ifm electronic supplies the I7 series ring sensors, which function as an inductive proximity switch with the part to be sensed passing through the coil. These sensors are ideal for controlling if small metal parts are all present in an assembly station and if there aren't any jams that occur. Even metal parts as small as 0.6 mm are reliably detected. Rather than simply looking for object presence, the dynamic sensor looks for a change of state. This allows the device to detect tiny parts even in case of metallic contamination on the inside wall of the tube. The sensors come in four sizes, with apertures of 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm diameter. The I8 tube sensor serves the same purpose, but can be easily retrofitted to an existing feed tube. The sensors have a response time of 0.2 ms.
Edited by: Filip Burm
