SICK Powers into Future with the All-seeing PowerProx® Sensor

Sick says a sensor in the PowerProx range can be used to replace most distance and proximity sensors in a production plant. Engineers can choose from a range of just four sensors to achieve highly accurate results over a distance range between 10cm and 3.8m.

“Nothing gets by the SICK PowerProx, “states David Hannaby, SICK UK’s Product Manager for Presence Detection.  “It has overtaken other market offerings to deliver a multi-tasking series of sensors with outstanding performance at a competitive price, achieving consistent results where a number of different specialised sensors would otherwise need to be used.”

With PowerProx, even objects being conveyed at high speed, small and flat objects and products with jet-black and shiny finishes can now be reliably detected over its extensive sensing distances.  

Time of Flight

The precision of ToF laser technology, when combined with SICK’s Advanced Background Suppression, also mean the PowerProx sensors offer a high degree of angular tolerance and are not affected by the ambient light or by dust, spray and particles. PowerProx operates according to the scanning principle, so there is no need for reflectors or receivers.

The SICK PowerProx is easy to teach. The multitask sensor is adjusted via a potentiometer or teach-in button.  There are versions available with either 1 or 2 separately adjustable switching thresholds depending on the application.  

Using IO-Link, up to eight switching points can be remotely taught and a 'window mode' to be taught using a laser spot, ranged and set on the desired object.  IO-Link also enables high-accuracy measurements to be output from the ToF sensor signal for determining range, position, height or size.  Eye safety is assured with a class 1 laser and the VISTAL housing ensures the device is sufficiently rugged. Installation is simple with a wide choice of mounting option accessories.

Applications

PowerProx will find applications in the automotive and components industries, with its capability to detect extremely small parts thanks to its low hysteresis and minimum colour shift. PowerProx’s ability to detect small and flat objects too, no matter what the surface finish, will be useful in handling and assembly, for example for reliable checking of a robot's gripping points.

In packaging, warehousing and logistics industries, the PowerProx’s two adjustable switching points make it possible to set distance quickly and easily, and the angular tolerance and background suppression will enable reliable recognition and sorting of different sized packages and boxes.

A choice of three PowerProx sensor options is available in the same compact housing for distance, high-speed and high-precision options.  SICK believes the fourth, the PowerProx Small, at 46 x 34 x 17.6mm is probably the smallest sensor currently available at its performance level.