Balluff Expands Sensor and Camera Solutions With Latest Innovations

In its latest expansion in vision technology and automation solutions, Balluff has introduced the BOS R254K sensor family and integrated shortwave infrared (SWIR) and ultraviolet (UV) technologies into its existing camera platforms. These latest additions add to the company's range of sensor and automation solutions that enhance quality inspections and demanding object detection applications.

Balluff’s new BOS R254K photoelectric sensor. Image used courtesy of Balluff

The BOS R254K Photoelectric Sensor 

The new BOS R254K photoelectric sensor family from Balluff has been designed with the company's smart automation and monitoring system (SAMS) philosophy in mind. The new sensor family features functionalities and diagnostics that allow for standardized configurations and operation to ensure seamless integration into various industrial applications. The inclusion of IO-Link V1.1 (Smart Sensor Profile 2) and a range of operation modes aim to simplify configuration and integration into users' existing systems.

The photoelectric sensors are available in a range of variants, including through-beam, retro-reflective, and diffuse models with background suppression. Versions of the sensor that operate on time of flight (TOF) technology allow for object-independent and small-part detection. These TOF versions feature a detection range of up to 1000 mm.

The BOS R254K photoelectric sensor series being used for object detection. Image used courtesy of Balluff

Sensing in Demanding Environments

When it comes to the photoelectric sensor's application, the new family is well-suited for demanding sectors like packaging and food processing, where the cleaning cycles may subject the sensor to high pressures and harsh cleaning agents. Being Ecolab-approved, the new family of photoelectric sensors boasts resistance to cleaning agents. This and IP67 and IP69K ratings make the new sensor series handle harsh automation factory environments. 

The new sensors are equipped with condition-monitoring capabilities for enhanced plant availability and reliability. These capabilities provide valuable diagnostics and application data via self-monitoring functions. The BOS R254K sensor family also provides comprehensive environmental data, including temperature, humidity, contamination, vibration, and tilt, essential for proactive maintenance.

Balluff’s industrial cameras now with integrated UV and SWIR sensors. Image used courtesy of Balluff

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) and Ultraviolet (UV) 

Expanding its vision capabilities, Balluff's integration of the new UV and SWIR image sensors into the company's existing USB3, 10GigE, and GigE cameras enables imaging beyond the visible light spectrum. The new camera models offer high resolution with image quality from 200 nm to 1700 nm in the UV and the SWIR range, respectively, thanks to its Sony Pregius S CMOS sensors, featuring global shutter technology. These new cameras not only maintain compatibility with the existing camera platforms but also adhere to the GenICam, GigE Vision, and USB3 Vision standards, simplifying integration into existing systems.

Image Processing Applications

When it comes to applications, Balluff’s new UV and SWIR cameras open up potential industrial use cases. The UV cameras are particularly useful in identifying insulation defects by detecting corona discharges in high-voltage cable. The UV sensors are also useful in wafer inspections and sorting wastes by differentiating transparent plastics. SWIR cameras, on the other hand, excel in inspecting agricultural products, checking active ingredients in medical products like transdermal patches, and monitoring fill levels in opaque containers regardless of smoky or foggy environments.

Transdermal patches are being inspected by the new SWIR camera. Image used courtesy of Balluff

Driving Sensor Innovation

With the growth in demanding applications in modern industrial set-up, engineers are seeking inspection and automation solutions that tackle their applications with ease. Balluff’s new BOS R254K sensor family and the integration of SWIR and UV technologies into its camera platforms marks a notable advancement in vision and automation technologies, offering a balance of reliability, performance, and application possibilities across a wide range of industries.