BALLUFF

In 1921, in Neuhausen, Germany, Gerhard Balluff founded a workshop initially dedicated to the repair of bicycles, motorcycles, and sewing machines. By 1956, Balluff had ventured into developing electro-mechanical limit switches, which led to the production of inductive sensors in 1968 — a product line the company has been invested in ever since.

Fast forward to today, Balluff stands as a global leader in sensor and automation component manufacturing. Their products find applications in numerous sectors, including automotive, mechanical engineering, machine tools, metallurgy, chemicals, wood and paper industries, and warehousing. With four main offices in Germany, Balluff’s manufacturing is spread across plants in the USA, Brazil, Japan, Hungary, and Switzerland. The company operates 15 subsidiaries and has sales representatives in 32 countries, all dedicated to the sales, servicing, and maintenance of Balluff products. Their workforce, consisting of over 1,750 skilled professionals, is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and selling more than 9,000 variations of electro -mechanical sensors and systems for motion control and electronic identification.

Balluff’s continuous enhancement of sensor technology plays a crucial role in improving production efficiency. With hands -on experience in nearly all conceivable applications, Balluff is a driving force in sensor technology innovation. Their sensors increase productivity and quality, helping customers meet global market demands by reducing costs and enhancing productivity. The company’s commitment to quality and production efficiency is reflected in their state-of-the-art manufacturing practices.

Highly trained personnel and modern manufacturing processes ensure that Balluff’s products meet the highest quality standards. Their industrial complex is among the most advanced worldwide, employing progressive production methods and robust designs. High-tech sensors from Balluff operate reliably even in the most challenging environments, immune to magnetic fields up to 25 kA, and resilient against metallic debris, slags, and combustion products. The company’s extensive range of technologies—including electromechanical, inductive, optoelectronic, capacitive, magnetostrictive sensors, and magnetic-identification systems —positions them as a versatile provider of high-tech solutions across various industries.

Groups of goods of BALLUFF

Movement Control Sensors by Balluff

1. Micropulse Transducers:
   • Description: Ideal for applications requiring high reliability and accuracy, these compact embedded linear measuring devices offer a measuring range from 25 to 7620 mm.
   • Features: Non-contact operation ensures zero wear, providing virtually infinite lifespan. The precision output signal functions as an absolute signal compatible with various controllers. Commonly used in hydraulic pressure cylinders for linear measurement across multiple sectors.
2. Magnetic Inductive Distance Sensors (BIL):
   • Description: These compact measuring devices operate over a range of up to 160 mm.
   • Functionality: Utilizes a wireless magnet to provide non-contact measurements, functioning as an absolute system with analog output. Their compact design and non-contact nature make them suitable for robotics and control tasks in packaging and manufacturing environments, operating reliably in challenging conditions.
3. Magnetic System for Linear Displacement (BML):
   • Description: A high-precision incremental magnetic length measurement system featuring a sensor head and magnetic tape with lengths up to 30,000 mm.
   • Operation: The read head operates 2.5 mm above the magnetic tape, using alternating magnetic fields of opposite polarity. Outputs sine/cosine or square wave signals, which can be processed by input electronics or incremental inputs for precise calculations.

Additional Products in Movement Control

• Incremental Systems (BDG): Provides precise measurement through incremental systems.
• Absolute Systems (BRG): Offers absolute position measurement for various applications.
• Inductive Displacement Gauges (BIW): Measure linear displacement using inductive principles.
• Inductive Positioning Systems (BIP): Specialized in determining the position of objects using inductive sensors.
• Inductive Distance Measuring Instruments (BAW): Measures distance using inductive technology.
• Capacitance Distance Meters (BCW): Utilize capacitance for precise distance measurements.
• Photoelectric Distance Meters (BOD): Employ light-based technology for distance measurement.
• Ultrasonic Sensors (BUS): Provide analog distance measurements using ultrasonic waves.

Liquid Level Sensors by Balluff

1. Pressure Sensors (BSP):
   • Description: Balluff’s pressure sensors are designed for measuring liquid levels based on the pressure exerted by the fluid.
   • Applications: Suitable for a variety of liquid media, these sensors provide reliable and accurate level measurement, making them ideal for applications in water treatment, chemical processing, and other industries requiring precise level monitoring.
2. Capacitive Sensors (BCS):
   • Description: Capacitive sensors detect liquid levels by measuring changes in capacitance caused by the presence of a liquid.
   • Functionality: These sensors can identify different materials, including metals, plastics, and liquids, making them versatile for various applications, including packaging, plastics processing, and level control in tanks and silos.

Industrial Identification Solutions by Balluff

1. Industrial RFID Systems (BIS):
   • Overview: Balluff’s RFID systems enable contactless data exchange tailored for industrial applications, offering robust solutions for tracking and identification.
2. BIS C:
   • Description: This system is optimized for production and installation environments, featuring a wide selection of designs and code carrier heads that support reading and writing capabilities.
   • Features: It functions effectively in challenging conditions such as vacuum environments or with high coolant and lubricant content. Special heads allow for information exchange while in motion.
3. BIS L:
   • Description: A cost-effective solution particularly beneficial for logistics and assembly lines, with flat-shaped data carriers capable of storing up to 40 bits of information or 192 bytes of data.
   • Performance: The reading distance is up to 150 mm, while writing can occur at a distance of up to 100 mm, operating at a frequency of 125 kHz.
4. BIS M:
   • Description: Designed for high-speed data transfer, this system features data carriers with 752 bytes of EEPROM memory, making it ideal for applications needing quick transmission of smaller data volumes.
   • Technology: Operates according to ISO 14443 at a frequency of 13.56 MHz.
5. BIS S:
   • Description: Suited for applications that handle large amounts of information in assembly and production settings, with a memory size of 32 Kbytes.
   • Technology: Utilizes FRAM technology, allowing an unlimited number of read/write operations, ensuring the reliable management of critical production and quality data.

Additional Solutions

• Vision System (BVS): In addition to the RFID systems, Balluff also offers advanced vision systems for enhanced monitoring and identification tasks in industrial settings.

Balluff’s industrial identification solutions combine advanced RFID technology with innovative data management, providing reliable and efficient systems for a range of industrial applications.

Industrial Networking and Connectivity Solutions by Balluff

1. Cables and Connectors (BCC):
   • Overview: Balluff offers a comprehensive range of cables and connectors designed for reliable connectivity in industrial environments, ensuring robust communication and power delivery.
2. Valve Connectors (BCC):
   • Description: Specifically designed for valve applications, these connectors provide secure and efficient connections to control systems and pneumatic components.
3. Passive Splitters (BPI):
   • Functionality: These splitters distribute signals without amplification, allowing for the connection of multiple devices to a single signal source.
4. Active Splitters (BNI):
   • Functionality: Unlike passive splitters, active splitters amplify signals to maintain signal integrity across multiple connections, ensuring reliable communication in complex setups.
5. IO-Link:
   • Description: Balluff’s IO-Link technology facilitates point-to-point communication between sensors, actuators, and controllers, enabling advanced data exchange and diagnostics.
6. Bus Systems:
   • Support: Balluff supports various industrial bus systems, including:
     • Profibus
     • Profinet
     • CC-Link
     • DeviceNet
     • EtherNet
   • Purpose: These systems provide efficient and standardized communication between devices, streamlining automation processes.
7. Inductive Couplers (BIC):
   • Overview: These devices enable wireless communication between moving parts, eliminating wear and tear associated with traditional connectors.
8. Wireless Systems (BWT):
   • Functionality: Balluff’s wireless solutions offer flexible connectivity options, ideal for applications where cabling is impractical or limits mobility.
9. Power Supplies (BAE):
   • Description: Balluff provides reliable power supply solutions tailored to meet the demands of various industrial applications, ensuring consistent operation of devices and systems.
10. Electrical Devices (BAE):
    • Overview: This category includes various electrical components that support automation and control processes in industrial settings.

Accessories for Sensor Integration by Balluff

Balluff offers a comprehensive range of accessories that enhance the integration and functionality of their sensors across various applications. These accessories are designed to reduce costs and provide optimal solutions for installation and positioning. Key features include:

1. Protection Accessories:
   • Function: Accessories designed to protect sensors from environmental factors, ensuring longevity and reliable operation in various industrial conditions.
2. Fixation Elements:
   • Purpose: These components ensure accurate and reliable fixation of sensors, maintaining their positioning during operation.
3. Installation Elements:
   • Design: Custom-designed installation elements facilitate rapid and precise positioning of sensors, minimizing downtime during setup.
4. Brackets:
   • Overview: A variety of brackets are available to support the installation of sensors in different orientations and configurations.
5. Fasteners:
   • Functionality: These fasteners secure sensors and other components in place, contributing to the overall stability of the installation.
6. Assembly System (BMS):
   • Description: The BMS assembly system offers a structured approach to assembling and integrating sensors into existing setups, ensuring efficient and effective installations.

All Balluff products undergo rigorous testing at the company’s own accredited laboratory, ensuring compliance with industry standards. They conform to the DIN ISO 9001 quality management system, which is recognized internationally (EN 2008). This commitment to quality guarantees that Balluff’s sensors and automation components meet high performance and reliability standards across various industrial applications.