Can you really detect such an object from that far away without a reflector? Any colour? Against a shiny background? And measure the distance, too? The answer to these questions is “yes – if you use the new OGD LongRange from ifm electronic”.
Conveying systems these days are more than just box movers; sorting and collation take many forms and lead to huge complexity, so detection of the goods needs to be more accurate than before, but also there is less space to fit sensors. And there’s nothing more annoying than an inaccessible reflector knocked out of alignment.
The remarkable OGD LongRange photoelectric sensor from ifm electronic addresses the pain with a detection range of 1500mm, with no reflector but with no danger of detecting the background either. It is not that long since the maximum range attainable with a diffuse M18 photocell was less than 500mm, with very poor results if colour changed and no background suppression, so a reflector was de rigeur. With three times that range, the OGD has a display of the target distance on the back of the compact, stainless-steel housing and an M18 thread at the front.
OGD has been designed to provide simple and intuitive sensing. The three pushbuttons and distance display make it easy to use, and of course, the OGD has IO-Link as well, meaning that setting can be carried out remotely and parameters stored for peace of mind.
The OGD builds on the success of the earlier O1D and other devices using ifm’s own unique time-of-flight technology to accurately measure the distance to an object, so knowing relative positions of the target and the background regardless of colour and reflectivity. Use of class 1 laser makes this more accurate, too, and safe.
Programmable open or closed switched outputs are provided, while the IO-Link means the real measured distance is also available to the outside world. Many other functions are available, too, via the buttons or IO-Link. The IP67-sealed stainless-steel housing also features a standard M12 connector.
For further information, contact Gemma Anderson, ifm electronic Ltd., efector House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2HD. Telephone: 020 8213-2234. E-mail – gemma.anderson@ifm.com.
