Three Sensor Ble Reasons to Visit Drives & Controls 2012

Ref. ME154 14th March 2012

Three ‘sensor’ble reasons to visit Drives & Controls 2012

Visitors to stand D815 at this year’s co-located Drives & Controls and Plant & Asset Management exhibitions (17-19 April, 2012) will have the opportunity to view three groundbreaking sensors from Micro-Epsilon.

Highlights on the stand this year will include the company’s latest range of eddy current displacement sensors that use embedded coil technology, the new thermoIMAGER TIM400/450 inline infrared thermal imagers, as well as the thermoMETER CSmicro, a miniature infrared temperature sensor with a diameter of just 14mm.

The eddyNCDT 3100 represents a world first in eddy current displacement measurement. With its Smart Sensor Auto Calibration system, the user now simply connects the eddy sensor to the 3100 controller and all calibration data is automatically uploaded from the sensor to the controller, with no need for any lengthy calibration.

In addition, all calibration data required for both ferrous (St37) and non-ferrous (aluminium) target materials is stored in the sensor before it is shipped. User-specific target materials can also be measured accurately using Micro-Epsilon’s push-button, 3-point linearisation.

The eddyNCDT 3100 controller is also equipped with many new features, including Ethernet connection for output signal and configuration. The configuration of the controller can be performed from the user’s web browser by simply typing in the controller IP address – no additional software needs to be downloaded. All controllers are supplied with a default IP address that the user can amend later to a specific IP address.

1 The eddyNCDT 3100 controller is designed for industrial use. It is manufactured from aluminium, robust, compact, sealed to IP65, and has analogue outputs 4-20mA, 0-10V, -5+5V and built in hardware trigger. The controller is also equipped with status LEDs that give automatic status updates and fault diagnostics. The controller is designed as either a single or multi-channel system, with Synch-IN and Synch-OUT connections for multiple channels to prevent mutual interference.

Two new infrared thermal imagers Micro-Epsilon will also showcase its latest thermoIMAGER TIM 400 and 450 inline infrared thermal imagers. These higher resolution cameras not only offer improved image resolutions, but also detect even smaller temperature differences.

The TIM 400 and 450 are able to capture and store thermal video and images with extremely high optical resolution (382 x 288 pixels) at a full frame rate of 80Hz. The cameras are also equipped with new detectors, which provide excellent thermal sensitivities of 80mK and 40mK respectively. This enables the cameras to detect even smaller changes in temperature. The TIM400 is available for less than £5,000 and the TIM400 for less than £6,000 – significant price breakthroughs for infrared video capture cameras of this resolution and performance.

The new cameras come pre-calibrated with temperature ranges from -20 deg C to +900 deg C with an option to extend this to +1,500 deg C. The fully featured software, TIMConnect, included as standard, provides quick and easy set up together with a range of software tools that enable the cameras to be used in R&D tasks, automated industrial environments, test cells and for automatic hotspot detection in process and quality control.

Compared to conventional infrared cameras, the TIM 400 and 450 cameras offer more than four times the number of pixels, which means infrared images are significantly clearer and sharper. Very small objects with surface areas down to just 0.8mm2 can be detected reliably. A frame rate of 80Hz also allows infrared images to be captured in real time,

2 making it ideal for dynamic, high speed, fast moving processes.

Protected to IP67, the TIM 400/450 is robust enough to be installed in harsh industrial environments. The camera can be equipped with optional accessories such as a water cooling jacket, which enables the camera to operate in ambient temperatures up to 240 deg C. Other options include a high temperature USB cable, mounting flange and angled connector.

The TIM 400/450 is easy to integrate with existing plant automation and control systems. The unit is supplied with an integral process interface for input and output of analogue and digital signals (alarms, temperature values, etc.). Open connectivity drivers are also provided for software integration via DLL, ComPort and LabVIEW, simplifying connectivity to fieldbus networks and automation systems.

New generation IR thermometers Visitors to the Micro-Epsilon stand will also be able to see the new thermoMETER CSmicro, one of the smallest infrared temperature sensors currently available. This miniature sensor has a diameter of just 14mm, with the electronics unit now fully integrated in the cable. The sensor now includes an LED for self-diagnostic functions or for displaying the current measured temperature. The sensor can be used in a wide range of OEM applications, particularly where installation space is restricted.

For more information or to arrange a product demonstration at the exhibition, please call the sales department on 0151 355 6070 or email: [email protected]

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Note to Editors: Micro-Epsilon (www.micro-epsilon.co.uk) is a major global manufacturer of sensors, headquartered in Germany. The company’s range of displacement sensors measure everything from to distance, position, vibration, dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact measurement techniques. These techniques include 1D, 2D and even 3D laser-optical sensors and systems, eddy-current, capacitive, LVDT & inductive, potentiometric and draw-wire principles. Additionally Micro Epsilon has

3 developed its own range of non-contact infrared temperature sensors that can measure virtually any target temperature from -40 to +3,300°C.

With more than 35 years’ experience in the industry, Micro-Epsilon isn’t just a sensor manufacturer. The company is highly innovative and understands the importance of providing complete solutions and support services for its customers. The firm is renowned for its expertise in consulting, development and application of industrial sensors to complex, customer-specific solutions for measurement, inspection and automation. The focus is on selling technical advantage to its customers.

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Reader Enquiries/Advertising: Kelly Maguire Sales & Support Engineer, Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd Unit 1, Pioneer Business Park North Road Ellesmere Port Cheshire CH65 1AD Tel: +44 (0) 151 355 6070 Fax: +44(0) 151 355 6075 Email: [email protected]