Sensors

Balluff has engineered industrial sensors in Germany for decades, and today offers one of the broadest sensor portfolios in automation. Whether you need to detect an object, measure a distance, monitor a position or keep an eye on process conditions, there is a Balluff sensor built for the job and the environment.

Inductive sensors are the backbone of the range. They detect metal objects without contact and without wear. They include inductive proximity switches and proximity sensors, ring and tube sensors for small parts on fast feeding lines, inductive distance sensors for precise, wear-free measurement, and inductive position sensors and high-speed position measuring systems for exact, repeatable positioning. For non-metal materials, capacitive sensors detect plastics, wood, glass, powders and liquids, and are often used for level detection through the wall of a container or tank.

Photoelectric sensors cover a wide range of detection tasks. They include diffuse sensors with background suppression, retroreflective sensors, through-beam sensors, fibre optic sensors, and laser distance sensors for long-range measurement. Many models have teach-in for quick set-up. Ultrasonic sensors work regardless of colour, transparency or surface finish, so they are reliable for clear materials, liquids, bulk goods and dusty environments.

For pneumatic automation, magnetic field sensors detect piston position in cylinders and grippers, fitting directly into the T-slot or C-slot. For precise linear measurement, Balluff Micropulse magnetostrictive linear position transducers and magnetic encoders provide absolute, contactless position feedback on hydraulic cylinders, presses and moving axes. The range also covers sensors for pressure, temperature, flow and condition monitoring, so you can monitor processes and machine health from the same supplier.

Many Balluff sensors are IO-Link smart sensors. As well as a switching signal, they deliver measured values, diagnostics and remote parameterisation, which supports predictive maintenance, faster format changeovers and less unplanned downtime. Robust housings, stainless steel and hygienic designs, and high IP ratings make the range well suited to Ireland’s pharmaceutical, biopharma, medical device, food and beverage, packaging, machine-building and data centre industries.