With the addition of inductive sensor technology from EVK, optical and photonics company Headwall Group has expanded its capabilities in machine vision and sensor-based sorting and inspection. Located in Raaba, Austria near Graz, EVK has pioneered industrial image data analysis with hyperspectral and inductive sensor technologies through its development of sensor-based sorting and analysis systems for recycling, mining, food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries for more than 35 years.
Its inductive sensors provide spatially resolved information about metals in a bulk material flow. The sensor is mounted under a conveyor belt and works in real time, fully automated and has been specially developed for industrial applications. Particularly in sensor-based sorting and inspection, the sensor serves to detect the electrical conductivity properties of materials.
Typically, inductive sensors detect metallic objects by generating a high-frequency magnetic field and sensing the change when a metal target enters it, causing eddy currents that alter the field and trigger the sensor. While they work with magnetic principles, they detect metal by inducing magnetic effects rather than sensing a permanent magnet’s field like a dedicated magnetic sensor.
Based in Bolton, Massachusetts and a portfolio company of private equity firm Arsenal Capital Partners, Headwall made the acquisition in January 2025. Headwall and its group companies design and manufacture hyperspectral imaging systems, optical components and inspection solutions for food processing, recycling, pharmaceutical and environmental monitoring industries.
“We are thrilled to welcome EVK into the Headwall family,” said Mark Willingham, CEO of Headwall Group. “Their proven track record in sensor-based solutions and industrial inspection complements our vision of providing integrated, next-generation hyperspectral technologies at the speed and scale needed by the industry.”
Matjaz Novak, CEO of EVK, stated, “Joining forces with Headwall presents a tremendous opportunity to combine our expertise and technologies. Together, we can offer our customers enhanced solutions and expand our reach in the industrial imaging market. We look forward to a collaborative future that leverages the strengths of both organizations.”
For more info, see www.headwallphotonics.com, www.evk.biz.
