Precise handling support

That a laser distance sensor with IO-Link technology can tackle industrial handling processes more simply, reliably and cost-effectively will be demonstrated by sensor specialist Balluff at the Hanover Exhibition 2007. When the task calls for gathering, evaluating and sending an entire bundle of different kinds of information, when reliability, easy parameter setting and simplified installation are high on the list of requirements, IO-Link can truly show its system advantages.

The IO-Link capable BOD 63 laser distance sensor from Balluff is primarily designed for use in robotics, such as handling of sheet metal or other construction elements. When workpieces need to be moved, lowered and gently set down to the last millimeters, high-performance sensors are called for. The BOD 63 laser distance sensor continuously and in fractions of a second acquires the actual distance as an object approaches and thereby supplies the information for an accurate speed profile of the robot movement. This intelligent measuring instrument with a range of six meters also recognizes when the lens is dirty or when due to a dark object no stable signal is available. The laser automatically shuts off while the part is being transported.

Whereas shielded cables for reliable transmission of analog signals, analog boxes, multi-conductor cables and terminals used to be needed to handle such tasks (see illustration), the BOD 63 laser distance sensor requires only a 3-conductor, unshielded standard cable for the IO-Link transmission. With obvious advantages wherever low weight, mobility, flexible cables or drag chain compatibility are required. IO-Link also provides the following factual benefits: Teach and setup procedures directly on often inaccessible devices can be eliminated. Instead, parameter setting is fast, central convenient and significantly reduces downtimes. Central diagnostic concepts continuously provide a detailed picture of where things happened.