Pepperl+Fuchs Releases Cubical Ultrasonic Sensor Series With IO-Link

Pepperl+Fuchs has released the UB*-F42 ultrasonic sensor series, designed to perform various tasks, including measuring solid or liquid levels and detecting objects. The new series expands the company’s catalog, enabling raw material tracking, predictive maintenance, and optimized control across a wide range of applications.

Pepperl+Fuchs has labeled its UB*-F42 ultrasonic sensors as “cubical all-rounders." Image used courtesy of Pepperl+Fuchs

UB*-F42 Ultrasonic Sensors

Pepperl+Fuchs has designed the UB*-F42 series for use in challenging environments. The series has a small form factor and includes variants that can be rotated to beam from the larger square sides or the smaller rectangular sides, depending on the application. Furthermore, the package is rated to IP67, meaning it can be used in dirty, dusty environments and in places where water spray may be an issue.

Multiple sensors can be used in tandem. To prevent accidental interference between sensors, the UB*-F42 sensors support three synchronization methods: common, multiplex, and externally triggered. These modes give plant engineers greater design flexibility while minimizing false positives caused by interference.

Different models have different beam widths, allowing the detection system to be tailored to a specific application. Wider beams allow detection over larger areas, while smaller beams enable more precise point measurements.

The UB*-F42 series includes variants with different beam widths and "sidelooker" options. Image used courtesy of Pepperl+Fuchs

IO-Link and IP67 Protection

Connected with IO-Link, the series integrates with other IIoT devices. This IO-Link integration simplifies installation, commissioning, and parameterization. Furthermore, it makes diagnostic data available, enabling troubleshooting and predictive maintenance to be performed more quickly than with conventional sensors. Maintenance on individual sensors is minimal, and because sensors can be programmed to perform different operations, there is no need to keep many different sensors on hand.

Additionally, the series features IP67 protection, so it is not fooled by dust, droplets, and other substances that may affect other types of level sensing. This means the real level can be observed in real time, where other sensors might trigger false positives due to small particles.

UB*-F42 series ultrasonic sensors can be used to determine the fill level of raw materials, both solids and liquids. Image used courtesy of Pepperl+Fuchs

Material Handling, Intralogistics, and Production

Ultrasonic sensors like the UB*-F42 Series have numerous uses. Pepperl+Fuchs highlighted a few use cases where they expect this sensor to excel. First, fill and stock levels of both solids and liquids are easily measured with this sensor. This makes it a good fit for determining the level in tanks, storage bins, etc., to ensure proper feeding.

Second, the sensor can be used for gate monitoring purposes, to ensure that vehicles are properly docked or parked for loading and unloading. This way, materials-handling crews spend less time waiting for trucks and trains to arrive and can instead perform other duties and respond to an alert when the vehicle is ready.

Third, virtually any materials handling application can be improved with the use of the UB*-F42 series. Whether it is used to measure the roll diameter of paper in a printing operation, the fill level in grain storage, or other applications, Pepperl+Fuchs has designed the UB*-F42 to perform accurate material measurements with ease.