Contactless distance monitoring

Mara Hofacker,

Air gap sensors with IO-Link

SMC is further expanding its range with IO-Link. Now the ISA3#L series air gap sensors can also communicate bidirectionally with higher-level control units.

The ISA3#L series air gap sensors now also feature IO-Link. © SMC

"Machine users with a high degree of automation in particular benefit from IO-Link technology. The resulting transparency leads to better process control," says Haydar Kartal, Product Management at SMC Germany, explaining the most important advantage of this innovation. The ISA3#L series air gap sensors are used for non-contact distance monitoring and support control in machines. Unlike inductive and capacitive sensors, they detect the workpieces regardless of the material and can therefore be used universally. The ISA3#L series air gap sensors can perform distance measurements in the range from 10 to 300 µm. A typical application is, for example, checking the correct position of a workpiece blank in a clamping device.

The advantages of IO-Link

Using the IO-Link interface, the ISA3#L series air gap sensors provide information about the supply pressure, back pressure, gap size and other diagnostic information with the process data to higher-level control units. This transparency provides a number of advantages:

  • A continuous and complete insight into the process helps with optimizations and troubleshooting.
  • Any orifices or interrogation nozzles that have been added are recognized immediately.
  • Detected fluctuations in the supply pressure can indicate problems.
  • The complete information on devices and serial numbers in the network helps in the event of a fault.
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Another important advantage is the ability to completely transfer all process parameters from the IO-Link master. This not only saves time, but also eliminates the risk of incorrect entries when programming manually.

2-line, digital display with three colors

The ISA3#L series air gap sensors can be operated with or without a control unit. Up to six units fit on a multiple connection plate, which can be connected to a control unit on the left or right side. The ISA3#L models have a two-line digital display. Three colors (red, green, white) indicate the distance of the workpiece from the support surface. Even at a distance or with a quick glance, the essential information can be reliably recognized. Another feature of the ISA3#L sensors is their quick and easy operation. They are also extremely robust and easy to maintain.

The switching points are set in three steps - everything is designed for quick, easy and error-free operation. A key lock function prevents set values from being changed unintentionally. This increases the productivity and safety of systems. All sensors in the ISA3#L series are characterized by their extremely compact dimensions and low weight. They are therefore particularly suitable for installation in confined spaces, for lightweight construction and dynamic applications with mounting on moving units. With their high IP67 degree of protection, they are also ideally suited for use in harsh environments.

Scanning distance from 0.01 mm

The ISA3#L series range consists of three different types with different nominal scanning distance ranges:

  • Type F: from 0.01 to 0.03 mm
  • Type G: from 0.02 to 0.15 mm
  • Type H: from 0.05 to 0.3 mm

The ISA3#L sensors are also ideally suited for higher accuracy requirements, such as those for quality inspection or in-process quality assurance.

Another strength of the sensors is their extremely low air consumption, which not only reduces operating costs but also protects the environment. What's more, the new air gap sensors do their job almost silently.

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