Magnetic field sensors

The smart factory with its complex production lines demands great flexibility. But with ever changing requirements, it can be difficult to balance the necessary process and product quality.

Keeping a constant eye on the process becomes critical. Sensors play an important role in compact and precise grippers, fast stamping machines and tool changers because the sensors provide the required speed, precision and flexibility.

BMP magnetic field positioning systems give you the ability to monitor running processes reliably and wear-free. They help you stay in control of various processes and ensure simultaneous processing of workpieces while remaining energy-efficient. Their use delivers high process reliability and automation quality. And it all happens reliably, whether you need to control assembly in the automobile industry, or quickly adapt to changing formats and process parameters in the packaging industry while controlling multiple pneumatic motions at the same time.

Features

• Modular concept for flexibility: Covers a variety of cylinders over a stroke of up to 256 mm
• Full transparency: Continuous monitoring of the piston position in the smallest spaces using analog voltage and current output as well as an IO-Link interface
• Reliable results: Application-specific linearity and repeat accuracy
• High process security: Low temperature drift and very good electromagnetic compatibility
• Ready for Industry 4.0: Format changes, condition monitoring and predictive maintenance

Our BMF magnetic field sensors for T-slots can be mounted directly in the groove and distinguish themselves with their particularly strong hold. They can be mounted flush so that they are suitable for space-critical applications.

In addition, Balluff offers extremely short configurations for flexible usage options. The sensors detect the piston position without contact through the cylinder walls. The system is adaptable for cylinders and grippers with both strong and weak magnets.

Thanks to the especially bright LEDs, they reliably recognize the switching state of the sensor, even at large distances. The magnetic field sensors for T-slots are also available in metal housings, for use in very harsh environments, such as with welding spatter or flying sparks. Also available with magnetic-field-sensitive electronics for industrial environments with high welding currents.

Features

• Reliable switching behavior thanks to precise switchpoints
• Non-contacting and thus free from wear
• Impervious to contamination

Magnetic field sensors for C-slots can be mounted flush, so they are suitable for space-critical applications. Since all of them can be installed from above, they also fit in those places where groove ends are closed and lateral installation is not possible.

Balluff also offers extremely short configurations that perfectly fit every gripper and short-stroke cylinder. The sensors detect the piston position without contact through the cylinder walls. The system is adaptable for cylinders and grippers with both strong and weak magnets.

Features

• Reliable switching behavior
• Precise switchpoint
• Non-contacting and thus free from wear
• Impervious to contamination
• Low hysteresis

Our magnetic field sensors with flexible attachment systems are suitable for all groove shapes, such as T-, C-, round, or trapezoidal slots. It can be adapted to almost all cylinder types using special manufacturer-specific mounting brackets. As a result, a reliable tool is always available for detecting position on grippers and pneumatic cylinders. The main thing is that it is very flexible.

Moreover, the switchpoint is adjusted only once and is retained even if the sensor is replaced. This way you increase the functional reliability of your equipment by making sensor replacement safer and easier, even in hard-to-reach places. Our universally applicable sensor models save you storage space and can reduce your costs.

Features

• One sensor for all pneumatic cylinders
• Reliable switching behavior
• Captive switchpoint
• Non-contacting and thus free from wear
• The best hold thanks to metal fasteners

Our BMF magnetic field sensors for trapezoidal grooves and trapezoidal guides can easily mount to the cylinder with mounting brackets and adapters. The sophisticated mounting bracket concept is suitable for most types of cylinders like these. In addition, we offer sensor variants that fit directly on a cylinder with a 60° and 90° trapezoidal groove, without a mounting bracket. The magnetic field sensors detect the piston position without contact through the cylinder walls. The system is adaptable for cylinders and grippers with both strong and weak magnets.

Features

• Reliable switching behavior
• Precise switchpoint
• Non-contacting and thus free from wear
• Impervious to contamination

Our BMF magnetic field sensors for round cylinders can be safely integrated into various applications with the appropriate hose clamp and mounting bracket. The well thought-out mounting bracket concept is suitable for most types of cylinder up to 80 mm piston diameter. The piston position is detected without contact through the cylinder walls.

Features

• Up to 80 mm piston diameter
• Reliable switching behavior thanks to precise switchpoints
• Non-contacting and thus free from wear
• Impervious to contamination
• Firm grip
• Mounts quickly

Our BMF magnetic field sensors for tie rod cylinders can be reliably integrated into a myriad of applications. This is ensured by a sophisticated mounting bracket concept for tie rods and DUO rails, making it suitable for the most common cylinder types with any piston diameter. The piston position is detected without contact through the cylinder walls.

Features

• Tie rod diameter of up to 17 mm
• Reliable switching behavior thanks to precise switchpoints
• Non-contacting and thus free from wear
• Impervious to contamination
• Firm grip
• Mounts quickly

Our BMF magnetic field sensors for C- and T-slots with adjustable multiple switchpoints enable quick integration of pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder drives into the machine control system.

Magnetic field sensors with fixed switchpoints typically must be manually positioned at the desired switchpoint and fastened in that position. In this case, it is sufficient to position the sensor at the approximate position and to attach it there. The switchpoint(s) are then set using the "Teach" button on the control panel.

In the simplest case, two different switchpoints on the same cylinder can be adjusted. In the IO-Link variant, it is possible to set and scan up to eight switchpoints within the sensor work area. As a result, up to eight different object sizes can be detected in, for example, one gripper, thus making the use of several conventional sensors superfluous. This means significantly more comfort for you as well as greater flexibility and cost savings.

Features

• Non-contacting, therefore free from wear
• Individual setup of the switchpoints without tools
• Applicable for cylinders and grippers with radial or axial magnetic polarization
• Remote teaching of up to eight switchpoints via IO-Link
• Adjustable hysteresis for each individual switchpoint
• Extremely large 60 mm travel path
• Universally applicable bracket for the teach-in module available
• Status indication via multiple colored LEDs
• Captive switchpoints even during power outage
• Special brackets are available for other slot shapes (e.g. round slot)

Two magnetic field sensors are often necessary for smaller pneumatic/hydraulic cylinders or grippers in order to detect the position of the piston in the cylinder. Our single-connector version reduces your mounting and wiring efforts for such applications. It allows two sensors to be connected via a single 4-pin connector (M8 or M12), which also requires only one slot when connecting to a distributor box. This enables you to double the number of possible sensors on one distributor box and simultaneously measure up to twice the number of positions on pneumatic grippers and cylinders in a simple manner.

This system will save you time and effort, as well as acquisition and storage costs.

Features

• Tie rod diameter of up to 17 mm
• Reliable switching behavior thanks to precise switchpoints
• Non-contacting and thus free from wear
• Impervious to contamination
• Mounts quickly