SICK is an industrial leader and global manufacturer of factory and process automation technology, featuring an entire product line of machine vision products, bar code scanners, photoelectric sensors and safety solutions.
Sensing technology has become a staple of the manufacturing industry. These high-tech input devices play a vital role in optimizing industrial automation systems through detecting, analyzing, measuring and processing machine conditions to deliver valuable maintenance insights, ensure accurate positioning and prevent downtime on the job site.
With photoelectric sensors and other advanced automation technologies from SICK Inc., you can secure the cutting-edge solutions you need to protect your equipment, workers and environment.
As a SICK distributor, we set our customers up with top-of-the-line sensing & machine safety technologies from SICK, a leading global manufacturer of sensors. We'll work with you directly to discuss your application requirements, objectives and obstacles, then we'll use our extensive product knowledge to recommend the best SICK hardware for you. It's our goal to help customers maximize job site performance and efficiency while minimizing downtime.
As one of SICK's smallest safety laser scanners, the nanoScan3 is perfect for localizing and protecting mobile platforms. This scanner delivers precision measurement data and superior resistance to dust, dirt and light, thanks primarily to the reliable safeHDDM® scan technology. Features of the nanoScan3 include:
An 80-millimeter height.
A 275-degree scanning angle and a 3-meter protective range.
128 freely configurable fields.
High resistance to dust, dirt and light.
An Ethernet interface that delivers high-precision measurement data.
SPEETEC sets a new standard for the capacity to monitor movement. This motion sensor accurately calculates the position, length and speed of many surface and object types without making contact or using measuring elements or scales. Several highlights include:
No harm or contamination to the measuring surface.
High measurement reproducibility and accuracy.
Optimal process quality and productivity without slippage.
Photoelectric sensors detect objects, abnormalities and changes in surface conditions through various optical properties. These sensing technologies feature an emitter that generates an object's light signals and a receiver that detects these resulting signals.
There are three primary types of photoelectric sensors:
Through-beam: These automated sensors can discern when an object interrupts the light beam between each sensor, detecting fill levels, overlapping materials, container contents, object locations and more.
Retroreflective: Retroreflective sensing devices detect the presence of large, moving, transparent or reflective objects that interrupt the light path.
Diffused: Diffused sensors identify objects when the light beam from the target is reflected back to the sensor. This technology can detect translucent objects, object orientation, web materials and more.
Benefits of Using Photoelectric Sensors
When you purchase SICK Inc. photoelectric sensing technologies from Gibson Engineering, you'll experience all the benefits of these advanced detection devices for your facility, including:
Long lifespan.
Versatile sensing capabilities.
Long detection distances.
No-contact detection.
Cost-efficient sensing.
SICK Photoelectric Sensors
SICK's extensive Photoelectric Sensor selection uses precision optics and innovative technology to provide highly accurate detecting, measuring and positioning capabilities. These sensors use the latest LED and SIRIC technologies to offer superior operational reliability regardless of potential interference.
Fiber-Optic Sensors are a perfect solution for detecting the tiniest objects or when installation space is limited. These devices use various fiber-optic cable types with application-specific optical heads to deliver optimal results.
SICK offers numerous Distance Sensors that can accurately measure in increments ranging from submicrons to kilometers. These sensors provide highly accurate detecting, measuring and positioning solutions using advanced time-of-flight and triangulation modes.
Laser Displacement Sensors deliver precise measurements up to 1,000 millimeters for dimensions, shape and positioning.
SICK Ultrasonic Sensors use acoustic properties, fog and dust resistance and outstanding background suppression to precisely detect distances and object positioning.
SICK's KT Contrast Sensors detect the tiniest contrasts at the highest speeds, including print markings on packaging or foils. They pinpoint grayscale differences between the marking and a shiny, transparent or matte background. The product line features various models with multiple tech-in versions and contrast resolution methods to meet a broad range of requirements.
Color Sensors accurately identify a surface's color. They emit red, green and blue LED light on the testing objects and determine the reflected radiation's chromaticity coordinates, comparing them against previous results.
SICK Fork Sensors use senders and receivers in the same housing to provide quick adjustment when needed. These sensors can identify the slightest attenuation differences thanks to a focused, precision light beam and superior detection accuracy.
Glare Sensors are ideal for detecting and distinguishing glares on even surfaces. This feature is vital, as gloss properties are critical for process control, regardless of pattern, color or transparency. SICK's Delta-S-Technology makes these devices the most elite solutions in sensor technology.
SICK's Luminescence Sensors identify visible and nonvisible markings under ultraviolet (UV) lighting. These sensors can accurately detect fluorescent material and markings independent of an object's color, pattern or surface condition.
SICK Inductive Sensors utilize the latest ASIC technology and are available in cylindrical or rectangular sensors with single, double or triple operating distances.
Capacitive Proximity Sensors are ideal for level and feed monitoring. From solid material, such as paper or wood, to granules or liquids, they reliably detect the status of the product during the production process and final inspection. Sensing ranges between 1 and 25 mm allow them to be used in nearly all installation situations, making them extremely adaptable for a wide range of applications.
Magnetic Proximity Sensors provide long sensing ranges that can reliably detect magnetic objects, with entirely new application options opened up due to the smaller magnets. MM sensors in NAMUR design for the use in explosion-hazardous areas complete this comprehensive product family.
Inclination Sensors take a non-contact measurement of the inclination angle of an object in relation to the earth's gravity. Thanks to the use of capacitive MEMS technology, inclination sensors are both highly precise and extremely reliable. Dynamic inclination sensors consist of an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope. The fusion of data from the two components provides precise and incredibly reliable information about the current inclination of an object. One-dimensional sensors measure the inclination of an axis to 360°, whereas two-dimensional sensors are able to monitor two axes simultaneously to ±90°.
Innovative Magnetic Cylinder Sensors feature the option of an analog output, optimum switching characteristics, suitability for food and beverage industry, support of the latest IO-Link technology, and universal mounting options and a comprehensive range of adapters.
Whether for continuous Level Measurement, point level measurement or both – SICK offers a wide range of solutions for process engineering, storage, and protection. Based on the installation situation, medium properties and ambient conditions, SICK provides sensors that ensure efficient processes.
SICK provides innovative sensor solutions for Flow Measurement technology which combine flexible measuring methods and rugged equipment design with cost-efficient connection concepts to integrate higher-level systems. Whether you need to detect the current flow rate value using analog values or find the quantity using pulse detection – SICKs flow sensors are always reliable and safe and can work with a wide range of media under difficult process and ambient conditions.
SICK offers a portfolio of electronic Pressure Measurement transmitters and switches that can be adapted to individual customer requirements because of intelligent and varied configuration options. Typically, all SICK devices feature the use of high-quality materials, rugged properties and precise measurement technology.
With its product portfolio of screw-in and insertion thermometers as well as Temperature Switches SICK offers high-quality solutions for contact temperature measurement in liquids and gases. The devices can optimally be adapted to meet individual requirements through its various insertion lengths and the flexible mechanical configuration possibilities.
Industrial Safety
Industrial safety devices are mandatory protection for workers in hazardous areas containing automated machinery, vehicles or robots. This hardware is used to safeguard machines across all industries, such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemical processing, packaging, woodworking, textiles, and more.
As a global manufacturer of sensors, SICK Inc. develops numerous high-quality safety devices, including:
Laser scanners: When this safety sensing device detects the presence of a person or object within a hazardous area, it'll send a stop signal to its corresponding machine to prevent injury. It'll also stop the machine if it detects an internal fault.
Light curtains: Safety light curtains create a virtual barrier around a hazard using photoelectric sensors. When the light curtain detects an internal fault or something between the transmitter and receiver, the sensors will send a signal to stop the machine.
Safety controllers: Safety controllers direct and automate industrial machines and equipment, using stop and start functions to promote safe work environments and prevent operator accidents.
Benefits of Industrial Safety Hardware
When you come to Gibson Engineering for industrial safety hardware for your facility, we'll set you up with SICK sensing technology that's ideal for your individualized needs. Some of the many advantages of using automation safety devices in your industrial workplace include:
Reducing the risk of worker injury.
Delivering fast emergency responses.
Preventing accidents.
Creating greater workplace awareness.
Promoting area protection.
Incorporating access controls.
SICK Industrial Safety Hardware
SICK's Safety Controllers provide straightforward, flexible and scalable solutions for the implementation of intelligent machine design. Flexi safety controllers create a modular hardware platform without the use of complex software. They are user-friendly and provide the ideal basis for easy integration of all safety control components. Their compact design makes these safety controllers optimally suited for a variety of applications.
Safety Light Curtains reliably and cost-effectively protect against access into hazardous points and areas. They range from small and compact types to extremely robust and resistant variants that withstand special ambient conditions up to the highest safety level.
SICK Safety Laser Scanners combine know-how and experience with maximum performance. Whether mobile or stationary, for area protection or access protection, indoors or outdoors – this comprehensive portfolio offers the right cost-effective package for each and every requirement. Using the time-of-flight measurement principle, the compact devices scan their surroundings and measure distances. An integrated rotating mirror allows protection areas defined by the customer to be monitored in two dimensions.
Non-contact Safety Switches are ideal in applications where precise guidance of guards is difficult. They are resistant to shock and vibrations and offer a high level of prevention against tampering. This range of non-contact safety switches includes magnetic, transponder and inductive safety switches. Rectangular and cylindrical types are available for each sensor principle.
Electro-mechanical Safety Switches monitor movable physical guards both efficiently and reliably. The portfolio consists of three product groups: safety position switches, safety hinge switches and safety switches with a separate actuator. Safety switches with locking function lock protective devices securely and prevent access to areas which are protected by protective devices.
SICK's reliable Safety Encoders assist in the implementation of safety functions, facilitating safe and efficient machine operation. Functional safety encoders generate information about position, angle and revolution counts, with a particular emphasis on mechanical and electrical safety.
SICK’s flexible, compact and reliable Absolute Encoders generate information about position, angle and rotation counts in type-specific angle steps. For this, a unique code pattern is assigned to each angle increment. The number of code patterns available per revolution determines the resolution. Each code pattern forms a unique reference, and is therefore an absolute position.
SICK Incremental Encoders generate information about position, angle and rotation counts. The resolution is defined in the number of lines or pulses per rotation, which the encoder transmits to the control unit for each rotation. The current position can be determined by the control unit by counting these pulses.
SICK Linear Encoders detect linear movements as absolute position values without making contact. No reference run is required for the wear- and maintenance-free encoders. Different constructions with high resolution and rugged design enable use in a wide range of applications and industries.
SICK's Wire Draw Encoders facilitate positioning on linear measurement path and support a large selection of interfaces and facilitate easy system integration for applications in challenging industrial settings.
SICK Measuring Wheel systems use a wheel to record linear movements, which they then convert to speed or position values. These systems do not require a reference point on the surface to be measured, making them well-suited to measuring a wide range of surfaces. The integrated spring ensures that the wheel exerts a consistent pressure on the surface, thereby guaranteeing slip-free measurement.
SICK offers a powerful 2D Machine Vision Sensor portfolio designed to manage challenges in all industries where a standard sensor would not work. These vision sensors provide a full toolset for positioning, inspection, measurement and reading, depending on the variant. A flexible optical design fulfills the needs of almost all applications. Simplicity is ensured by automatic setup, intelligent algorithms and a common, intuitive user interface.
SICK's 3D Vision series offers a wide range of powerful and flexible products designed for reliable operation in harsh industrial environments. They range from versatile high-speed cameras that deliver high quality 3D and contrast images to smart and configurable stand-alone sensors that facilitate rapid development and easy integration. Their scalability ensures a perfect fit with your 3D vision application.
Radio-based RFID Technologies in the HF (high frequency) and UHF (ultra high frequency) ranges supplement SICK’s industrial automation portfolio. In applications where process-relevant data is modified remotely, RFID makes it possible to store data on writable and rewritable media. And, in contrast to optical solutions, RFID provides reliable identification of all objects – despite dirt and everyday wear.
Laser and Image-based Barcode Readers provide flexibility, high performance, convenience and simplicity. Even at fast conveyor speeds, SICK image code readers can reliably detect and evaluate 1D, 2D, DPM (direct part marking) and partially damaged codes.
SICK’s Automation Light Grids can be used in a number of two-dimensional inspection or counting tasks such as detecting and counting irregularly shaped objects. They offer multiple ranges, heights, sizes, orientations and resolutions.
2D LiDAR Laser Sensors are suitable for performing detection and ranging tasks on surfaces. Regardless of the angle of installation, SICK 2D LiDAR sensors operate with consistent reliability and accuracy, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. For navigation, detection or measurement: 2D LiDAR sensors supply reliable measurement data for a whole host of tasks. 3D LiDAR sensors detect their environment nearly gap-free, regardless of whether the objects move or not. That is why 3D LiDAR sensors are ideally suited for tasks such as collision protection on automated vehicles or the scanning of objects.
SICK Sensor Intelligence Videos
See inside SICK's Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Center
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How Tough is a SICK Inductive Proximity Sensor
SICK KTM Contrast Sensor
SICK Suresence: One sensor to detect everything
Hygienic solutions for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industry
SICK Technology Training Options
Learn more about our classroom-based training on the SICK Products:
Purchase Top-of-the-Line Sensing Technology at Gibson Engineering Today
SICK is a worldwide manufacturing leader in new sensing and safety product innovations with more than 1,000 patents. SICK boasts an extensive product profile capable of delivering advanced sensing solutions accurately, efficiently and securely. Contact the Gibson Engineering team today to learn more about how you can use SICK technology for your operation to reduce accidents, maximize efficiency and unlock your Industry 4.0 potential.