When it comes to automation components for equipment or process, Banner Engineering is a household name. The company is constantly releasing new products to stay competitive in the automation market. Recently, Banner announced the launch of three new automation solutions: an advanced operator input device, an M12 to RJ45 connector, and a radar sensor available in 77 GHz.
The K50 I/O touch control with display is designed to bring intuitive interaction to bin picking applications. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering
K50 I/O Touch Control With Display
Buttons are becoming so advanced that they are no longer just input devices but also have outputs. The new K50 I/O touch control is Banner's latest release for operator touch devices that not only interface to control systems but can also output PWM or analog signals. The K50 is a touch sensor with two capacitive touch zones. These dual touch zones allow the sensor to work even with gloved hands, and there are no mechanical parts that can break down.
LEDs are provided around the sensor to indicate the machine's status. Light animations can also be used for additional status indication. A 14-segment display is situated on top of the sensor and can be programmed with either Banner's free Pro Editor or over IO-Link. The analog output can be used with speed control or dimming functions without the need for a PLC. The K50 is designed with bin picking applications in mind, as the display can be used for short messages or display countdowns and timers.
Banner’s M12 D-Code to RJ45 receptacle is designed to bring Ethernet to cabinets. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering
M12 D-Code to RJ45 Connector
Most industrial components that support Ethernet infrastructure utilize an M12 D-Code connector. This connector is designed to resist harsh conditions that an RJ45 connector would not stand up to very well, such as vibration, dust, and moisture.
Banner's M12 D-Code to RJ45 connector allows technicians to pass an Ethernet cable from outside an electrical cabinet using an M12 cable and connect a standard Ethernet cable inside the cabinet. Without this bulkhead fitting, technicians would have to use large grommets or install an RJ45 connector themselves. Both of these options are time-consuming and prone to wiring issues.
Banner has added the Q90R2 77 GHz model for mobile applications to its Q90R radar sensor series. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering
Q90R2 77 GHz Radar Sensor
Banner's Q90R radar sensor series can tackle sensing applications in harsh conditions. The Q90R can detect up to two zones for multiple objects, with the ability to measure distance, radial position, and speed. The Q90R features IO-Link that provides real-time access to process and diagnostic data, and the sensor can be configured and programmed using Banner's Measurement Sensor software.
The latest release of the Q90R series sensors is the Q90R2 77 GHz model, which allows for better use in outdoor weather such as rain or snow. The higher frequency can penetrate deeper into the environment, offering a more reliable sensor, especially at longer distances. These new 77 GHz sensors are designed for mobile applications, such as object detection on AGVs or forklifts, or vehicle detection at loading bays. The Q90R is built for versatility and features an IP67 and IP69K rating for extreme environments.
From Panel Building to Robotics
The product catalog from Banner continues to evolve to stay competitive in an ever-changing market. The latest releases from Banner are built for use in various applications like panel building, operator interaction, and object detection. Most of the new products take advantage of Banner's configuration software and IO-Link technology to make setup and configuration a quick and easy process, saving users time and money.
