A family of ultra-short inductive proximity sensors designed by Balluff Inc. for OEM applications fits into tight spaces, allowing for more flexible machine design. The Balluff SuperShorty sensors are low in mass, affording sudden acceleration and deceleration without adding excessive inertial load on dynamic, fast-moving equipment.

   

“These sensors are so small that OEM engineers now have free reign to integrate sensing functionality in areas that previously couldn’t accommodate any conventional sensor,” says Henry Menke, product marketing specialist. “As rugged inductive sensors, they can survive in close proximity to industrial processes where shock, vibration and liquid or particulate contamination would quickly take optical sensors out of action.”

 

The SuperShorties come in 6.5 mm smooth and M08 threaded housings. Balluff offers them in 10 mm length or 6 mm, and connectorized models are 18 mm long. Each variation has a 1.5 mm sensing range. “The sensing electronics are fully integrated into the miniature housings, so no bulky external amplifiers are required,” says Jeff Himes, product specialist. “Despite the SuperShorty sensors’ extremely small size, their electrical outputs are fully protected against short circuits and polarity reversal—plus they have a current rating of 150 mA.”

 

The SuperShorty sensors are designed for high-speed pick-and-place equipment, miniature grippers, linear slides, miniature valves, compact actuators and other compact, precision mechanisms.