The ifm SB series flow sensor monitors water and oil-based media and provides outputs for both flow rate and media temperature. The variants with display are also IO-Link enabled, featuring digital transmission of the flow and temperature process values, plug-and-play replacement, and disgnostic feedback.

The mechatronic flow sensor uses a spring-supported piston that is lifted by the flowing medium (the "mechanical" portion of the technology). The piston position is detected by a magnetic sensor (the "electronic" portion of the technology), providing response time of 10 msec without being affected by rapid medium temperature changes. The piston resets to its initial position when the flow decreases to zero, allowing the sensor to be mounted vertically or horizontally as required by the application. Because flow rates in applications generally do not flucuate wildly, the spring mechanism is not subjected to typical mechanical strain and the sensor life is not affected. 

The SB sensors are ideal for applications with rapid temperature changes or where fast response time is required, such as:

• spindle coolant flow monitoring for machine tools
• furnace cooling water
• other cycling applications

Learn more about the SB family of mechatronic sensors.