Detection of metal cylinders

Challenge

The detection of shiny sheet-metal cylinders in presses for battery production poses challenges for optical sensors — especially at high process speeds. Mechanical sensors often require intensive maintenance and are prone to malfunctions. The Q4X laser sensor from Banner reliably detects shiny objects. Decentralized signal processing on the IO-Link master TBEN-S enables error detection in just 10 milliseconds, effectively preventing machine damage.  

Solution

The Q4X laser sensor from TURCK's photoelectric-sensor partner Banner Engineering detects shiny sheet metal-cylinders in just 10 milliseconds. This is essential to prevent costly machine damage in battery production. To enable the high process speeds, the sensor signals are processed decentrally on the IO-Link master TBEN-S. Three to four Q4X sensors are connected to a master that adds up the signals. In the event of an incorrect checksum, the controller immediately stops the process. Parameterization is simple via Turck's web-based ARGEE tool in the flowchart, without programming. In addition, IO-Link simplifies the sensor change: The parameters are stored in the master, so that a replacement sensor is ready for use immediately. The robust IP67 design allows the I/O module to be mounted directly in the machine, minimizing cabling overhead. As a multi-protocol device it can be flexibly integrated into Profinet or Modbus TCP networks.