Tool holder detection

Challenge:

A sensor must verify if a tool holder's position is empty when moving it to the tool magazine to prevent crashes. Current sensors often fail due to varying shapes and colors of tool holders, and machine lubricants and metal chips require frequent cleaning and maintenance.

Solution:

A radar sensor maintains high signal quality despite cooling lubricant or metal chips. The viewing angle can be adjusted up to 10 degrees, allowing for short distances between the sensor and the tool holder.

Advantages:

• Increased reliability: Sensor functions effectively in challenging conditions.
• Accurate detection of all tool holder shapes.
• IO-Link output with SIO mode for easy integration and parameterization.