Contrinex Smart Measurement Sensors: Revolutionizing CNC Machining
In the realm of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling and turning machines, Contrinex inductive sensors have long been a preferred choice due to their high performance, robustness, and diverse size options. Now, as CNC machine manufacturers strive for enhanced efficiency, precision, and the flexibility to handle a wide array of materials and cutting speeds, Contrinex's new SMART inductive sensors are making waves, particularly in automatic tool-changing systems.
Customer Application Context
The latest CNC machining centers are integrating SMART technology to boost their adaptability to a broad spectrum of tasks, materials, batch sizes, workpieces, tools, and cutting speeds. To achieve autonomous operation, these versatile machines require equally capable automated tool-changing systems. These systems utilize a central drawbar to actuate a spring-loaded collet that holds the tool. During tool changes, the drawbar moves forward to disengage the collet and release the old tool, then retracts to pick up the new one from the magazine.
Core Tasks of SMART Sensors
Contrinex's SMART inductive measurement sensors excel in this application, performing several critical functions:
Precision Real-Time Measurement: They provide highly accurate real-time measurements of drawbar positions, crucial for detecting even the slightest deviations during tool changes and enabling immediate intervention if necessary.
User-Configured Setpoints: These sensors offer configurable setpoints tailored to user preferences, ensuring precise end-of-travel position sensing and adaptability to specific machining requirements.
High-Speed Notification: Time-sensitive events trigger rapid notifications, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.
Threshold Alarms: In addition to monitoring for over-temperature conditions, these alarms signal the end of a sensor's service life, facilitating proactive maintenance and replacement.
Automatic Backup via IO-Link Master: Sensor configurations are automatically backed up on the local IO-Link Master, simplifying setup and ensuring consistent performance.
Self-Test Function: A built-in self-test enhances reliability by safeguarding against sensor failures, adding an extra layer of confidence in system performance.
Customer Solution and Benefits
Contrinex has embedded a SMART version of its uniquely robust "Extreme" '700 Series' stainless-steel-cased inductive sensor radially into the spindle body, adjacent to the rear of the drawbar. This sensor measures lateral position from an inclined plane over a sensing distance of up to 6mm with a dynamic resolution of ±5.5 micrometers, delivering highly accurate 16-bit digital output.
Damage Prevention: The sensor diligently monitors the drawbar position, promptly detecting incomplete tool engagement and preventing further motion that could damage tools, workpieces, or spindles.
Simplicity and Affordability: The single-sensor control system is remarkably simple and user-friendly, proving that precision doesn't have to be complex or costly.
Space Efficiency: The embeddable M12 sensor is designed with limited space in mind, fitting snugly into the spindle body without compromising performance.
IO-Link Connectivity: Adopting industry-standard IO-Link connectivity, these sensors provide a single interface to the machine control system, streamlining communication and simplifying integration into existing setups.
Product Advantages Overview
Reliable and fast detection
High-precision measurement
Long sensing range
EMC resilience
Robust and reliable in demanding conditions
Wide temperature range (-25°C to +70°C)
IO-Link compatibility, ideal for Industry 4.0
Service-data blocks storing product ID, location, and serial number
PocketCodr: The Simple Way to Develop & Configure Smart Sensors Using an App
Contrinex's new Bluetooth PocketCodr sensor connection unit and its companion app make designing and configuring smart sensors as easy as using a phone app. They allow users to configure, monitor, and share settings for smart sensors and IO-Link sensors from any manufacturer without needing a PLC.
Action Widgets: These provide intuitive, graphics-based screens with simple controls like sliders, buttons, and checkboxes, along with helpful hints. With PocketCodr, programming manuals become a thing of the past, and settings can be shared globally via email, messenger, text, etc.
Automatic Loading of IODD Files: The sensor's IODD file is automatically loaded when publicly available.
LED Status Indicators: These visually display the sensor's status.
Long-Lasting Lithium Rechargeable Battery: It comes with USB-C charging for convenience.
Simple and Fast Bluetooth Connection: No passwords are required for a hassle-free setup.
Availability: Download from the AppStore or Google Play.
Contrinex's smart measurement sensors and their accompanying tools are ushering in a new era of intelligence and efficiency in CNC machining, setting new standards for performance, adaptability, and ease of use.
