Due to an ideal mix of product performance and features, the new optical and inductive sensors defy the extreme challenges posed by use at food and beverage producers.

The new complete series of the V18V, MH15V, and IMF, available for the first time from SICK and aimed at the food & beverage sector, are highly efficient solutions for reliable processes. The high level of robustness is confirmed by certificates from independent institutions such as ECOLAB and Johnson Diversey concerning resistance against cleaning chemicals, as well as from Frauenhofer Institute with respect to seal tightness in protection class IP 69K. For the user this means higher machine availability through reliable sensor technology.

Superiority in detail: V18V photoelectric switches

Five stars not only constitute the highest distinction for gourmet restaurants but also for the new series of photoelectric switches, the V18V. The new, patented sensitivity adjustment, “touch teach-in,” offers the familiar sensitivity adjustment directly on the sensor, though without any mechanical controls such as rotary or button elements. Additional ingredients are optimized materials, extremely long ranges, and the extended temperature range up to 100 °C.

The V18V series is the ideal “menu for automation gourmets,” since it consists of a through-beam photoelectric switch with a range of 25 meters, a photoelectric reflex switch with a range of 5 m, as well as energetic photoelectric reflex switches with detection ranges between 100 mm, 400 mm, and 700 mm. Finally, the V18V series features another highlight: a photoelectric reflex switch specifically designed to detect transparent objects, e.g. bottles made of colorless glass, blister trays, or tubular films.

Compact and concise for assembly solutions with a clever twist: MH15V photoelectric switches

The MH15V family of photoelectric switches was developed single-mindedly with a view to solving space-critical applications in handling, filling, and packaging facilities. The extremely short M18 housing of the MH15V Food & Beverage allows mounting even in confined spaces. If required, the novel mounting fixtures permits clever installing solutions. Moreover, the designers attached special importance to a sensor construction resistant to cleaning. The “wash down design” – it entails, among other things, the 316L stainless steel housing made entirely of metal, flat optics as well as the waterproof IP 69K protection class in accordance with DIN 40050 – allows fast and yet thorough cleaning. Whether through-beam photoelectric switch with a range of 5 m, photoelectric reflex switch with a range of 4.5 m or energetic photoelectric reflex switch with detection ranges between 100 mm and 350 mm – the MH15V offers the appropriate sensor design for any application.

Robust and highly efficient: the IMF inductive sensors

IMF inductive sensors solve assignments in nearly any area of food production – accurately and reliably. Their housing is made of an extremely robust blend of stainless steel (316L/1.4404) and FDA-certified PPS plastic, defying the harshest loads in everyday use. Things might even get quite hot, as the IMF sensors feature an extended temperature range from -40 °C to +100 °C. The extremely water-resistant IMF sensors meet the IP 69K protection rating in compliance with DIN 40050. They are equally resistant against industrial cleaning agents according to Ecolab and JohnsonDiversey. The IMF series includes two sizes: IMF12 und IMF18. Both are available with single and double sensing range.