
  • These sensors contribute to the efficiency and safety of material handling in logistics and manufacturing environments.
Assembly Line Processes
  • Distance sensors assist in the precise positioning of components during assembly line processes.
  • They ensure that parts are correctly aligned, allowing for smooth and accurate assembly operations.
Machine Safety
  • Distance sensors are integrated into safety systems to create safety zones around machinery.
  • If a person or object enters these safety zones, the sensors can trigger an immediate stop or slowdown of the machinery, preventing accidents.

Industries we serve

Material HandlingPulp and PaperOverhead CranesMetals Production
Process IndustriesMobile MachineryEnergy – Oil and GasFactory Automation
Injection MoldingHydropower & Power PlantsMining