Milk is one of the most important foods for human consumption, with demand increasing steadily all over the world. The world's major developer, manufacturer, and supplier of state-of-the-art milking machines, DeLaval stands for a crucial part of the production chain. For monitoring milk flow as well as for other applications, the company was looking for suitable sensor technology. By cooperating with SICK, DeLaval found a global partner capable of supplying the products appropriate for the great demands on reliability and ruggedness. 
At DeLaval in the Swedish town of Tumba, the health and well-being of the animals are top priority. In order to understand the animals' behavior, the industry leader employs its own agronomists, also working together with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. DeLaval's well-thought-out and reliable solutions for modern livestock breeding relieve farmers, giving them more time to improve profitability. DeLaval even has its own research farm called Hamra Gård, which serves to test new methods and systems in a production environment prior to coming on the market. In addition to reliability and ruggedness of the systems, the company invests substantial funds into quality and environmental protection.
The "Voluntary Milking System" milks twenty-four-seven
One of DeLaval's many milking systems is the "Voluntary Milking System", a milking robot developed for stocks of up to 80 cows. The "Voluntary Milking System" works twenty-four hours, seven days a week, which poses great demands on reliability and ruggedness: "The environment is difficult for any type of device," explains Rikard Löndahl, Purchasing Manager at DeLaval. 
Sensors from SICK monitor the milk flow
For optimizing the milking process, MZT8 magnetic cylinder sensors from SICK monitor the milk flow. They have a considerably longer service life than previous models, and they fit on the cylinders already used by DeLaval before. SICK's sensors have an IP classification that certifies safe function in the difficult environment containing ammonia, among other things. The sensors placed on gates and milk valves are also made by SICK. 
Support on all markets
Rikard Löndahl emphasizes that SICK was selected as a strategic partner. "It is important that our cooperation partners can serve all of our plants worldwide," comments the employee of the global enterprise DeLaval. "We have regular talks with SICK, taking a look, among other things, at sensors for future use," says Löndahl in closing. 
- Product information: MZT8 magnetic cylinder sensor
- Product portfolio: magnetic cylinder sensors
- Customer information: DeLaval
