Autonics Updates Sensor and Stop Button Offerings to Improve Safety.

Two new automation products are now available: one geared towards sensing and one towards safety.

Autonics has recently announced two new lines of highly customizable components to improve automation. First, their BS5 Series photomicro sensors can detect thin objects as they pass, making them suitable for machine tooling, parts counting, alignment, and other such tasks. Autonics has also released a new line of emergency stop buttons that can quickly and safely stop automation equipment if life or limb is in danger.

The BS5 Series Photomicro Sensors are designed to quickly detect an object that passes through its visibility window. These sensors are available in two styles: the light emitting line (marked with an M) detects when light is reflected to the sensor, and the shade lighting line (marked with an S) detects when light is NOT reflected into the sensor. The usage case will determine which is most suitable for a specific application.

These sensors are available in many styles and sizes, making them versatile across industries and processes. In particular, they are available in K, T, V, L, Y, F, R, and TA styles and with wired or pin-type connectors.



The BS5 Series Photomicro Sensor. Image used courtesy of Autonics

One of the key features of these sensors is their ruggedness. They can withstand up to 1500 G shocks and have high vibration resistance. This makes them suitable for machining operations, such as positioning the xy stage of an end mill or laser cutter. The thin profile means they can be used in more compact spaces and also limits the possibility of malfunction due to the detection of foreign material instead of the object that needs to be detected.

SF2ER Emergency Stop Button

Autonics has also released a new product geared towards making automation equipment safer. The SF2ER Emergency Stop Button is designed to reliably stop and de-energize equipment in an emergency. With a large (up to 60 mm) red pad, the button is clearly visible from across the room, meaning anybody in the facility can see and operate it. Once the button is pressed and the machine is stopped, it must be forcibly separated to start the machine again. Safe operation can be verified before the machine restarts.

The design allows three separate contact blocks to be wired to the same switch. This simplifies wiring designs and allows operators to deactivate larger sections of equipment as needed.

The button can also be supplied with a guard ring, which prevents accidental activation without compromising safety. This guard ring meets SEMI-S2 safety standards by allowing easy access to the button and preventing nuisance activations. The button head can be ordered with a label, such as EMO for Emergency Machine Off, so that operators who experience color blindness can safely stop equipment as well.


The SF2ER Emergency Stop Button features a large red pad for easily stopping equipment. Image used courtesy of Autonics
 
Who is Autonics?

Autonics has been manufacturing automation components for nearly half a century. They specialize in sensing, safety, SCADA, and controller technologies and are used in virtually any manufacturing industry. The latest products continue to serve engineers and industrial workplaces.