Ultrasonic position sensor directly monitors workpiece clamping

Whether detecting position, distance measurement, or the detection of solid, powdery or liquid media, ultrasonic sensors from Balluff are versatile. With tise BFD ultrasonic position sensor with media contact, we are expanding our portfolio to add an innovative way to directly monitor hydraulic short-stroke cylinders.

This reliable and economical solution for workpiece clamping monitoring is a real milestone in the field of metalworking.

Direct response to increasing production requirements

Existing solutions for monitoring workpiece clamping are based on indirect methods: they measure the volume flow of the hydraulic fluid or monitor the piston end position. However, such solutions are either cost-intensive, inflexible or less reliable.

In addition, conventional products cannot detect and monitor the clamping state and the clamping travel equally. As a result, they are not only not particularly economical, but also cannot always meet the increasing demands on machine safety.

Easy integration and scalable use

Thanks to its small form factor, standardized interfaces that can be configured as required, and continuous automated compensation, the sensor is easy and flexible to integrate and can be used "plug & play" in different media. Together with standard system components from Balluff, this makes for an exceptionally economical, complete solution.

Relevant additional information is provided through IO-Link. Functions include, for example, device status monitoring, device temperature or signal quality. This allows you to detect critical changes in the medium, e.g. due to air or particles in the hydraulic system.