Using Linear Position Sensors in Recycling Center Baling Machines

Baler machines are used in shopping centers and recycling centers for compacting paper, metals, and cardboard into bales that can later be shipped out to be recycled. These machines are provided with large hydraulic cylinders to compress the material and to force the bale out of the baler.

Several of these machines are equipped with mechanical limit switches for regulating the ram position and ejectors. While using mechanical limit switches, the baler only knows completely closed or opened and must make a complete cycle if it is only half full. There are risks associated with these sensors being damaged from falling fragments in applications where heavy objects or metals are compacted.

Solution

The 950MD Mill Duty Housing and the 953 VMax™ Linear Displacement Transducer (LDT) are a perfect alternative to limit switches and are less expensive linear sensors. The 950MD Housing is fitted to the cylinder or machine to acquire the ram and bale ejector positions, and the 953 VMax LDT is equipped inside the stainless steel 950MD Mill Duty Housing.

The 950MD Housing provides an extra layer of protection to ensure the baler durability. The 953 VMax provides absolute position feedback that informs the host controller its exact position within its stroke, thus avoiding the need for the ram to stroke completely when it is just half full.

The 950MD/953VMax LDT is designed for applications that need robust continuous feedback. The sensor can be a powerful alternative to linear potentiometers as well as limit and proximity sensors.

The 950MD Mill Duty Housing and the 953 VMax LDT

Benefits

• Solves issues associated with damage from falling debris
• Increased productivity
• Solves issues with mechanical limit switches
• PLC knows the absolute position of the ram
• Less wear on equipment

Potential Customers

The potential customers are baler/crusher OEMs and large recycling centers.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Ametek Factory Automation.

For more information on this source, please visit Ametek Factory Automation.