A Look at Turck’s Safety Barriers and IO-Link Capable Level Radar Sensors

Turck has recently brought attention to compact safety and precise sensing solutions with its IMX18 safety barriers and LRS510 radar sensors. The safety barriers feature a compact and flexible build for control cabinets and decentralized automation systems. Meanwhile, the level radar sensors (LRS) with IO-Link operate in environments where dust, wind, and light would affect measurements from ultrasonic and optical sensors.

The compact 18 mm IMX18 safety barrier is designed for use in control cabinet setups limited on space or in decentralized automation systems. Image used courtesy of Turck

IMX18 Safety Barrier for Compact, Reliable Protection

Turck's IMX18 safety barrier is part of the broader IMX series, featuring conversion, isolation, and power supply functions in a single unit. Measuring just 18 mm wide, Turck's IMX18 safety barrier offers efficient space saving for control cabinets. Despite its small footprint, the safety barrier provides functional safety, with SIL 2 certifications and EX approval for Class 1, Division 2, ensuring compliance across global markets.

For flexible signal handling, the safety barrier features a splitter function and an error message output for handling real-time diagnostics. These diagnostic functions include the detection of wire breaks and short circuits. The configurability of outputs to either normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) makes the solution flexible for various applications.

LRS510 Radar Sensor for Precise Level Measurement

In addition to enhancing safety solutions, Turck is also setting standards in industrial measurements with its LRS510 radar sensors. Using frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology, these sensors measure distance, level, and volume at the same time.

Turck’s LRS510 radar sensor is designed for precise level measurements in environments where optical and ultrasonic sensors struggle. Image used courtesy of Turck

The LRS510 features an extended measuring range between 0.3 m and 10 m. A resolution of 1 mm ensures precise monitoring and reliable operations in conditions such as dust, light, or wind, unlike ultrasonic or optical sensors that often fail in these environments. Furthermore, the radar sensor offers analysis capabilities as well as a user-friendly capacitive touch interface and a translucent cover to simplify setup even in demanding industrial environments.

Diagnostics and IIoT Integration

Turck's LRS510 sensors feature IO-Link capabilities and adhere to the smart sensor profile, providing not only measurement information but also extended diagnostic data, such as temperature, signal strength, switching cycles, and operating hours.

The sensor is compatible with Turck's Radar Monitor software, simplifying configurations. Equipped with a narrow beam angle, false readings from foreign objects are minimized, ensuring performance stability even in confined spaces. These capabilities make the LRS510 especially suitable for use in environments where a precise long-range level measurement of up to 10 m is required.

The IMX18 safety barriers and LRS510 radar sensors address the growing need for compact and intelligent automation solutions. Image used courtesy of Canva

Space Saving Protection, Smarter Measurement

As industries continue to reduce their footprint while embracing IIoT-compatible automation, solutions like Turck's IMX18 safety barriers and LRS510 radar sensors address these needs. With performance in a smaller footprint, innovative sensing and diagnostics technology, reliable protection, and functional safety certification, Turck has designed its products for users in modern manufacturing environments.