Distance Ranging Applications

Roll Diameter

Applications

• Web tension control
• Roll full detection
• Roll empty detection
• Turret unwind diameter

Web Loop Control

Loop Control is used to synchronize material webs, tubing or cables moving between different machines. For example, an extruder may form a hose that is then wound onto a take-up reel. The ToughSonic sensor measures the loop’s vertical position from above or below to control either the feed or take-up machine. A continuous analog output can provide a feedback signal to a motor drive or machine controller to maintain a constant loop position, preventing the material from either breaking (tight loop) or reaching the floor and causing damage.

Web Break

Web Break detection is used in printing and converting machines to shut down the process as quickly as possible to minimize jamming and prevent machine damage if the web breaks. ToughSonic sensor measurements can be as fast as 5 milliseconds and are user configured with SenixVIEW setup software, yielding fine control over the range of detection distance, filtering and timing parameters to provide quick and precisely timed shut-down commands.

Dimensioning

Objects on a conveyor can be dimensioned, selected or rejected based on their height, width or length if the object is properly orientated. Roller conveyors can align rectangular boxes to determine the cubic volume while in motion using only three sensors. Such measurements can be used to calculate dimensional weight to select the most economical shipper.

Stack Height

ToughSonic sensors measure the Stack Height of material to detect empty or full conditions, or to provide an estimate of stacked items. Materials may be manually or robotically stacked, with feedback provided electrically or by visual or audible alarms. Materials can be anything from paper in a feeder to boxes or construction materials being accumulated for shipment.

Positioning

Positioning of objects is a common application for ToughSonic ultrasonic sensors. The measured distance can be used to display, verify and/or control an object’s position in real-time. They are used in material handling and vehicle positioning applications, such as vehicles on a scale, loading dock or car wash. Objects can be discriminated by height, such as the size of a truck at a loading dock. Applications can detect the presence, absence or set off an alarm based on time delays.

Width

The Width of objects can be determined in open air using two sensors if the object is properly aligned. One such application is measuring roll width to confirm proper size when loading a press or converting machine. Width (or any dimension) can also be measured with a single sensor if the object is always positioned against a “zero” reference surface such as a conveyor belt when measuring height.

The ToughSonic General Purpose and ToughSonic CHEM product lines all have multiple analog and switch outputs compatible with most industrial equipment, plus a serial data communications interface for SenixVIEW software setup or user applications.

Analog outputs can be proportional to tank level or volume. Switch outputs can control pumps and valves, or indicate low or high alarm conditions. Simple level controls can be created with only a sensor and an external relay option. Outputs are user-configured with SenixVIEW setup software. Setups are permanently stored in the sensor, and can be saved and duplicated in other sensors without re-calibrating. Some models have 5 simultaneous outputs while others have 2 SenixVIEW selected outputs. All sensors have a serial data interface, and all outputs operate concurrently.