Miniature safety inductive ‘a snug fit’

SICK’s IQB2S family of inductive safety switches aim to provide designers and operators with a “unique, cuboid-shaped non-contact device - as small as a matchbox - that can be fitted easily into the smallest machine spaces”, says the company.

The safety switch uses non-contact activation by metallic machine parts to achieve reliable, safe position, presence and area monitoring in common production and logistics safety applications.

“The SICK IQB2S is therefore ideal for many applications, it adds, including, for example, checking the safe position of the axes of rotating tables to ensure safe conveying of the goods, or for the safe presence monitoring of a load on an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV).

Simple alignment

SICK has developed the IQB2S to measure just 12mm x 26mm x 40mm, with a sensing range of 4mm. “Easy to align, it can be screwed directly into place and does not need a separate actuator. With twin self-monitoring OSSD outputs, the SICK IQB 2S enables direct connection to safe control systems including SICK Flexi Soft and the SICK Flexi Loop cable-saving connection system, allowing for applications up to PLd /SIL2 (BS EN ISO 13849).”

Comments Dr Martin Kidman, safety specialist at SICK UK: “By using the inductive sensing principle to detect metal parts, the SICK IQB2S offers an opportunity to provide safe proximity or position sensing to a high safety rating where space is tight in either new or existing machines.

“The non-contact principle also means the sensors are not subject to wear and need little maintenance over a long service life, ensuring high reliability and machine availability, even in environments subject to high levels of dust or moisture.”

Quick and straightforward set-up

Setting up the SICK IQB 2S is described as quick and straightforward. “Its precise switching point means there is no blind zone, allowing for rapid alignment and adjustment,” it points out.

“The on-board 270° LED enables operators to monitor the sensor status and a display of diagnostic messages minimises unforeseen machine stoppages. With a IP67-rated enclosure and a wide temperature range from -25°C to 70°C, the SICK IQB2S ensures high machine availability in the toughest of industrial conditions.”