Most operators and maintenance personnel don’t think about the sensors keeping a machine running, and about how the sensors reduce the risk of tooling crashes and damage due to malfunctions. Many proximity sensors are used in automated equipment, so it’s good to have a basic understanding of these critical devices.
Proximity sensors allow non-contact detection of machine tooling and objects in a variety of automation applications. This includes sensing the end-of-stroke, travel or index of tooling; as well as part counting, presence, verification and orientation functions.