A better understanding of laser distance sensors helps when applying these rangefinders in material handling and industrial measurement applications. By Andrew Waugh, Product Manager for Sensor and Safety Products at AutomationDirect What is a Laser Sensor? Laser sensors come in several configurations, with some detecting presence and others measuring distance. A proximity type laser sensor, ... Read More
A better understanding of photoelectric sensors helps when applying these versatile, non-contact presence sensing devices in industrial machine, conveyor and other applications By Andrew Waugh, Product Manager for Sensor and Safety Products at AutomationDirect What is a Photoelectric Sensor? A photoelectric sensor, often called a photo eye, uses light to detect the presence of an ... Read More
A better understanding of mechanical limit switches will help when applying these versatile devices in a variety of industrial applications. By Andrew Waugh, Product Manager for Sensor and Safety Products at AutomationDirect Mechanical limit switches are a common presence or position sensing device used in industrial automation systems. Typically, these switches are electromechanically operated, so ... Read More
Beyond the standard sensor types used in machine automation—such as photo eyes, limit switches and DC proximity sensors—are a wide range of color, contrast, AC proximity and area sensors. All of these sensors, as well as optical rotary encoders, are used to enable sorting, detection, error checking and positioning for machine automation.
Overview Magnetic proximity sensors are used for non-contact position detection beyond the normal limits of inductive sensors. In conjunction with a separate “damping” magnet, magnetic sensors offer very long sensing ranges from a small package size and can detect magnets through walls of non-ferrous metal, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or wood. Depending on the orientation of the magnetic field the sensor can be damped from ... Read More
When it comes to detecting position and presence in automated equipment, be sure to consider limit switch as choices available today are robust, and can provide high precision. While photo eyes and inductive switches are popular choices in many applications, precision limit switches can be a better option with repeatable accuracy less than a micron.
PMMI Media Group’s Automation World magazine announced the First Team category leaders in the 2017 Leadership in Automation Program on January 11, 2018. Automation World, a leading business magazine serving automation professionals, launched this community-based program in January 2017.
New V3 series AC powered proximity sensors from AutomationDirect are available in 8, 12, 18 and 30mm sizes. Extended sensing distances for these new sensors range from 2mm shielded and 4mm unshielded for 8mm sensors to 12mm shielded and 18mm unshielded for 30mm sensors.
NITRA NCP Series electro-pneumatic transducers from AutomationDirect convert a 4-20 mA current signal (I) from a PLC or other controller to a linear pneumatic output pressure (P).
AutomationDirect’s ProSense DPG1 digital pressure gauges are ideal for industrial and general purpose applications requiring an accurate and reliable device with easy to read digital display.
