Hydraulics & Pneumatics September 2022

SICK has launched its next-generation, intelligent WLL80 fibre optic sensors, designed for easy configuration and versatile integration into machinery and conveyor systems wherever rapid, high accuracy detection is required in confined spaces. The SICK WLL80 fibre optic amplifier can be teamed with SICK’s new LLX portfolio of state-of-the-art fibres. Any length of flexible LLX fibres up to 20m can be specified alongside a versatile range of sensor heads. With IO-Link communication as standard, the WLL80 enables easy integration, reduces cabling, and ensures efficient and responsive machine control. Easy to set up and adjust The SICK states that the WLL80’s OLED push-button display makes setting or adjusting application parameters quick and easy. The company adds that set up over IO-Link is also straightforward, enabling sensor data to be output in real time for diagnostics and troubleshooting, as well as rapid replacement. SICK adds that by using Smart Tasks for pre- defined parameter configurations, reliable detection of fast- moving, small or transparent objects is assured, as well as precise detection of leading edges. The WLL80 is suitable for reliable detection duties in tight spaces, such as detecting the leading edges of printed circuit boards, detecting and counting rapidly falling small metal components or pharmaceutical products, or performing presence detection duties on small robot grippers. The WLL80 achieves high detection rates with rapid response times. SICK claims that repeatability is assured due to the WLL80’s continuous threshold adaption (CTA) function, which enables the sensor to stay operational for extended time periods without intervention while adapting the signal strength, e.g. in a dusty environment, or because of contamination build-up on the fibre heads. The WLL80’s intuitive pushbutton OLED display enables the fibre optic amplifier to set up easily to adapt to conditions on- site. Users can also use SICK’s free SOPAS software engineering tool for parameterisation and to optimise the signal strength. www.sick.co.uk Next-generation fibre optic sensors Our Purpose The British Fluid Power Association is the voice of a billion-pound industry at the heart of the UK’s manufacturing capability. As the voice of these two vital industries, the BFPA is there to: represent the interests of the fluid power industry at national, European and international level, working with government, legislative bodies and other professional associations create, raise and maintain standards provide members with exclusive market insight, industry trends and forecasts be an information exchange and share best practice How to join To find out more about the BFPA, please have a look at our website www.bfpa.co.uk , where you can also request or download a membership pack, a membership application form. If you have an questions please email us at enquiries@bfpa.co.uk or call 01608 647900 . MEMBER OF: APPROVED HOSE ASSEMBLIES SCHEME INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIPS TECHNICAL STANDARDS STATISTICS TRAINING EVENTS MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM…