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Quick-mount photo sensors can be installed in 10s
Published:  06 April, 2014

The German sensor-maker Sick has announced a family of photoelectric sensors that use a screwless mounting system that allows them to be installed or replaced in 10 seconds. The tough G10 sensors are available in adjustment-free versions that save further installation time and eliminate the risk of unintentional changes to the sensor settings.

The new sensor family includes proximity, retro-reflective and through-beam devices, in both 10–30V DC and 24–240V AC versions. If required, the sensors can be supplied with potentiometer controls to adjust the sensing range and sensitivity. Indicator LEDs provide immediate status feedback.

The screwless Q-mount system allows the sensors to be set up on mounting brackets with a few clicks and supports alignment through 360 degrees. “Often multiple sensors are used in industrial automation, storage and handling, FMCG or packaging applications to control products on a conveyor system,” points out Phil Dyas, Sick UK’s industrial sensor specialist. “The G10’s simple design will save hundreds of maintenance man-hours for a large facility, compared to using conventional screw-and-nut fittings.

The sensors can also see objects clearly despite dirt, grime or optical reflections, he adds.

Sick's G10 photoelectric sensors can be mounted in seconds without using screws

“The combination of powerful PinPoint LED lamps and sophisticated background suppression software ensure high reliability and consistency of detection, even over distances up to 1,200mm,” says Dyas. “The bright spot is clearly visible and whether the environment is dusty or dirty, in sunlight or poor light, the G10 will deliver.”

To support the new sensors, Sick has launched an iOS and Android app that provides an interactive product selector for the sensors and accessories. It also contains a product catalogue catalogue and manuals, a black-white-shift calculator for GTB10 proximity sensors with background suppression.