Balluff Expands Linear Position Sensor Family with EtherNet/IP

Linear position sensors in both in-cylinder rod style and external mount profile style satisfy application requirements across numerous applications and industries.

Balluff magnetostrictive linear position sensors are now available with a high performance Ethernet/IP interface. Linear position sensors in both in-cylinder rod style and external mount profile style satisfy application requirements across numerous applications and industries. Most commonly the in-cylinder rod style sensors are used for position feedback of hydraulic cylinders for position monitoring and control in markets from automotive to energy to metalworking. Due to the acceptance of industrial Ethernet for factory automation applications, EtherNet/IP enabled linear position sensors are now being installed in assembly, measurement and positioning applications in automotive tier suppliers, automated packaging equipment and metalworking machines.

Ethernet/IP is the most widely-adopted industrial fieldbus in North America, according to Scott Rosenberger, Product Marketing Manager for Balluff's Measurement products. "The ability to provide direct Ethernet/IP connectivity with Balluff's class-leading linear position sensors is big news", says Rosenberger. "In addition, features such as integrated CIP-Syncâ„¢, and a built-in webserver set the Balluff Ethernet/IP linear position sensors ahead of the pack in the industrial sensing arena".
Balluff Ethernet/IP linear position sensors offer the following features:
In-cylinder rod style for hydraulic cylinder applications, and external-mount profile style for factory automation applications available
Measuring lengths up to 7620 mm
Position resolution of 1 µm
Integrated webserver for simple, fast set-up, commissioning, and diagnostics
About Balluff Inc.: Balluff Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Balluff GmbH, Neuhausen, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of inductive, photoelectric, vision, capacitive and magnetic sensors as well as linear position transducers, RFID systems, and networking products. Balluff products for OEM and factory floor solutions are used to control, regulate, automate, assemble, position, and monitor manufacturing, assembly, and packaging sequences for industries including: metalworking, automotive, plastics, material handling, wood processing, aerospace, alternative energy, medical, electrical, and electronics.

Featured Product

PickerPal Products provides full case pick module protection to protect employees from falls.

PickerPal Products provides full case pick module protection to protect employees from falls.

PickerPal has two independent, spring-loaded arms that are self closing, which is preferred by OSHA. 3 arms are used when a kick plate is required. OSHA states that when an employee is within 4' of the edge, the area changes from a pallet position to a, "walking/working surface," which requires a kick plate or a third arm. The spring-loaded arms open on contact with the loaded skid and close on their own as products are off-loaded. This design provides multiple benefits: • Top arms close as product is removed, creating a safety gate, and the third arm closes when the empty pallet is removed. • Empty pallet positions are no longer a safety hazard. • Each are is easily replaced without removing the entire assembly.