All kinds of packaging materials dependably detected from highly transparent to glossy!  Perfect for food and beverage packaging applications!

Ultrasonic retro-reflective sensors

• Reliable detection of highly transparent and glossy materials such as foils and vacuum formed sheetings
• Convenient configuration of detection range and other parameters via easy teach-in method
• No specific reflector required – a fix background is sufficient for dependable reflection

Photoelectric retro-reflective sensors

• Safe detection of glossy and reflecting packaging independent of quality and color
• Integrated polarization filter ensures dependable recognition of ultra-reflective objects
• Even small objects are precisely identified by laser sensors featuring a specialized one-lens system

The packaging process pinpoints the requirements of precise motion feedback and process monitoring: Position acquisition, format alignments or process control with the ever-growing demand to speed things up by minimizing setup times and avoiding production wastage. Baumer solutions improve nearly any packaging and bottling process. In the appropriate configuration, the measuring instruments comply with hygiene standards and also match aseptic packaging applications. Versatile, modular concepts provide the flexibility required to master the big diversity of packaging material, surfaces, shapes and colors. The process is quickly and easily adapted to another product in a reproducible manner, whilst sensors ensure the shortest possible processing times. Whether in primary, secondary or end-of-line packaging - Baumer is always the partner you can rely on and Marshall Wolf Automation is the distributor to count on! 

My friends from Pepperl + Fuchs shared this information regarding measurement displacement sensors and I'd like to share it with you:

Measurement displacement sensors are used when you need to know a continuous distance that the sensor is from a selected target. There are two primary output types that can give distance.  The discrete digital output is basically a yes or no signal threshold that will change the output of the sensor when the target reaches a certain distance or falls within a certain range.
An analog output will give a continuous analog signal either on 4 mA to 20 mA or 0 V to 10 V (model dependent). This signal is established by teaching in a window on the sensor that will have the near or far limit return 4 mA or 20 mA. This information is then interpreted by a controller or PLC to give you a distance measurement.

The VDM28 Series is a popular distance measurement photoelectric sensor that is relatively low cost for the range and performance it yields. The VDM28 Series has a diffuse sensing range of 8 meters or about 26 feet. The long sensing distance and small light spot diameter is possible through the class 1 or 2 laser (model dependent) that the sensor utilizes. The long range and exceptional accuracy are all due to to pulse ranging technology.

The sensor sends out a short pulse of light, and that light is reflected off the target. The time it takes for the light pulse to reach the sensor's receiver is used to calculate the target's distance. This method is more effective than phase correlation, which is more susceptible to ambient light due to continuously sending out light and evaluating the slight phase change. Some models of the VDM28 Series of lasers also offer dual, independent discrete outputs for applications where switch outputs are needed rather than a continuous distance measurement.

The photoelectric VDM18 Series is offered for more precise applications requiring a very high resolution at a shorter sensing range. The two primary models have a 100 mm range and a 300 mm range, both with exceptional resolution for applications demanding better than 1 mm accuracy. Since this sensor is based on a triangulation method of distance measurement, both VDM18 models have a better resolution than the VDM28, but this unit is also more costly (usually more than double the price of the VDM28).

Ultrasonic sensors are another common sensing method. Pepperl+Fuchs has several models available. Most come with either switching outputs or analog outputs. They can be used for detection based on a window, threshold value, or they can be used for continuous distance measurement using the analog output. Most UC Series ultrasonic sensors offer a 0 to 10 voltage output and a 4 to 20 mA output signal. There are also discrete signal models. The advantages offered by an ultrasonic sensor are in the function of operation. Since ultrasonic sensors operate by transmitting sound waves instead of a light source, they are not sensitive to targets that have different colors and are a good option for detecting transparent objects. This is critical for tank filling applications when the fluid is transparent such as water or where the use of a laser light source is not possible.

Some successful applications include overhead crane operations, level measurement, or direct distance measurement of targets when accuracy is critical. The tank measuring application described earlier involves using an ultrasonic sensor to determine the level in the tank. If the distance is known, you can derive a formula to find the relationship between the distance, and how full the tank is. Continuous measurement will require an analog output (0 V to 10 V or 4 mA to 20 mA). If continuous measurement is not important, a discrete output model can be used. For example, many tank level applications just need a high and a low point to trigger a pump to turn on or off.  In these applications, a discrete output model is preferred.

Contact the technical department at Marshall Wolf Automation for any application assistance.  Learn more about sensors here!  As a premier factory automation distributor, we are always here to help!

You don't even have to read about it - you just need to watch it:

Watch the YouTube video that explains everything you need to know about the new Baumer Electric 0500 Series!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Baumer Electric photoelectric sensors, inductive and capacitive proximity sensors and ultrasonics sensors.

View all of our Baumer sensors now!

Ultrasonic sensors present the ideal solution for non-contact position and distance measurement in all industrial areas where environmental conditions such as dust, smoke or steam may affect the sensors. Objects consisting of a variety of materials can be detected to within millimeters regardless of color or shape.

The ultrasonic sensor produces a data carrier utilizing very high frequencies that are outside the human’s audible range. The time it takes for that ultrasonic wave to pass between the sensor and the object is the value for the distance or the position.

Ultrasonic sensors have proven their reliability and precision in many industries and applications, including:

• lumber and furniture
• construction materials and equipment
• farming equipment
• level control applications

Pepperl+Fuchs’ ultrasonic sensors currently encompass twelve series of mechanical designs for through-beam, direct detection and retro-reflective operation. Customer and application specific custom solutions underscore our technological competence in this area of sensors.

Product features of ultrasonic sensors:

• Devices with TEACH-IN functionality for fast and simple installation
• ULTRA 3000 software for improved adaptation of sensors to applications
• Adjustable sensitivity to the sound beam width for optimized adjustment of the sensor characteristics according to the application
• Temperature compensation - compensates for sound velocity due to varying air temperatures
• Synchronization input to prevent cross-talk interference when sensors are mounted within close proximity of each other
• Sensors with digital and/ or analog outputs

Check out all Marshall Wolf Automation's sensor products here!

Whether you are building a car wash system or looking for replacement parts, Marshall Wolf Automation can help.  From the MLV series from Pepperl + Fuchs, which is perfect for car wash applications with its long-range capability to blast through steam, soap suds, and spray. 

Carlo Gavazzi offers photoelectric sensors for vehicle detection: spray booms, wheel scrubs, rollover arches, blowers,  overhead doors, entry keypads, capacative sensors for level detection of soap or wax, inductive sensors for end of travel detection and ultrasonic sensors for position detection and vehicle profiling.

AC Tech Lenze has a variety of variable frequency drives for use in car wash applications.  Check out this blog about car-washing products from one of my co-workers!

Marshall Wolf Automation can assist with many of your industrial automation needs.  Call us today at 800-325-9653 (WOLF)!

Resolving a customers issue/concern. This is he result of working with a customer on an application that they were looking to automate. We went in and reviewed the application with the customer to see what we could offer, we asked a lot of questions and got to see the equipment up close and personal (sorry a movie pun). By working with the customer and communicating all the issues / concerns they had we were able to come back with a solution that is cost effective and will work well for them going forward.

Project 2 – Glue Pot Auto Fill System:

Looking again for us to design a solution for him that would consist of a pump, motor that would allow him to keep his 55 gallon drum at a consistent level so the operator would not need to check the levels in the drum. It is a typical glue pot system according to the customer @ “XYZ”. They would like a indicator, and again to keep the depth of the glue consistent. Let me know if this is a project that Marshall Wolf would be interested in. I can set up a time to meet with the customer if you feel either or both of these projects are of interest.

Solution Presented to Customer:

Operational Specs:

Ultrasonic Sensor (below) will monitor the tank level. When tank level; hits the low limit the sensor will actuate the SPDT relay. Relay will control actuation of the valve. The valve will allow glue to flow into the tank; end user (Nosco) is responsible for the installation of the valve. Valve will be wired to “NO” contact on the relay. Relays contact rating is = 10A (1540VA resistive / 990VA inductive)

Secondary option:

Valve can be wired to a male or female M12 cable; this would make the system a plug and play solution.

BOM to include the following parts: Left out as it is a custom application, parts incluede an Ultrasonic Sensor, Power Supply, Relay and Socket and an Enclosure

Please let us know if you are having similiar projects, we would like the opportunity to come in and review possible solutions with you.

Ultrasonic sensors are commonly used in agricultural sprayers to make sure that the sprayer's boom height is at the proper position.

The Pepperl+Fuchs 30GM series of ultrasonic sensors will automatically adjust the agricultural sprayer to the proper height over the crops when liquid fertilizers, pesticides or other liquids are applied.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Pepperl+Fuchs ultrasonic range sensors. We also offer sensors from Baumer Electric and Carlo Gavazzi!

We have a number of products that are popular in the agricultural industry including NEMA 3R drive panels, motors, variable frequency drives and much more.

Leuze offers a number of solutions for carton packaging machines. Bright and clearly visible light spots, as well as high performance reserves, make Leuze sensors an ideal option for packaging equipment.

The Leuze ODS 96B series, in particular, is an ideal option:

• Measuring sensor for filling level inspection
• Ultrasonic sensor for measurement on solid media
• Measurement range 60... 2,000mm
• Resolution up to 0.1mm

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Leuze Electronics USA!

Does your application need a reliable sensor that can detect a wide variety of materials and will not be influenced by difficult surfaces?

Take a look at the advantages of ultrasonic range sensors:

• Regardless of color or reflection characteristics, ultrasonic sensors can detect objects with millimeter precision
• Immune to outside interference
• Consistent high quality, accurate to the millimeter
• Works with virtually any material - wood, plastic, metal and even liquids!
• Any surface - transparent, smooth, rough, reflective
• May be used to distinguish different materials
• Extensive range of ultrasonic sensors available - we are authorized for Pepperl+Fuchs, Baumer, Leuze, Carlo Gavazzi and Takex

Marshall Wolf Automation is your source for a complete line of ultrasonic sensors!

The Carlo Gavazzi ICB series of proximity sensors improves:

• Shock and vibration - higher resistance to mechanical stress
• Temperature stability and repeatability
• EMC stability
• Design flexibility
• Switching speeds

The Carlo Gavazzi ICB series has the highest reliability; the calibration of the sensor is made at the end of  the production process when the sensor is already molded.

Here is a visual of the thermoplastic hot melt potting process:

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized Carlo Gavazzi distributor and offers a complete line of sensors including inductive and capacitive proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors and linear position sensors.