Anti-microbial casing for inductive sensors

Food processing and pharmaceuticals are branches of industry in which hygiene and absolute cleanliness have to be the focal point. Micro-organisms can multiply on equipment within a short time, bacteria can flow into mechanical weak spots, such as threads, grooves and small cracks, and spread.

In cooperation with ENSINGER GmbH and Lumberg, a new approach was taken to reduce the risk of food contamination using anti-microbial material for sensor casings.

ENSINGER GmbH is one of the leading European suppliers and processors of industrial plastics and high-temperature engineering plastics. Its high performance plastics are proven materials and are used extensively in machinery and plant construction in the automotive and aerospace industries, electronics and medical technology, as well as in many other sectors with high quality demands.

In addition, Lumberg’s core areas of expertise are development, manufacturing and sales of electromechanical and electronic components, of which connector systems and components comprise the principal part.

For the casing of the inductive sensor E2F-D, the ENSINGER plastic TECADUR PBT with the antimicrobial additive Alphasan® was the base material of choice. Such sensors are used in conveyor belts for food processing and filling plants, or as position controls for machine parts, e.g. in flap valves, conveyor belts, (cutting) tools or other moving metal parts.

The Lumberg Food and Beverage product line meets stringent hygienic standards and is able to withstand strong commercial cleaning agents, harsh chemicals, as well as high pressure cleaning by use of V4A stainless-steel and PVC.