(Commonwealth) _ SICK claims to have redefined measurement precision in materials handling, warehousing, and logistics with its latest DT80 distance sensor. This compact, robust device, equipped with high-performance time-of-flight measurement technology, sets a new standard. It boasts unparalleled accuracy of +/- 2 mm and a resolution of 0.1 mm over ranges up to 80 meters. Utilizing a class 2 eye-safe laser, the SICK DT80 laser distance sensor detects, measures, and positions natural targets without the need for a reflector. Engineered for easy setup and adaptable integration, it fits into tight spaces in both mobile and stationary machinery. Its robust metal housing ensures durability even in challenging environmental conditions, including mechanical vibrations, intense ambient light, or extreme temperatures. The exceptional precision and range of the SICK DT80 cater to a wide array of applications in both stationary and mobile machines, indoors and outdoors. In materials handling, warehousing, and logistics, it finds use in tasks like forklift height detection in automated transport vehicles and precise positioning of cranes and gantries.
SICK’s Nick Hartley, the UK market product manager for distance measurement, highlights the DT80’s development program. He emphasizes how it has refined time-of-flight measurement technology, elevating the standards for mid-to-long-range distance sensing. According to Hartley, the DT80’s consistent, precise performance is crucial for industrial tasks, ensuring uninterrupted operation for mobile transport vehicles and maintaining accuracy across diverse machine operations. This accuracy is pivotal in guaranteeing product and process quality, reducing rejects, minimizing waste, and curbing scrap. SICK’s latest DT80 distance sensor offers exceptional detection capabilities across various surfaces and distances, catering to objects with different levels of remission. With an impressive reach of 80 meters for objects with up to 90% remission, it still achieves a remarkable 14-meter range for surfaces with only 6% remission. This versatility allows for flexible configurations, optimizing inventory management, and enhancing servicing efficiency. Setting up the DT80 is a breeze thanks to its user-friendly interface, featuring an icon-supported color display and four on-sensor LEDs that indicate the sensor’s status and settings. Configuration options include utilizing the HTML-based SOPAS engineering tool or leveraging IO-Link for seamless adjustments.
The IO-Link connectivity featured in the DT80 is a pivotal aspect that bridges the sensor’s capabilities with the principles of Industry 4.0. This connectivity acts as a conduit, enabling effortless data exchange and communication among various components within the industrial setup, including sensors, actuators, and operational technology (OT) control systems. Through the implementation of an IO-Link-Master coupled with OPC UA, the DT80 can transmit its gathered data to different destinations. This data flow can be directed toward on-premise systems or cloud-based platforms, opening up possibilities for sophisticated analytics and remote diagnostic tools.
This integration empowers industries to engage in comprehensive condition monitoring, leveraging the wealth of data collected by the DT80. Facilitating seamless communication between different parts of the machinery or manufacturing process allows for real-time insights and proactive decision-making. Whether it’s monitoring equipment health, analyzing performance trends, or predicting maintenance needs, the Industry 4.0 integration facilitated by the DT80’s IO-Link connectivity enables businesses to optimize operations and enhance efficiency. Despite its powerful capabilities, the SICK DT80 boasts a remarkably compact design, measuring just 65 mm x 33 mm x 57 mm (HxWxD). Its robust construction, featuring cast zinc housing, durable PMMA sensor window, and IP65 and IP67 protection, ensures reliable performance even in harsh industrial and environmental conditions. Additionally, its high shock and vibration resistance enhance its durability. Compatibility with SICK’s existing DT distance sensors makes it easy for users to transition to the DT80 and capitalize on its enhanced precision and extended range.
