Sensor Accessories
Sensor accessories assist in positioning, fastening, clamping and supporting sensor modules. These include fixtures, connectors and cables.
Smart sensors connect to your smart-home platform of choice (like HomeKit or Alexa) to help you manage your house. They also trigger automations that can save you time.
Fixtures for Sensors
Fixtures for sensors are an essential component of many automation solutions. They help protect and connect the sensor technology as well as make installation simple and reliable. These fixtures can vary in shape, material, and flexibility. They also need to be compatible with the specific sensors being used.
Typical applications for fixture mount motion sensing include lighting control, safety, and alarming. They can be installed as a standalone unit or in a mounting adapter or hub.
Another application for a fixture mounted sensor is position verification, which is very common in automated sub-assemblies or changeovers. Whether it is to verify the sub-assembly is in the proper spot, or to call up the corresponding weld program, this is a convenient feature that can reduce programming time and save money.
A common sensor application in a weld fixture is to verify clamp open or clamp closed, which is especially important when integrating robotic weld tooling. It prevents the robot from crashing into an open clamp, which can be extremely dangerous and cause serious injury or property damage.
In addition, it is helpful when incorporating part ejection or part tending. The robot can’t eject a part if it is still clamped, and this is especially crucial when welding oversized or heavy parts.
Part presence detection is a common application in weld fixtures and can be tied into either an I/O block or PLC. The sensor will sense if there is a component present, allowing the operator to load it before starting the weld process.
Other applications that can benefit from proximity sensing include poka-yoke and position verification. This is particularly important when assembling weldments that are similar but slightly different. Using a proximity sensor to determine if a part is loaded left or right can eliminate scrap and errors in the assembly.
In addition to proximity Sensor Accessories sensors, there are also several types of occupancy and vacancy sensors that can be added to a weld fixture. These devices detect when someone is present or not, which can be very useful for preventing operator errors and avoiding costly equipment failures.
Connectors
Connectors are an important part of any sensing setup, providing a secure and durable connection to a range of different sensors, switches, and cables. They are a common choice for industrial process control and automation environments, connecting the corresponding cables and components with each other to enable a seamless system that can function efficiently, increasing productivity and minimising downtime.
Connector types vary depending on the sensor and application, but some of the most common options include 3-pin connectors, 5-pin connectors, and M-style connectors. These connections are typically designed to work in challenging environments and provide a secure way of transmitting data and power between devices.
For example, M-style connections can be found alongside many of the switches and sensors that are commonly used within industrial automation systems. These connectors feature a protective outer casing that offers an effective means of protecting the conductive wires within them from harsh environments. They can also be used alongside cables and other equipment that are rated for use in hazardous areas.
Another type of connection is the IO-Link interface, which is often used in conjunction with sensors, switches, and cables. This connection is ideal for transferring data and power between devices that have been ATEX approved or are otherwise suitable for use in dangerous environments.
Other common types of connectors include a variety of different adapters, which can be used in conjunction with sensors and switches that are not compatible with standard connectors. These are often available as part of a bundle and can help to reduce the amount of time spent crimping the individual connectors, saving users both time and effort.
Temperature sensors are an important component of a wide range of sensing systems, measuring the temperature of their surroundings and documenting changes over time to allow for a more accurate assessment. They can be either contact or non-contact, and are used in a number of applications across a wide range of industries.
O2 (oxygen) sensors are another common sensing device that can be found in a variety of applications. They are a popular option in the automotive industry, helping to measure and record levels of oxygen being expelled via the vehicle’s exhaust. These sensors can help to monitor the effectiveness of fuel and oxygen consumption, enabling mechanics to gauge whether their engine is running lean or rich.
Cables
Sensor accessories are components designed to hold or position sensors, or connect them to sensing systems and instruments. They provide secure and flexible positioning to ensure accurate data acquisition. They are available from a variety of manufacturers and distributors across the United States and around the world.
Cables are a key component of any data gathering system, as they allow for connection between mounted sensors and the equipment they interface with. They can be used to transfer power, data, and signal information. They are available in a variety of lengths and configurations, and they may be heated to withstand harsh cold temperature environments.
Many of the cables are coiled or straight, and they can be terminated with connectors, as well as wired to a control system for additional Sensor Accessories features. They can be configured for a wide range of applications and are often used with vibration analyzers, x-ray systems and other types of sensors.
Some of the cables are insulated to protect them from damage caused by heavy objects set or rolled over them, such as dental x-ray sensors. Others are shielded to prevent interference from EMI or radio frequency interference.
They can be used to connect traditional pH, ORP and dissolved oxygen sensors to controllers and transmitters. They can also transmit temperature compensation signals for certain sensors, such as those in a bioreactor.
These cable adapters are a great way to extend the life of your digital sensor cables. They keep them safe from kinks and coils that can damage their insulation.
When using these cable adapters, make sure the connectors on both ends are secure and properly tightened. Otherwise, they could be damaged during installation and operation.
Similarly, it’s important to use a rated cable and a rated plug when installing these cables into the Ouster Interface Box. If not, the interface box’s moisture ingress protection rating may be compromised.
These cable adapters are a great way for users to extend the life of their digital radiography sensors. They protect them from kinks and coils that cause a short circuit in the cable, which can render them inoperable. They also prevent damage from heavy objects set or rolled over them, which can destroy their internals.
Reflectors
Sensors are all about light and they need to be able to see. The most efficient way of doing this is through the use of a well designed reflector. Typically these are made of acrylic for standard puddle or spray applications, although they can also be constructed from stainless steel or even chemically resistant polymers. For a complete list of available options, call Kempston Controls today on +44 (0) 1933 411411 or use the contact form to get in touch. The team will be happy to help you select the correct component for your application. You can also request a quotation for your order. The more you tell us about your needs, the more we can help you find the right solution for your application. The best way to start is to browse our extensive range of high quality products. Then contact your local sales representative to discuss your specific requirements in detail. We look forward to hearing from you soon. The next time you are in the market for a sensor or other automation related item, let Kempston Controls be your first stop.
