Unique sensing technology for parts counting

BOWA Z-SH-1 Protective cover

BOWA Optical Window sensors are a series of emitters and receivers enclosed in a rectangular-shaped housing, designed to monitor objects that pass through the frame. Nick-named a “window” sensor, the thru-beam pairs are tuned to detect motion of the smallest objects at remarkable speeds. Two models are available: Dynamic Only which features a single output for moving targets and Static/Dynamic types that have a second output to detect contamination of the lenses or a backup of parts within the window, while still counting parts. A new protective cover is now available that snaps over the lenses for applications where the moving product entering the window may nick or scratch the lenses.

Slug Out Sensing and Parts Counting for Stamping Dies

Slugs that fail to exit the die can stack up inside die sections, causing damage that can not be repaired simply by sharpening and shimming. Cracked or broken die sections can create excessive downtime and man hours in repair, especially with inherited tooling where little design information is available.

BOWA optical windows are ideal for detecting slugs dropping through the bottom die shoe. Adjustable sensitivity of the optical window makes it easy to detect only the slugs and ignore coolant drops that are a nuisance with other optical sensors in slug detection applications. The Static/Dynamic model allows part of the sensor to be blocked while still successfully monitoring slugs that pass through the window.

The BOWA optical window also features adjustable pulse-stretching. This makes it possible to detect small slugs that pass through the window at high speeds, such as in vacuum-assisted slug ejecting. All of these features make the BOWA ideal for part ejection applications in stamping dies. Because the BOWA is available in both PNP and NPN, there is no need to make expensive changes to your PLC or press controllers.

Simple counting applications are no problem for BOWA Optical Windows. In the picture at the left, parts are continuously counted as they exit the die onto the conveyor. Output from the Optical Window increments a counter on the PLC or press controller, which in turn takes other action as needed on the line.

Courtesy of Balluff