Industrial Sensors

What Is A Sensor And What Are They Used For? 

A sensor is a device that detects and measures an input from its environment and then converts this input into data. Sensors can be used to measure temperature, moisture, pressure, light, heat, motion and distance.

The Different Types Of Sensors

There are many different types of sensors that can be used for a wide variety of applications. Here are examples of different sensor types:

Ultrasonic Sensors 

An ultrasonic sensor measures the distance of a target object by measuring the time between the emission of ultrasonic sound waves and reception. It then converts the reflected sound into an electrical signal that can be read by a human or machine. 

High-performance industrial ultrasonic sensors in our range include:

  • Ultrasonic reflex sensor – uses two independent switching outputs and is suited for monitoring minimum and maximum values for stack heights, distances and fill levels. These ultrasonic sensors can be used in synchronous as well as through-beam operating modes.
  • Ultrasonic distance sensor – ideal for high accuracy usage applications in both short and long distances. The sensors are externally adjusted using the IO-Link interface using Teach-In and an OLED display. Depending on how they are set up,  ultrasonic distance sensors can be used in synchronous and multiplex mode.
  • Fork sensor for label detection – these ultrasonic detectors are able to detect labels of paper or plastic, printed or transparent regardless of the degree of transparency and other surface characteristics. They are able to be used to detect transparent labels on transparent base materials as well.

Pressure Sensors 

Pressure sensors are used to sense or detect a force exerted onto a surface (pressure) which is then converted into an electronic signal. Examples of applications where pressure sensors are used include process monitoring, monitoring & regulating pressure in filling systems, monitoring of compressed air systems, fill level determination in tank/silo systems, pressure regulation of aggregates and filter monitoring.

Magnetic Sensors

A magnetic sensor detects the magnitude and variations of magnetism generated by a magnet or current and then converts this into electric signals. In addition to detecting magnetism, magnetic sensors can also be used for detecting or measuring magnetic motion and magnetic proximity. 

The magnetic sensor devices in our range include:

  • SMA block
  • SMA Round
  • PSEN (1 OR 2) SQUARE

Photoelectric Sensors 

Photoelectric sensors are used to determine the distance, absence, or presence of an object by using a light transmitter and photoelectric receiver. Photoelectric sensors can measure distance with high accuracy and can also identify colours, brightness or luminescence.

Types of photoelectric sensors in our range include:

  • Photoelectric distance sensor – uses the principle of transit time to determine the distance between the sensors and objects. Application examples include precision positioning, contour measurement and object counting applications.
  • Reflex sensors – this photoelectric proximity sensor works by recognising the reflected light and processes this as a switching signal. Application examples include presence checking, recording quantities and monitoring stacking heights.
  • Photoelectric light sensor – works by detecting objects between the sensor and defined background. Applications include checking for the presence of PET and glass bottles, detecting objects on conveyor belts and monitoring material flow in filling systems.

Inductive Proximity Sensors 

Inductive proximity sensors detect metal targets without any physical contact, using electromagnetic energy. We are a New Zealand-wide supplier of Wenglor inductive sensors which are available in different designs, housing materials and operating principles, making them suited for a wide variety of applications. 

Sensor types include:

  • Inductive proximity sensor with standard switching distances – provides reliable and accurate regulation and control for automation processes even under environmental factors such as contamination and high vibration.
  • Inductive distance sensor with increased switching distances – offers up to three times the switching distance compared to standard inductive type proximity sensors in a compact design that offers increased mounting flexibility.

Vision Sensors 

Vision sensors use images captured by a camera to determine the presence, orientation, accuracy of parts and differences between targets. Vision sensors are used for applications such as industrial plants and industrial processes to automate processes, record measurements, maintain the quality of products, initiate pass/fail decisions, observe the quality of products and ensure operational efficiency. 

Temperature Sensors

Temperature Sensors measure the temperature that is generated by an object or system and detect any change to that temperature. Temperature sensors are most often used to prevent overheating or temperature drops in machines and systems.

Examples of temperature sensor applications include monitoring the temperature during the brewing process in a brewery, controlling temperature during cheese production and measuring the temperature in tempering ovens.

We are New Zealand-wide suppliers of Wenglor’s PT100 temperature sensor that has the following features:

  • Compact design
  • Large measuring range of -50 to +200° C
  • High levels of accuracy
  • Ability to generate additional status in real-time
  • Diagnosis data can be queried in real-time
  • Can be set up automatically via the interface in order to accelerate the initial start-up
  • Sensor replacement is quick and uncomplicated with the help of data storage
  • PT1000 Sensors and PT1000 Temperature Sensors require no programming which increases system availability
  • Based on a modern platform with various housings and process connections
  • Sensors can be configured in a decentralised fashion

Sensors Available In Our Range 

We stock a wide range of sensors suitable for many different applications. Our sensor range includes: 

In our sensor range we also stock image processing products and smart cameras, 1D / 2D barcode scanners, safety technology products, industrial communication products and system components & software. 

Enquire About Sensors Today 

Our Auckland-based team of technicians & engineers are New Zealand’s experts when it comes to sensors for industrial markets. Contact us today to find out more about our range of sensors or to order your free sensor catalogue. Our team will assist you in determining the best sensor for your application.