On the outside, nothing has changed. But the completely reworked RF IS FL wireless inductive sensors, which steute steute business division Controltec will be presenting at the SPS 2025, feature new high-utility functions for users in mechanical and plant engineering, as well as industrial manufacturing.
Two goals were at the heart of the re-design. Firstly, the cylindrical sensors in diameters M 8, M 12, M 18 and M 30 are now also suitable for flush mounting. To date, this was not possible because battery-powered wireless inductive sensors with a fixed switching point would detect the surrounding metallic material and switch accordingly. This unfortunately often ruled out their use in some applications – e.g. the detection of material handling in robot grippers, or the detection of workpieces in machine tools or assembly and handling units.
The steute engineers have managed to open up these additional application fields by developing their latest generation as FLexible sensors with digital autocalibration. The inductive sensors now no longer have a fixed switching point, but adjust their switching point automatically and dynamically to the situation in question. And this includes the distinction between flush and non-flush mounting. The sensors can even adjust to dynamic changes, such as increasing dirt levels. The sensors are thus always fit for use and only switch when required by the situation or the user.
The second goal – reduced power consumption – has also been achieved. Certain measures now considerably lengthen the battery lifetime in the universal radio modules, suitable for connection to up to four RF IS FL. Overall, the power requirement could be reduced by as much as 80%, compared to the previous model.
steute will be launching its new series of wireless sensors at the SPS 2025. Typical application industries for the RF IS FL series will include tool and mould design and construction, as well as assembly and handling technology. In both branches of industry, the sensor detects e.g. the presence of workpieces in tools, or the presence or position of metal components in automated assemblies.
In addition to these wireless inductive sensors, steute will also be showing two new series of wireless foot switches at the fair. The RF GF series uses a new wireless system developed by steute and based on Bluetooth LE, distinguishing it from its predecessor. It also features a long range (up to 45m indoors) and extended battery power between charging cycles. Whereas these foot switches are suitable for universal use throughout industry, the steute RF GFS 2 XL is aimed specifically at heavy-duty applications in machine and plant engineering. Thanks to its oversized protective shield with an integrated antenna, it can also be actuated by operators wearing safety shoes.
steute at the SPS 2025: Hall 9, Booth 140