• Balluff India

Extra Rugged Sensor With Extended Range

Sensors are subjected to extreme stresses on a machine tool. According to studies by the German Machine Tool Builders Association, nearly 30% of all downtime for machine tools can be attributed to failures of one sensor type or another. This has led to the design of the PROXIMAX concept for inductive proximity switches. Mechanical resistance was given special attention in this design. As opposed to traditional approaches, the front section of the switch is moulded with Duroplast. All the important components are housed in this section, the sensor oscillator circuit and the bonded IC. The cavity -free material surrounds the electronic parts and makes the switch insensitive to shock and vibration. The mineral-filled and fibreglass reinforced epoxy potting is also extremely resistant to chemicals, abrasion resistant, and can withstand continuous temperatures up to 195?C. Such a moulded proximity switch can even withstand the flame of a blowtorch for a short time. This guarantees that it will hold up against any kind of hot chips, even if they stick to the active surface. The housing is made of chemical resistant, rust-free stainless steel 1.4305, so that together with the other properties, the entire switch has a high resistance to most of the coolants and lubricants found on machine tools. The sensors is rated IP 68. Manufactured by Balluff, Germany, all models come standard with extended sensing range. This means less time spent adjusting at often inaccessible spots on the machine tool, so the machine is up and running just that much sooner. In some versions an optical adjustment aid tells the assembler when the optimum sensing distance of 80% Sn is reached.