Proximity sensor

Eaton has introduced the Cutler-Hammer iProx sensor, a field programmable and adaptable inductive proximity sensor equipped with SmartSense that allows background metal rejection, band and position sensing.

Through the use of a PC-compatible remote programmer and step-by-step configuration software, the sensor adapts to a wide range of material handling applications. It is claimed to be the only inductive proximity sensor that can tune out non-targeted metallic objects and sense an object at a field selectable distance. In addition, it can be used to sense the position of an object in multiple axes, allowing it to perform like a low-end vision system for metallic objects.

SmartSense gives multiple sensing capabilities including: background metal rejection - a capability to ignore side-ground or background objects; band sensing - allows iProx to sense within a specified band while ignoring objects that are too close or too far; position sensing - the ability to teach the sensor the position of an object in multiple axes; selectable range and hysteresis - permits the sensor to adapt to tight tolerance or high vibration (wide tolerance) applications.

The device is built of stainless steel tubes, shock-resistant front caps, polycarbonate end bells and impact-absorbing potting compound.