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Flush or Non-Flush, Looks Can Be Deceiving

Written by: Jeff Himes

In almost all inductive proximity sensor applications the housing design and mounting method of the sensor need to be taken into consideration.  Sensor housing designs have historically been described as shielded (sometimes called flush) or non-shielded (sometimes called non-flush).  In reality the terms shielded and flush have different meanings just as non-shielded and non-flush have different meanings.  By using these terms interchangeably some confusion is typically created.  Additionally, a new term of “quasi-flush” has entered the market.  Let’s take a closer look at these terms and what they really mean. Continue reading “Flush or Non-Flush, Looks Can Be Deceiving”

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Capacitive Sensors – Part I

Written by: Bjoern Schaefer

In this new series we will write about different aspects of capacitive sensors in today’s factory automation world. Capacitive sensors found their place in certain industries and applications as effective problem solvers for specific tasks such as plastic pellet detection devices in injection molding machines and liquid level monitors in the semiconductor industry.

Continue reading “Capacitive Sensors – Part I”

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Magnetic Field Sensors – Are Magnets Different?

It’s 3:00 AM and your machine has come to a screeching halt because, according to your PLC, the cylinder that holds a part in place is neither extended nor retracted.  After looking at the cylinder, you see it is extended just as it should be however; the cylinder-mounted sensor is not detecting the magnet.  No problem, you have another magnetic field sensor that will fit but it does not work either, so what is the problem? Another bad sensor? Maybe not, it could be the sensor and the magnet is incompatible.

Continue reading “Magnetic Field Sensors – Are Magnets Different?”