Baumer Group

SmartReflect™ in the final of the MessTec & Sensor Masters Award 2012

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:26:00 +0100

SmartReflect™ - the first light barrier without a reflector - is one of six products that are in the final of the MessTec & Sensor Masters Award. The jury nominated the world's first from Baumer in the category "sensor". You can vote on this year's winners until March 2nd. All voters take part in a raffle for a free ride in a Ferrari F360 on a racing track. Click here to vote for Baumer’s SmartReflect™: www.pro-4-pro.com/award2012 About SmartReflect™: The sensor revolution from Baumer is the most reliable solution for object detection tasks based on the light barrier principle, but without a reflector. With the SmartReflect™ light barriers, the light beam - in contrast to a retro-reflective or through beam sensor - is set up between the sensor and a machine part, for example. An object interrupts the light beam and triggers the sensor. The only condition is that there must be a background, for example any machine part, in the sensing distance of the sensor. In this way the separate reflector becomes superfluous and a common weak point is rectified. The material of the background has no influence on the detection results. Since every interruption of the light beam by any object is detected thanks to the SmartReflect™ principle, the SmartReflect™ light barrier can reliably detect objects independent of their shape, color or surface finish. Moreover, unlike retro-reflective sensors, it has no blind region in front of its front optics.

More Information: SmartReflect™

Influence of temperature on pressure measurement

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:32:00 +0100

Changes in the temperature of the medium constitute a particular challenge for pressure measurement. Whether it is a cooling agent, motor oil or water being heated up for sterilisation purposes – changing temperatures can have a significant influence on the measuring results. In order to prevent this, Baumer has developed a variety of solutions. A technical article explains how Baumer`s pressure transmitters handle this temperature compensation. It is available for download.

Download

Technical article - Influence of temperature on pressure measurement

Baumer inductive sensors: resistant to aggressive sea air

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:09:00 +0100

The inductive outdoor sensors IFRR (proximity switches) and IWRR (distance -measuring sensors) by Baumer have passed the latest corrosion tests with flying colors. Both sensors meet the requirements of the highest corrosiveness category C5-M. Both sensors are therefore ideally suited to use in demanding ambient conditions at sea or on the coast, e.g. in wind power stations. Digital inductive sensors are mainly used to detect the nacelle position and the rotor speed. Measuring sensors are applied for monitoring the brakes and the shaft deflection. To meet the requirements of the maximum corrosiveness category C5-M, the sensors were subjected to a 1440-hour or 60-day salt spray test in accordance with ISO 9227, followed by a 720-hour condensation-water resistance test in accordance with ISO 6270. The results show that these inductive sensors meet the highest corrosion resistance demands, and Baumer can guarantee a very long service life for its products.
High-quality materials like V4A stainless steel and special design procedures guarantee the high level of resistance of the inductive sensors. Thanks to the unique proTect+ impermeability concept, they are still completely leakproof in accordance with protection class IP 69K even after countless temperature cycles, and reliable functioning can be guaranteed even after many day-night cycles. This means that the sensors are especially low-maintenance, with an average service life (MTTF) of over 100 years. The wide temperature range of -40 to +70 °C also ensures constantly reliable measured values and detection results, even at extreme temperatures or great temperature fluctuations. The inductive outdoor sensors (left to right): IFRR 18, IFRR 12 und IWRR 18

The convenient C-Mount – VeriSens^® vision sensors with integrated flash controller and up to 2 MP resolution

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:50:00 +0100

Fully integrated flash controller for external illumination
Rapid system integration while offering full flexibility
Resolution up to 2 megapixels
360° FEXLoc part location
Up to 100 checks per second

These two advantages combined, provide extremely simple integration and flexible system solutions. The C-Mount design introduces complete freedom of lens selection – even for complex applications. At the same time, the integrated flash controller significantly reduces the cost of typically employed external light solutions. External lighting can be flashed with up to 48 V and 4 A while its configuration is already included in the intuitive software of the VeriSens^®. This combination gives the user more time to implement his application solution and completely abolishes the need for familiarization with the programming of an external flash controller. CCD sensors with three different resolutions – ranging from VGA to 2 megapixels – will be available with the VeriSens^® XC series. An extensive software update will also be supplied to support the system’s multiple range of functions. New options, such as an extended statistical assessment are added to the functions already familiar from previous VeriSens^® series. The integrated test environment for listed jobs allows the setup to be verified and documented more comprehensively before production is started. The integrated FTP functionality simplifies image storage on external media and new tools for distance determination add further possibilities for a complete production control.

Unlimited flexibility – New board level camera series offers great degree of freedom

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:35:00 +0100

Resolutions from VGA up to 4 megapixels
Image data transfer with up to 140 fps
Trigger Delay, Sequencer and PoE
Storable user sets

The separate sensor board measures only 28 x 28 mm, hardly larger than a 2-Euro coin. It is connected to the system circuit board via flexprint. This allows the cameras to be individually integrated even into small, cramped installation spaces in almost any mechanical design.

The new camera series comprises eight models – four monochrome and four color cameras with resolutions ranging from VGA up to 4 megapixels. Besides the powerful Sony CCD sensors, the series will feature a 4 megapixel CMOS sensor from CMOSIS for the first time in a board level camera. The first camera model of the new series will be presented at the VISION 2011 in Stuttgart, featuring VGA resolution and a 140 frames/s transfer capability. A lot of technology has been incorporated into this small system. While Trigger Delay simplifies synchronization between the application and the camera, the sequencer makes it much easier to capture image series with changing acquisition parameters. Both Packet Delay and Transmission Delay modes are available to support reliable data transfer in multi-camera operation. Storable user sets simplify camera integration, and the GigE standard interface with Power over Ethernet can be used to reduce integration and maintenance costs.

Non-contacting, robust and yet so compact – Small, bearingless absolute encoders

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:44:00 +0200

First bearingless absolute encoder
Non-contact sensing technique
Interface SSI and CANopen
Absolute value with 16-bit resolution
Additional incremental signal
Integrated self-monitoring functionality

Bearingless magnetic encoders defy adverse ambient conditions thanks to their robust design. At textile machines, fabrics would meaningfully reduce the service life of ball bearings, and harsh industrial environments or mobile applications with shocks, vibrations, dust and humidity demand the most of the deployed encoders. For the first time now there is a bearingles magnetic absolute encoder platform which excels with compact design benefits and allows for the resilient non-contact sensing technique even if space is a constraint. Baumer is the first manufacturer to offer a bearingless magnetic encoder platform with unmatched narrow dimensions. The small absolute encoder series MHAD completing the HDmag family provides very compact design benefits with only 50 mm in diameter and an extremely shallow installation depth of only 20 mm. The encoders are easy to fit into tight spots where installation space is confined (fig. 1). Thanks to its large through-hollow shaft the encoder does not consume any space at the shaft end but can be installed in a space and cost saving manner straight between gearbox and the machine part to be driven. The non-contact sensing principle allows for large permissible tolerances on radial and axial displacement of +/- 1 mm respectively 0,1 to 0,5 mm. The current position will be output as absolute value with 16-bit resolution, optionally via SSI or CANopen interface. An additional incremental signal provides speed feedback (1024 to 8192 steps per turn). The compact design allows for arranging up to 4 sensors at the pole wheel for easy and cost-efficient redundant solutions. An integrated self-monitoring functionality ensures consistent high-quality signals and reliable sensor performance. The compact magnetic encoder provides IP67 protection in its standard configurations, withstands operating temperatures between -40 and +85 °C and thanks to its robust design and the utilized magnetic sensing technique provides dependable operation not only in dust and humidity but also during severe shocks and vibrations.

Precision at top speed – New camera series combines powerful CMOS sensors with Dual GigE

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:52:00 +0200

Resolutions of 2 and 4 Megapixel
Dual GigE Technology
Correlated Double Sampling (CDS)

The HXG cameras are available with resolutions of 2 and 4 megapixels and reliably transfer more than 100 frames/s. Their Dual GigE technology lets them achieve a bandwidth of 240 MB/s – double the GigE bandwidth – while exploiting all the advantages of Gigabit Ethernet. The standard interface permits simple, flexible integration into existing systems and supports cable lengths of up to 100 meters while simultaneously reducing integration costs. This combination results in short inspection times and makes the new Baumer models the fastest series of GigE cameras now on the market.

High resolutions of up to 2048 x 2048 pixels ensure the desired product quality by optically monitoring even the tiniest details. The Global Shutter sensor from CMOSIS with Correlated Double Sampling (CDS) guarantees sharp images and low readout noise for precise measurements. Besides excellent image quality, high sensitivity is another convincing argument for the HXG models, which are even more responsive than cameras with CCD sensors. This reduces measuring times to increase throughput and therefore production capacity. The new models will be available in monochrome and color as well as in monochrome for the near infra-red range (NIR) in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Expansion of copy counter portfolio – Baumer takes over DENEX products

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:28:00 +0200

On 1 October 2011 the Swedish sensor manufacturer DENEX Systems Technology will transfer their product rights to Baumer. This way, Baumer is expanding the SCATEC copy counter portfolio and will further strengthen their leading position in the graphic and packaging industry.The product consolidation with the DENEX portfolio provides Baumer with valuable synergies for significant expansion and optimization of their copy counter range. "We anticipate the opportunities to further extend our market position in the graphic industry with the DENEX products. The unique technology products for high precision edge detection open up further application potential in other industries, for example packaging machinery”, says Dr. Oliver Vietze, CEO Baumer."We are convinced that in Baumer we have found a successor on whom the DENEX customers can rely on continuity”, underlines Mr. Roger Bengtsson, CEO DENEX. The volatile economic situation in the graphic industry with ever increasing cost pressure made DENEX headquartered in Stockholm actively look for a succession arrangement. Under the aspects of the company's moderate size and business volume, DENEX experience difficulties to make the required long-term investments needed for innovations of the high-tech products.

For more information about the Baumer copy counter portfolio please click SCATEC and DENEX

New ATEX-approved LBFS level switch from Baumer – No additional Zener barrier required thanks to ready-for-use isolation module PROFSI3 LS

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:37:00 +0200

No additional Zener barrier required thanks to ready-for-use isolation module PROFSI3 LS
Approval covers all ATEX zones with both gas and dust
Easy-to-install, compact design boasts high reliability
Suitable for pharma, food, and milling as well as petrochemical industry and power plants

Baumer uses a highly specialised protective design for the ATEX versions of the LBFS. Thanks to this, versions Ex ta for dust (zones 20, 21, and 22) and Ex nA for gas (zone 2) can be used without a Zener barrier because the housing itself already provides all the necessary protection. This is very cost-effective because usually all sensors for hazardous areas require a Zener barrier. The ATEX certifications cover zones 0, 1, and 2 (gas) as well as zones 20, 21, and 22 (dust). Quick installation and ease of use is also ensured for version Ex ia for gas (zones 0 and 1). For this version, Baumer provides the ready-for-use isolation module PROFSI3 LS which is specially designed for use with Baumer's level switches LBFS and LFFS. This dedicated isolation module saves users the time and effort of selecting and configuring an additional Zener barrier to operate the sensor.
The PROFSI3 LS can operate with DC voltages from 22 VDC to 120 VDC as well as AC voltages from 90 VAC to 253 VAC. The LBFS is based on the frequency-sweep technology, a method particularly suitable for precisely measuring the level of solids and powders. As the processing of such materials often creates explosive dust, the new ATEX versions open a wide range of new applications particularly valuable for typical LBFS users in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
But industries like oil and gas, energy production, and milling will also find this new level switch convenient. The ATEX versions of the LBFS level switch can easily be adapted to the needs of very diverse applications thanks to a wide range of available process connections including G½”, G3/4”, G1”, G½” hygienic, G½” for reverse assembly, M18x1, and G3/4 NPT. More connections are available upon request.
The intrinsically safe PROFSI3 LS interface shields the safe area from the hazardous area through galvanic isolation. The level detected within the hazardous area is transmitted to the safe area through a single-pole double-throw relay.

Revealing the unseen – New 4 MP camera doubles NIR sensitivity

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:45:00 +0200

Hohe high sensitivity in the near-infrared range (NIR)
Global Shutter Sensor with Correlated Double Sampling (CDS)
Resolutions up to 4 megapixel

Highly efficient, long-lasting photovoltaics are a key requirement for a breakthrough in developing renewable energies. Quality controls of solar modules must therefore meet the highest demands in terms of efficient, fast and automated optical inspection. The high sensitivity in the near-infrared range (NIR) offered by the new CMOS cameras, HXC20NIR and HXC40NIR from Baumer, is a convincing answer to these challenges. Compared with the monochrome cameras available until now, the new models are twice as sensitive at a wave length of 900 nanometers and therefore master the requirements of checking solar wafers even more effectively. Therefore the cameras are even more sensitive than systems with NIR-optimized CCD sensors. These new developments are a response to industrial demand for shorter measuring times to increase throughput. The cameras are immediately available as serially manufactured products.

A resolution of 4 megapixels with a 1:1 (2048 x 2048) aspect ratio optimally qualifies the HXC40NIR to inspect square solar wafers. The desired product quality is ensured by using the electroluminescence method to check the crystal structure for defects. The high resolution enables complete modules to be inspected with fewer cameras, thereby simplifying and reducing the cost of inspection. Excellent image quality with low readout noise is ensured by the high-performance Global Shutter Sensor from CMOSIS with Correlated Double Sampling (CDS). In addition, several image formats with up to 12 bits per pixel are supported. The cameras are equipped with a flexible CameraLink® interface that permits the highest frame rates in the Base (3 taps) and Full (10 taps) modes. The robust, industrially suited design of the cameras makes them extremely reliable and an optimized thermal concept allows them to be used throughout an expanded temperature range.