Allen-Bradley 42CS photoelectric and 871TS inductive sensor families

Two families of sensors from Rockwell Automation address the most demanding applications in the food and beverage industry. These sensors withstand high-pressure and high-temperature washdowns, while offering resistance to corrosion and damage caused by harsh cleansing agents.

The 42CS photoelectric and 871TS inductive sensor families feature stainless steel construction, extended temperature ratings and IP69K enclosure ratings. IP69K testing replicates the steam-cleaning process typically used in the food and beverage industry. This testing requires the sensors to withstand spray pressure up to 1450 psi and temperatures up to 80°C.

In addition, both sensor families have been subjected to and certified to pass chemical compatibility testing by two independent labs, both of which are worldwide leaders in the development of cleaning and sanitising products. In testing, the sensors were subjected to some of the most commonly used caustic cleaning agents and disinfectants in the food and beverage industry.

The Photoswitch 42CS sensor family features a choice of a smooth or threaded 18 mm 316L stainless steel housing with a hard plastic lens for enhanced reliability and long service life, as well as an operating temperature range of -25 to 85°C. Smooth barrel models are designed to minimise the accumulation of undesired particles on the sensor’s body and to allow easier clean-up.

A ferromagnetic teach feature minimises the possibility of water ingress associated with the use of push-button or potentiometer adjustment. This feature, offered on select sensing modes, allows users to easily adjust and optimise the sensing range to meet specific application demands.

The 42CS sensor family offers polarised retro-reflective, diffuse, transmitted beam, clear object detection and background suppression sensing modes. A background suppression sensor is specially designed to detect shiny objects that often go undetected by other such sensors if the object is approaching at a slight angle. A stainless steel bracket is offered for mounting of smooth-barrel sensors.

The 871TS inductive proximity sensors feature a stainless steel 316L barrel and an FDA-certified polyphenylene sulfide plastic face that protects against chemicals and other corrosive agents. Sensors are offered in 12 and 18mm diameter threaded cylindrical enclosures with operating temperature range of -40 to 80°C. For added application flexibility, standard and extended range units are available.