Autonics Releases UTR Series of Cylindrical Ultrasonic Sensors

Accurate and reliable detection is critical throughout industrial processes, particularly in environments where material types, surface conditions, and external factors such as temperature fluctuations present challenges. Autonics' new UTR series of cylindrical ultrasonic sensors addresses these demands by offering advanced sensing capabilities.

These sensors are designed to detect and measure distances across various materials, including transparent, metallic, and irregular surfaces, ensuring precision in even the most challenging applications. The UTR series is designed for versatility and reliability, featuring temperature tracking, customizable detection widths, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction.

Autonics’ UTR series of cylindrical ultrasonic sensors can detect various types of materials and surfaces. Image used courtesy of Autonics

UTR Series Ultrasonic Sensors

The UTR series ultrasonic sensors utilize high-frequency sound waves to detect objects and measure distances. From transparent glass to liquids and powders, the sensors are unaffected by color, texture, or luster. This detection ability makes the UTR series invaluable in the food and beverage, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries, where diverse materials often need consistent and precise measurement.

The ultrasonic sensors also incorporate a temperature-tracking algorithm that compensates for ambient temperature variations, ensuring stable detection and minimizing measurement errors. This capability allows the UTR series to deliver reliable results in fluctuating or extreme environmental conditions.

With the UTR series sensor synchronization function, users can widen the detection range with up to 10 sensors working in unison. Image used courtesy of Autonics

Customizable Detection

The UTR series provides several functions that allow users to change detection parameters to meet specific needs. With adjustable detection widths — ranging from narrow to wide — these sensors adapt to various environments and applications, such as detecting objects on conveyor belts or monitoring liquid levels in storage tanks.

Additional customization is possible through advanced filtering options, which include foreground suppression and moving average filters to reduce noise and avoid unwanted measurements. For broader applications, the synchronization function enables the simultaneous operation of up to 10 sensors, while the multiplex function ensures interference-free operation by coordinating the activation sequence of multiple units.

The UTR series sensors feature a 360-degree ring-type indicator, giving visibility from any angle. Image used courtesy of Autonics

Durability and Visibility

The UTR series is highly corrosion-resistant and constructed with a robust 316L stainless steel body. It is ideal for use in industries requiring frequent cleaning or exposure to harsh chemicals. Certified to IP66, IP67, IP68, and IP69K standards, the sensors withstand dust, water, and high-pressure washing, ensuring consistent performance in challenging environments such as food processing plants or outdoor installations.

A 360-degree ring-type indicator also provides clear visual feedback on operational status, and models with display panels further enhance usability by showing current and parameterized values. This function is useful in difficult environments or confined spaces.

Ease of Integration and Maintenance

The UTR series offers digital and analog outputs, supporting IO-Link communication to allow sensor integration into modern industrial systems. Users can configure sensor settings using the dedicated atDistance software, which features an intuitive interface for parameter adjustment and real-time monitoring. Additionally, optional ultrasonic sensor programming units (UT-P) provide on-site configuration and diagnostics, simplifying maintenance tasks.

UTR sensor measuring liquid level in a storage tank. Image used courtesy of Autonics

Applications Across Industries

The versatility of the UTR series makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. In the automotive sector, the sensors can detect transparent components like sunroofs during manufacturing. In food and beverage processing, they can measure liquid or powder levels in storage tanks, ensuring precise inventory control.

With customizable functions, robust construction, and integration features, Autonics' new series of ultrasonic sensors are designed to improve the performance and reliability of detection technology across applications.