Waldkirch, November 2007 – 5 stars are not only the highest possible award for gourmet restaurants, but also for the new V18V Food & Beverage series of photoelectric switches from SICK. A new, patented sensitivity adjustment, optimised materials, extreme ranges, expanded temperature range and resistance certificates from ECOLAB, JohnsonDiversey and the FDA have been combined in the V18V to make a “features menu” for automation gourmets.

The V18V family of photoelectric switches was consistently developed for solving high-end applications in handling, filling and packaging plants in the food, beverages and pharmaceutical industries. The technological highlight of the series – patented touch-teach sensitivity adjustment – underlines the sector-specific sensor concept. The V18V still offers the proven sensitivity adjustment on the sensor – but it now requires no mechanical operating elements such as rotary potentiometer or button. Thus doing away with the usual weak points that would otherwise be present, such as adjustment elements and plastic seals. But this is not the only factor that contributes to maximum availability of the V18V under extreme conditions: the choice of materials, the housing concept and temperature resistance are also critical factors. Thus the cleaning-friendly IP69K sensor housing is constructed of 316L stainless steel and highly resistant plastic certified by the FDA. The connection contacts are gold-plated – the risk of corrosion is therefore largely eliminated. Resistance against acidic and alkaline detergents and disinfectants has been certified by ECOLAB and JohnsonDiversey in independent tests. Finally, the V18V offers an expanded temperature range of up to +85°C, and even 100°C for up to 15 minutes.

Sensor versions with maximum ranges and functional reserves

The V18V is a complete sensor family consisting of a through-beam photoelectric switch with a range of 25 m, a photoelectric reflex switch with a range of 5 m, and energetic photoelectric proximity switches with scanning distances of 100 mm, 400 mm and 800 mm. These performance data are interesting wherever long ranges or high functional reserves are necessary for trouble-free, continuous operation. Finally the V18V series offers another highlight: the photoelectric reflex switch specially for the detection of transparent objects, e.g. white glass bottles, blister trays or tubular films.