Baumer SmartReflect Sensors – light barrier works without any separate reflector!

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The new performance class of optical sensors from Baumer – the compact O300 (left) and the O500.
Baumer has expanded their range of NextGen sensors.  Both series of optical sensors offer the same performance range. While the small O300 is especially suitable for systems with very limited space, the O500 distinguishes itself in applications that require a greater range. The customer can choose a sensor that is exactly right.
With the O300, Baumer is targeting the market for 1-inch sizes. This size has become a standard used in a wide range of industries worldwide. Here, the O300 offers a range of services that is second to none, securing itself a special place in the compact class. Thus, the new sensor offers the largest range in its size class whilst simultaneously giving the highest level of reliability through extended power reserves. On the other hand, its insensitivity to ambient light allows the O300 to function perfectly under difficult lighting conditions. And the the latest generation Baumer Opto-ASIC provides color independent detection of objects.
The O300 also sets the standard for ease of assembly. The light beam is already aligned with the mounting holes, reducing the adjustment required to an absolute minimum and saving on installation costs. The pressed metal sleeve also guarantees a robust and reliable installation. And when the new optical sensor is in operation, it impresses with its long service life, thanks to a completely sealed and extremely stable housing.
The contactless teach-in method also contributes to its longevity. A conventional mechanical pressure switch with moving parts is usually used, which in the long term can suffer from wear and tear and problems with leaks, but this is not possible with the qTeach facility in the O300 series. Contacting the teach surface with any ferromagnetic tool, for example a screwdriver, is enough to program the sensor. A blue LED light gives a clear visual feedback, which thanks to its exposed position on the head of the sensor is clearly visible from all sides.
This new class of optical sensor employs three sensor principles. Firstly, the light sensor has background suppression, guaranteeing the greatest reliability in detecting objects. Secondly, the retro-reflective sensor works reliably, even with reflective surfaces. It is characterized by an exceptionally long service life due to its increased resistance to dirt. And finally, SmartReflect, a technology developed by Baumer.
This light barrier works without any separate reflector!
With SmartReflect, downtime due to a defective or dirty reflector belongs to the past.
All three devices offer maximum safety and dirt resistance whilst at the same time reducing the total cost of ownership.

Accurate and precise temperature control from any computer – West / CAL 9500 P

Accurate and precise temperature control from any computer

West Control Solutions presents a uniquely versatile and affordable programmable controller for temperature and process control applications, CAL 9500P.  Compatible with, the controller is complemented with data logging, process data archiving, chart recording, virtual instrument display and on screen alarms so you can monitor and control your equipment from any computer connected to your process network.cal9500

 Profiles can be created easily on both the front panel and via CALgrafix software. The step-by-step HMI structure for intuitive configuration of the controller, allows memory to be freely allocated for programs up to 126 segments or up to 31 programs.

CAL’s unique drag-and-drop profiling feature on CALgrafix means that a 9500P process controller set up is even quicker and simpler. CALgrafix allows configuration settings to be cloned and written to multiple controllers, reducing valuable time spent programming.  Ian Collins – Product Manager at West Control Solutions says, “When the CAL 9500P temperature controller is used in conjunction with our CALgrafix software it can greatly enhance temperature control, monitoring and recording within complex manufacturing processes and automation systems.”CAL9500-network

It is designed to offer the optimum functionality in a 48 mm x 48mm (1/16th DIN) package so it can be used in almost any application including plastics, packaging, drying and laboratory equipment.

 The CAL 9500P integrated auto tune makes PID control simple and efficient, while the unique dAC function minimises overshoot problems associated with conventional PID controllers giving you greater temperature control.

 The CAL 9500P incorporates a wide range of features including 2 x 4 digit LED display with 2 output LEDs, easy-to-use auto-tuning, simple menu-driven configuration, and IP66 protection to prevent water and dust ingress.

NEMA Rating and IP Code for Enclosure Types

NEMA Rating and IP Code for Enclosure Types

What is NEMA rating or NEMA codes? What does IP20 stand for? What is the difference between NEMA3R and NEMA4?
The below table would help you understand the story.
  • NEMA Rating and IP Code for Enclosure Types

    NEMA Rating and IP Code for Enclosure Types

NEMA stands for National Electrical Manufacturer Association. NEMA ratings are standards that are useful in defining the types of environments in which an electrical enclosure can be used. The NEMA rating system is defined by the National Electrical Manufacturer Association, and frequently signifies a fixed enclosure’s ability to withstand certain environmental conditions.
The IP Code (or International Protection Rating, sometimes also interpreted as Ingress Protection Rating) consists of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. As defined in international standard IEC 60529, it classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures. The first IP digit refers to solid objects and the second digit refers to liquids.
The inverter, charge controller or battery enclosures are usually referred with NEMA ratings. The IP code is rarely mentioned, especially for the junction box of solar modules or for indoor electrical devices. There is a NEMA rating table that goes from 1 to 13; however, only some of them are applicable in solar industry.
Here is a table that would help you with NEMA and IP codes:

NEMA IPxx Description
NEMA-1: General Purpose – Indoor IP20: Protection against solid objects up to 12mm. Type 1 enclosures are intended for use indoors, primarily to prevent accidental contact with the enclosed equipment, in areas where unusual service conditions do not exist.
NEMA-3: Dust tight, rain tight and sleet resistant – Outdoor IP64: Total protection against dust and protection against spray or water from every direction Type 3 enclosures are intended for use outdoors, to protect the enclosed equipment against windblown dust and water. They are not sleet (ice) proof.
NEMA-3R: Rainproof and sleet resistant – Outdoor IP22: Protection against solid objects over 12mm and against direct spray up to 15° from vertical. Type 3R enclosures are intended for use outdoors, to protect against rain, and meet the requirements of UL 508 “Rainproof enclosures”. They are not dust, snow nor sleet proof.
NEMA-4: Watertight and dust tight – Indoor and outdoor IP66: Total protection against dust and protection against strong jets of water. Type 4 enclosures are intended for use indoors or outdoors, to protect the enclosed equipment against splashing water, seepage of water, and severe external condensation. They are sleet resistant but not sleet (ice) proof.
NEMA-4X: Watertight and dust tight – Corrosion resistant – Indoor and outdoor IP66: Total protection against dust and protection against strong jets of water. Type 4X enclosures have the same provisions as Type 4 enclosures and, in addition, are corrosion-resistant.
NEMA-12: Industrial use, dust tight and drip tight – Indoor IP55: Protected against dust and protection against low pressure jets of water from every direction. Type 12 enclosures are intended for use indoors, to protect the enclosed equipment against fibres, flyings, lint, dust and dirt, and light splashing, seepage, dripping and external condensation of non-corrosive liquids.