Depending on the task involved, SICK’s Food & Beverages portfolio of sensors exploits differing physical operating principles and a variety of housings, whereby the devices offer universal use in numerous applications whilst simultaneously providing specific advantages that have a positive effect on their availability and cost-effectiveness.
V18V – the market’s most complete family of photoelectric switches in cylindrical stainless steel housings
The V18V family of photoelectric switches combines user-friendly adjustment with resistance in harsh environments. Whilst the technological highlight of the series, patented touch-teach-in sensitivity adjustment, still provides proven sensitivity adjustment on the sensor itself, there is now no need for mechanical control elements such as a rotating potentiometer or button – eliminating the otherwise usual weak points such as adjustment elements and plastic seals. With enclosure ratings of IP69K, the V18V series offers maximum availability under extreme conditions with appropriate material selection: stainless steel 316L and highly resistant plastics with FDA certification, as well as gold-plated (and thus corrosion-free) connection contacts. In addition to the dependable housing concept, there is also the sensors’ thermal resistance: the temperature range is specified up to +85°C, and even permits 100°C for up to 15 minutes. With a photoelectric reflex switch, specially designed for detecting transparent objects, the series exhibits particularly fine detection capability under harsh conditions, even with clear glass bottles, blister shells or blow film.
MH15V – family of cylindrical photoelectric switches in the shortest stainless steel housings on the market
The MH15V family of photoelectric switches was developed to solve space-critical applications in handling, filling and packaging plants. The extremely short M18 stainless steel housing, the shortest on the market, permits the sensors to be mounted even when space is severely limited. Whether the through-beam photoelectric switch with a range of 5 m, the photoelectric reflex switch with a 4.5 m range, or energetic photoelectric proximity switches with scanning distances of between 100 mm and 350 mm – the MH15V offers the ideal sensor design for each application. If required, newly developed mounting accessories permit smart installation solutions. Particular attention was paid to ensure a cleaning-resistant sensor design. The wash-down design includes, among other things, metal housings made entirely of stainless steel 316L, plane optics and the watertight enclosure rating of IP69K to meet all the sensor requirements resulting from the chemical cleaning processes, increased air humidities, and high water pressures found in the external cleaning processes for plants in the food & beverages sector.
IMF inductive sensors – rugged and powerful
The inductive sensors of the IMF series withstand maximum stresses in the harsh environment of food production and bottle filling plants. Particular value was placed on corrosion resistance, tightness and temperature resistance during development of the IMF sensors in order to meet all the demands of the food industry brought about, for example, by the chemical cleaning and disinfection processes of plants. Their housings consist of an extremely rugged mix of stainless steel (316L/1.4404) and FDA-certified plastic. The exceptionally watertight sensors are, of course, tested to enclosure rating IP69K and have an expanded temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The IMF series from SICK is the inductive solution for reliable processes in the food and drinks industries.
For decades, SICK has been one of the world’s most innovative companies in the sensor sector. The latest technological knowledge and processes are implemented in innovative products and system solutions. They position SICK as a technology and market leader in the customer segments of factory, logistics and process automation.More than 50 innovations in sensor and control solutions are planned for 2009. SICK will launch a new product each week as part of its “SICK Innovation Marathon 2009”. All innovations – from No. 1 to No. 52 – are more than just products: they solve tasks intelligently, efficiently and precisely. And create unbeatable customer advantages.