PRODUCT REVIEWS
SMART double-sheet detection sensors
Double-sheet detection sensors aim to eliminate costly tool damage in press lines by ensuring that only single-sheet blanks are fed to the presses. Contrinex’ s SMART Inductive sensors were introduced to address the challenges of double-sheet detection on press lines.
“ At the end of 2023, the CBM’ s Metal Matters magazine carried an article describing their use by a press tool engineer to create a low-cost and adaptable doublesheet detection system. In response to customers’ requests, we have now simplified things by launching dedicated double-sheet detection sensors and a specialised configuration app. The set-up is now straightforward, and it takes less than 90 seconds to follow the app prompts on a phone or tablet. For example, set-up can now be done within the remit of a setter / operator rather than needing the deeper knowledge of a maintenance engineer,” explained Contrinex.
“ The SMART double-sheet detection sensors are robust, with the sensor’ s front face and sides machined from a single piece of V2A( AISI 304) stainless steel. To further protect the sensors from damage, they can detect sheet materials between 3-5mm away. Providing a contactless
Above: Pass and fail indicators.
solution extends sensor life and can also provide advantages in reducing potential contamination,” it continued.
Available as either M18 or M30, the individually shielded and EMC-immune sensors can detect steel, aluminium or stainless-steel sheets. Material thicknesses can vary from a minimum of 0.2mm to a maximum of 4mm for aluminium or a range of 0.5-2mm for steel( for example).
Rapid configuration using the hand-held PocketCodr communication module and a phone or tablet enables the sensors to work with multiple materials and sheet thicknesses. Detection is supported with features such as a built-in short delay before triggering the output to prevent false positives from occurring in the event of a momentary change in either of the internal signals.
For further information, see https:// plusautomation. co. uk / index _ htm _ files /_ Contrinex % 20PRODUCT % 20OVERVIEW. pdf n
https:// plusautomation. co. uk
MES and MOM from one single source
Whether it is a Manufacturing Execution System( MES) or Manufacturing Operations Management( MOM), iTAC demonstrated how smart production could be implemented with solutions from a single source( including integrated services such as analytics, AI and APS) at HANNOVER MESSE 2025 recently. iTAC Software AG from Montabaur in Hessen showed how holistic digitalisation in factories can work at the manufacturing technologies exhibition. The foundation for this is the manufacturing operations management system, iTAC. MOM. Suite. This MOM( Manufacturing Operations Management) system is combined with integrated services such as analytics, artificial intelligence, production planning and more to create a comprehensive, one-stop solution for designing smart production.
“ The complexity of production processes, regulatory requirements and the need for seamless traceability have increased significantly. These challenges can no longer be met with isolated solutions. Individual, separate systems make data exchange
more difficult, lead to a high level of manual work and inhibit flexibility and scalability in production. What is needed are complete systems that seamlessly combine control, analysis and planning,” outlined Martin Heinz, CEO of iTAC Software AG.
According to the provider, the iTAC. MOM. Suite maps all processes – from production planning to quality control. The manufacturing management system combines manufacturing execution system( MES) functions with real-time solutions for controlling, optimising and forecasting production processes. It offers the necessary functions for networking and automating processes. The open and service-oriented architecture facilitates data exchange and forms the basis for seamless integration into existing platform concepts. The microservices approach makes it easy to expand the system with new functionalities, as and when required.
The iTAC. MA. Suite, which can be seamlessly integrated into the MOM, expands the solution space with comprehensive analyses— real-time evaluations and in-depth examinations of historical production data. This enables companies to understand, evaluate and improve their processes. The Advanced Planning & Scheduling( APS) service from DUALIS is an integral part of the iTAC. MOM. Suite for production planning. It enables optimised production planning, taking into account factors such as resource availability and bottleneck analyses. The software is designed to help companies make their production processes more efficient, shorten throughput times and meet delivery deadlines. n
www. itacsoftware. com / en
64 | ismr. net | ISMR May 2025