Sensors and Safety

Photoelectric sensors are essential in industrial automation to detect the presence of objects or parts, inspect the integrity or correct assembly, measure the dimension, distance or positioning.

OEM Automatic stock and supply a wide array of industrial barcode scanners, including handheld, heavy duty and laser based, our dedicated team of industry experts are also on hand to advise on embedded or custom integrations.

Safety light curtains are a type of sensor used in industrial and automated environments to protect workers and machinery. They are designed to detect the presence of objects (like a human body or hand) in a hazardous area and stop or prevent machine operation if necessary, helping to avoid accidents or injuries. Here’s how they work and why they’re important: Functionality: Infrared Light Beams: Safety light curtains consist of two components: an emitter and a receiver. The emitter sends a series of infrared light beams across a designated area, and the receiver detects whether these beams are interrupted. When an object (such as a person or body part) crosses the beams, it triggers a signal that activates a safety response. Safety Response: The machine or equipment connected to the safety light curtain is typically programmed to stop, slow down, or enter a safe state when an interruption is detected. This prevents accidents by ensuring workers don't enter dangerous areas while the machine is in operation. No Physical Contact: Unlike traditional safety devices like guards or fences, safety light curtains don’t require physical barriers. This allows for greater flexibility in machine design and easier access to areas without compromising safety. Types: Type 2 Light Curtains: Provide basic safety for non-hazardous areas. Type 4 Light Curtains: Offer the highest level of safety and are often used in more hazardous environments or for more dangerous machines. Applications: Manufacturing: Protect workers from moving machinery, such as robotic arms or conveyor systems. Packaging Lines: Prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas of packaging machines. Automated Systems: Common in automated production lines, ensuring the safety of workers around automated machines and robots. Key Benefits: Prevent Injuries: Protects workers from being caught or harmed by moving parts of machines. Flexibility: Safety light curtains can be adapted to different types of machinery and layouts without the need for bulky physical barriers. Non-intrusive: They do not obstruct the workflow, allowing machines to continue operation smoothly, while still providing safety.

The Enhanced Safety Laser Sentinel (SLS) from Datalogic is an innovation in workplace safety, able to operate in static (e.g. perimeter or access protection, robot cells) or dynamic (e.g. AGVs, autonomous mobile robots, forklifts) environments, ensuring the safety of staff and improving efficiency at the same time. The Laser Scanner Enhanced is designed to withstand the harshest of environments with its tough industrial housing. It has a 275° viewing angle, this, when placed on the corner of an area, gives complete protection of two sides of a machine or vehicle. Combining two of these can give you complete 360° protection of an area, up to 4 units can be connected and used for safety or warning functionality. Safe zones measure up to 5.5m and can let you know when an object greater than 70mm enters, warning zones extend to up to 40m.

Inxpect radar scanners are advanced safety sensors designed for industrial automation and robotics. Utilising cutting-edge FMCW radar technology, they provide reliable 3D motion detection even in harsh environments like dust, smoke, or low light. Ideal for safeguarding machinery and collaborative workspaces, Inxpect scanners ensure precise, fail-safe intrusion detection while minimising false alarms. Easy to integrate and highly configurable, they are a smart choice for enhancing workplace safety and productivity.

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser-based time-of flight (ToF) technology to construct a 360-degree view for the guidance of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), Laser Guided Vehicles (LGV) and Automated Guided Forklifts (AGF). Datalogic’s LGS-N50 is a compact, rugged navigation Lidar which can be mounted on suitable vehicles to provide laser-based navigation by providing distance and intensity measurement to the AGV guidance systems. With its compact size and simple Ethernet UDP protocol, the LGS-N50 is easy to fit and simple to configure. Combined with Laser Sentinel safety laser scanners, Datalogic offers manufacturers of Automated Vehicles a complete solution for automated vehicle guidance.

Speed measurement and position detection using incremental and absolute encoders. Choose the perfect encoder for your application from a variety of sizes and ordering options. The Sendix encoder – made in Germany – is the result of the highest quality awareness and careful selection of materials. It has proved its value in many industries as a robust and precise sensor technology. Design your plants, machines, or motors with Kübler encoders through OEM Automatic. Encoders are used wherever lengths, positions, rotational speeds, and angles need to be recorded. They convert mechanical motion into electrical signals. There are differences in the functional principles of encoders. They can thus be divided into incremental and absolute versions.We can generally supply you with all of the encoders in both shaft and hollow shaft models.

Slip rings in a modular system: The optimal solution for every application. Slip rings are electromechanical devices used to transmit electrical power, signals or data, pneumatic and hydraulic, from a stationary to a rotating platform. OEM Automatic can supply you with a wide range of slip ring options for a range of industrial automation applications. Kübler slip rings are reliable, rugged and have long service and long maintenance cycles. We can provide slip rings for packaging machines, textile machines, pipeline inspection systems, video surveillance equipment (CCTV), bottling plants, rotary tables, flowpack and blister packaging machines, robots etc. Kübler slip rings stand for reliable transmission of electrical power, analogue, or digital signals, as well as for transmission of field buses and Industrial Ethernet. Thanks to their modular design, the different contact technologies from contactless to contact systems, the possible combination with media lead-through for air and liquids, you have maximum flexibility in the configuration of your slip ring. We are also happy to meet individual requirements. We can handle modifications and special solutions for you quickly and without complications.

Cable assemblies support reliable connections across almost every industry. Thanks to Molex's comprehensive design, manufacturing and testing expertise spanning numerous cable and wire harness technologies and further enhanced by their globally integrated supply chain capabilities, Molex helps customers streamline production time, optimize quality and reduce the need for expensive tooling. We offer a complete range of connection systems consisting of distribution boxes, overmoulded connectors, field attachable connectors and receptacles. These parts can be used together to design a full connection system from small stand alone machines to large complex production lines with multiple pieces of machinery. <ul><li>M8 and M12 connector sizes <li>Standard cordsets includes 3,4,5 pole in M8 and 3,4,5,8 in M12 <li>Built to IEC standard <li>IP67</li></ul>

Tongue operated safety interlock switches are designed to fit on the leading edge of sliding, hinged or lift off machine guards to provide tamper resistant, not easily defeatable key mechanism. They monitor the status of the door or hatch. <ul><li>Stainless steel, die cast metal, or plastic <li>Rotatable heads for multiple mounting options <li>IP67, IP69K <li>Flexible actuator options</li></ul>

A Solenoid Interlock Switch is a safety device used to control the operation of machinery or equipment by preventing certain actions unless specific conditions are met. They integrate a solenoid, which is an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field when energized, and a mechanical switch or lock that engages or disengages based on the solenoid's state. These switches are commonly used in industrial applications for ensuring safety, preventing unauthorised access, or protecting machinery from unsafe operations. Applications: Industrial Automation: Solenoid interlock switches are frequently used in manufacturing and automation systems where safety and precise control are critical. Safety in Hazardous Environments: These devices are found in machines or areas where access to dangerous equipment (such as presses, conveyors, or robotic arms) must be tightly controlled. Access Control: They can be used in doors or gates of control rooms, machinery areas, or data centers to ensure authorized personnel can only enter when it is safe to do so.

The trapped key system works on the principle of releasing heavy duty coded mechanical keys in a pre-determined sequence to ensure machine power has been isolated before any access can be made into areas where hazards or dangerous machinery is present. <ul><li>All available in die cast or stainless steel <li>Up to 48 standard key codes available <li>Other custom key codes available on request <li>Sequential or non-sequential release</li></ul>

Limit Switches are used for position detection and monitoring. A large range of switch sizes, actuator heads and mounting options are available. <ul><li>Plastic, metal, or stainless steel bodies <li>Large range of actuator heads <li>ATEX versions <li>IP67 ingress protection</li></ul>

Designed to be mounted on machines and sections of conveyors which cannot be protected by guards. In contrast to traditional mushroom head type emergency stop buttons, grab wire safety rope switches can initiate the emergency command from any point along the installed rope length and provide robust emergency stop rope pull protection for exposed conveyors or machines. <ul><li>Stainless steel or die cast metal <li>Patented tensioner/gripper accessory for ease of installation <li>IP67, IP69K <li>Optional dual colour LED for status indication from distance</li></ul>

A Belt Alignment Switch is a safety and monitoring device used in conveyor systems to detect when the belt moves out of its proper alignment. Conveyor belts are crucial components in many industries, used for transporting materials across various processing stages. Belt misalignment can lead to equipment damage, safety hazards, and operational inefficiencies, so belt alignment switches are essential for preventing these issues. These switches are designed to detect the deviation of the conveyor belt from its normal, straight path and trigger an alert or corrective action. They help in protecting the belt, rollers, and related components from excessive wear or damage due to misalignment. Applications: Conveyor Systems: Belt alignment switches are most commonly used in conveyor belts, which are found in industries such as mining, material handling, manufacturing, and agriculture. Bulk Material Handling: In industries dealing with bulk materials (e.g., coal, grains, ores), misalignment can cause spillage, system inefficiency, or belt damage. The alignment switch helps to prevent these issues. Food and Beverage Industry: Conveyor belts in food processing must be kept properly aligned to ensure efficient operation and avoid contamination. Misalignment in these environments can also lead to unsafe conditions. Packaging and Distribution: In packaging plants, where conveyors are responsible for moving products, belt alignment switches ensure smooth operation and prevent product jams.

Industrial gate bolts are heavy-duty locking devices used to secure gates, doors, or access points in industrial, commercial, and agricultural settings. These bolts are designed to provide a high level of security and durability for gates that control access to restricted or hazardous areas. They are commonly used in industries like manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and utilities, where the integrity of gates and barriers is crucial to safety, security, and operational efficiency.

An emergency stop switch (often abbreviated as E-stop) is a safety device used to immediately halt the operation of machinery, equipment, or systems in emergency situations. It is a crucial component in ensuring the safety of workers, operators, and the surrounding environment in industrial, commercial, and hazardous settings. Emergency stop switches are designed to stop a machine or system in a controlled and immediate manner to prevent accidents, damage, or injury.

A large range of micro switches, limit switches and non-contact switches from manufacturers such as IDEM and Crouzet, both safety and non-safety rated.

Non-safety light curtains are optical sensors used for monitoring and detecting objects or people within a defined area, but they are not designed with safety-critical functions in mind. Unlike safety light curtains, which are part of safety systems designed to prevent accidents by stopping machinery when a person enters a hazardous zone, non-safety light curtains are generally used for applications that don’t require a safety function but still rely on detection for control or monitoring purposes.

ASO Safety Bumpers are specialised safety devices used in industrial automation and machinery to prevent accidents or injuries caused by moving equipment or machinery. These bumpers are part of a broader category of machine safety systems designed to protect personnel, equipment, and the surrounding environment. ASO safety bumpers are commonly used in conveyor systems, robots, and automated machinery where there is a risk of collision or contact with operators or objects. ASO Safety Bumpers are designed to detect obstacles and automatically stop or slow down machinery upon contact. They act as a protective barrier to ensure that people and equipment are shielded from potential harm, preventing damage to machines and reducing the risk of injury.

The sensing strip is made of conductive rubber, if the safety edge is pressed together there is a short-circuit and the control unit opens its safety outputs. Several sensing strips can be easily connected in series. OEM can supply parts only or a complete safety edge assembled to customer specifications. <ul><li>No mechanical components <li>Easy installation <li>Up to safety category 3 <li>IP67</li></ul>

Industrial safety pressure mats are specialised mats used to detect the presence or absence of pressure, commonly employed in industrial environments to enhance worker safety. These mats are equipped with pressure-sensitive technology that triggers specific responses, such as activating alarms, stopping machinery, or alerting personnel when pressure is applied. They are used to prevent accidents, ensure operational safety, and monitor various safety conditions in workplaces with hazardous equipment or machinery. Pressure mats are commonly used around dangerous machines, like conveyor belts, presses, or automated arms, to ensure that the machine stops when a worker comes too close. These mats ensure that machinery only operates when the area is clear of personnel, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Comprehensive range of safety relays for a wide variety of applications: safety switches and interlocks, light curtains, emergency stop buttons, etc. Wide voltage versions for mobile applications are also available. <ul><li>24Vac/dc, 230Vac, 8-36Vdc, and 12Vdc options <li>Standstill monitors <li>Two hand control relays <li>Safety Cat.3 (PLd) and Safety Cat.4 (PLe) versions available</li></ul>