"Smart" calculations and application requests

Sensor app from ipf electronic integrates new practice-oriented functions

With the sensor app, ipf electronic introduced one of the first applications of its kind for smartphones and tablets with iOS and Android operating systems more than eight years ago. Version 4.0.1. of the app has now been supplemented with two new practical features.

In addition to the extensive range of products that can also be found on the sensor specialist's website, such as the online store and the product search by product properties or article numbers, the app now integrates a calculation tool for safety light curtains and a so-called "application request" with free feasibility analysis.

Calculate safety distance easily

With the new calculation tool, the distance of a safety light curtain to the danger zone can be quickly determined by entering just a few pieces of data. All you need to do is select the mounting position of the light curtain (perpendicular or horizontal), enter the protected field height, the distance between the transmitter and receiver and the stopping time of a hazardous movement. The tool then calculates the safety distance of a light curtain from the danger zone and lists the corresponding products from the ipf electronic portfolio with detailed information.

Christian Fiebach, Managing Director of ipf electronic, comments: "In our experience, the distance of safety light curtains, for example, is often underestimated in practice. For example, a perpendicularly mounted system with a field height of 1000mm would have to be 478mm away from the danger zone with a machine stopping time of 0.2s. With a stopping time of 0.3s, this distance increases to more than 638mm. Our very easy-to-use calculation tool therefore also sensitizes users to a certain extent to the importance of correctly determining such distances."

Feasibility analysis free of charge

Another new addition to the app is the option to submit an application inquiry and request a free feasibility analysis under the "Enquiry" menu item. This gives users the opportunity to describe a specific application for which they are looking for a specific sensor solution in just a few words. In addition, images of the application can be taken with the smartphone and sent with the request. ipf electronic then checks which sensor solution is suitable for the application as part of a feasibility analysis.

"Our app is always available, even if we don't have office hours straight away. The application request makes it possible to outline a specific application and send us the information, including photos if required, so that we can check which solution is suitable, regardless of the time of day. With the two new functions in the latest version of our app, we are thus offering further added value for the practice," says Christian Fiebach.