New IMA Analog Output Inductive Sensors from SICK 

SICK (www.sickusa.com), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sensors, safety systems, machine vision, and automatic identification products for factory and logistics automation, today announced the launch of its IMA analog output inductive sensors. Inductive sensors are primarily used for non-contact detection of metallic objects. SICK’s IMA sensors provide an output proportional to the target distance and can be connected to a PLC’s analog card. IMA sensor variants provide an industry-leading triple sensing range and high repeatability.  

The triple sensing range IMA sensors offer reduced mechanical damage and maintenance costs due to their ability to be mounted further away from the target. IMA sensors are available in 8, 12, 18 and 30 mm cylindrical sizes.

Typical IMA applications include detecting metallic targets, such as tool position; angle measurement and form and pattern identification in metal forming; stretch tension monitoring with cam position detection on packaging and printing machines; double sheet detection; and thickness measurement on presses.

Key Features and Benefits

• Triple sensing range – Sensors can be mounted further away from the target, reducing mechanical damage and maintenance costs
• High repeatability – Provides increased machine throughput due to fewer part rejects, less wear and tear, and machine downtime
• No blind zone – Constant process monitoring without a blind zone increases machine throughput and efficiency
• Minimal temperature drift – Consistent measurement of the target in varying temperatures, contributes to operational consistency. IMA sensors have improved temperature range from -25° C up to +75° C  with temperature drift ≤±5% for temperatures from 0...+70° C and ≤±10% for temperatures from -25...0° C. Typical temperature drift is 15%.
• Analog current and voltage signal in one sensor (M18 and M30) – Integrated power and voltage output in one sensor requires less inventory of maintenance stock, reducing costs