By Anjesh Shekhar Machine learning can help organizations improve manufacturing operations and increase efficiency, productivity, and safety by analyzing data from connected machines and sensors, machine. For example, its algorithms can predict when equipment will likely fail, so manufacturers can schedule maintenance before problems occur, thereby reducing downtime and repair costs. How machine learning works…

By Frantisek (Frank) Jakubec Embedded vision is a rapidly growing field that combines computer vision and embedded systems with cameras or other imaging sensors, enabling devices to interpret and understand the visual world around them – as humans do. This technology, with broad applications, is expected to revolutionize how we interact with technology and the…

By Tom Knauer The P-F curve is often mentioned in condition monitoring and predictive maintenance discussions. “P-F” refers to the interval between the detection of a potential failure (P) and the occurrence of a functional failure (F). The P-F curve is an illustrative generalization of what happens to an asset, machine or component as it…

By Max Baker With more and more consumers setting their sights on ‘Drive Electric,’ manufacturers must prepare themselves for alternative solutions to combustion engines. This change will no doubt require an alternative automation strategy for our electric futures. The battery The driving force behind these new electric vehicles is, of course, the battery. With this…

Reduce format change downtime. Improve ramp up of the production line. after a completion of changeover. Reduce training requirements and the need for experienced personnel. Increase productivity and profitability. A global leader in food manufacturing had a specific need to improve production efficiency. After evaluating and piloting they decided to implement the Balluff “Guided Changeover…

Balluff’s newest magnetostrictive linear position sensor provides absolute position information over distances of up to 250 meters when used as part of the Balluff position measuring system. The profile-style sensor can be configured for measuring ranges between 5 and 250 meters with a repeat accuracy up to ±0.5 mm. This long-range measuring capability makes it…

New Cockpit Vision Software Expansion Package Lets You Connect 4 Additional Industrial Cameras to SmartVision Controller. Balluff’s new vision system software expansion package allows users to add up to four additional cameras to the SmartVision controller, bringing the total to eight. Each camera operates independently using its own instance of the Balluff Cockpit software. Cockpit, […]

The latest addition to Balluff’s safety portfolio delivers precise, non-contact position measurement for demanding automation applications. The BML SF2 magnetic safety encoder measures and transmits safe incremental position information to a connected safety control system using a G interface, an analog signal with 1 Vpp (sin/cos). The G interface is certified for applications up to…

The latest addition to Balluff’s SmartCamera portfolio provides a cost-effective option for manufacturers wanting a machine vision system but not requiring image analysis features. The new BVS XL SmartCamera Lite is a simplified version of Balluff’s existing smart camera. It provides the same quality control of objects but without some tools that aren’t needed for […]

The Smart Automation and Monitoring System (SAMS) from Balluff lets manufacturers easily manage the automation of their entire production line and improve the bottom line. With a combination of software and sensors implementing condition monitoring and advanced IO-Link features, SAMS eliminates downtime by simplifying machine setup, trouble shooting, and changeovers. All SAMS components increase the…

Balluff’s new digital position guide simplifies format change and minimizes errors and downtime. The easy-to-use position indicator was designed to simplify format change to more easily meet the ever-decreasing lot sizes resulting from individualized packaging and special formats. It allows users to quickly configure machinery to adapt to varying materials, weights and package counts while […]

The new photoelectric sensors with condition monitoring from Balluff deliver capabilities not yet seen before in the market. In addition to providing solid photoelectric sensing, they deliver the condition monitoring and advanced IO-Link features of the Smart Automation and Monitoring System (SAMS) portfolio, meant to eliminate downtime by simplifying troubleshooting, changeover, and setup of machines. […]

Like the other inductive sensors in our portfolio, these provide wear-resistant, non-contact position detection of metallic objects. These, however, are members of Balluff’s Smart Automation and Monitoring System (SAMS) portfolio—SAMS. That means they’re packed with additional features. First, they include condition monitoring which reports the sensor’s internal temperature, relative humidity, and inclination, plus vibration monitoring in […]

A new family of light bands from Balluff offer best in market detection and high repeat accuracy. And with eight lengths from 10 to 300 mm, they can meet the needs of a wide range of applications. With their compact design, the light bands can be easily integrated into tight mounting spaces. They offer a…

Balluff’s newest photoelectric sensors provide the benefits of IO-Link with an impressive detection range of up to 20 m. The new additions deliver the same high quality as our existing 21M product line with three optical operations — a diffuse sensor, a retroflective sensor, and a through-beam emitter and receiver. Each is rated IP67 and…

Balluff’s portfolio of GigE and USB3 industrial cameras ensure tack-sharp images and high-quality inspection results with faster processing and higher resolutions than smart cameras. Part of the machine vision portfolio from Matrix Vision, a brand of Balluff, they are available in color or monochrome at four resolutions — 1.6 MP, 3.2 MP, 5.1 MP, and […]

Balluff’s new CC-Link IE Field Basic network block with IO-Link makes it easy to connect Ethernet devices while providing the benefits of IO-Link. With 100 Megabit Ethernet, it delivers optimal performance in applications with low automation levels, where the gigabit speed of the CC-Link IE Field Master is not needed, such as bar loading magazines.…

Balluff’s new double-ended converter cables with automotive style connectors create new options for manufacturers in the heavy equipment industry. By pairing an M12 to Deutsch DT or AMP Superseal connectors with several common pin outs, the converter cables give manufacturers the option of using sensors without pre-installed automotive style connectors. They can, instead, select the […]

Balluff’s latest magnetic field sensor was designed specifically to withstand the magnetic fields of weld applications. The BMF 415 weld-immune magnetic field sensor can detect interference of magnetic fields caused by high weld currents and stop the sensor from false triggering by using a higher level of circuitry and filtration. It’s IP67 rating and protective […]

The kits, available in three different sets — measurement, sensing, and traceability — are designed to introduce key components so that customers new to Balluff IO-Link can evaluate the suitability of IO-Link for their specific applications and see the Balluff difference. All three kits include Balluff’s IO-Link Master and I/O hub, Balluff inductive and capacitive…

Balluff designed its new block-style capacitive smart level sensor with IO-Link for applications with highly conductive fluids like acids and bases, using smart level 50 technology to compensate for foam and deposit build-up. And thanks to its IO-Link interface, it delivers expanded application and setting options. IO-Link’s automatic parameter setting allow the user to see […]

Balluff’s new magnetic discs for use with absolute rotary magnetic encoders deliver high precision in an incredibly small form factor. That allows for use in tight spaces. They offer reliable, non-contact, and wear-free measuring. Balluff offers a diverse portfolio of standardized flat and hub-shaped discs to match a variety of configurations. Inside diameters as small…

Balluff’s new condition monitoring sensor can measure vibration, temperature, relative humidity, and ambient pressure. The feature-rich sensor collects and processes these readings and outputs digital statistical data to a host system via IO-Link. In addition, the sensor can detect and communicate its condition, continuously reporting its temperature, number of operating hours, and start cycles. By […]

Balluff’s newly expanded inductive portfolio delivers a wide range of intrinsically safe sensors for use in explosion protected areas. Each sensor is approved for all explosive zones and offers reliable detection and position measurement when hazardous materials, such as explosive gas, dust, or flammable liquids, are present. Designed specifically to meet the demands of applications […]

Balluff’s BML absolute magnetic encoder in the SGA series stands out in any application where high absolute accuracy of position and end-of-travel is required. Comprehensive diagnostics functions ensure reliable operation and more efficient maintenance. With its Drive-Cliq interface the Balluff measuring system can also be easily integrated into Siemens controller environments, with Siemens having certified […]