Photoelectric sensors help your process run smoothly by detecting any object that might hinder its efficiency. With new innovations of photoelectric sensor technology coming to light every day, it’s important to stay on top of the latest news. Sensor Tips can help! Browse the articles below to get the latest news and information about photoelectric sensors.

Photoelectric Sensors Offer Application Advantages

Pepperl+Fuchs ML4.2 Series Subminiature Photoelectric Sensors have faster response times, multi-beam redundant detection, independent outputs and zero deadband sensing. The newest ML4.2 high-speed models offer 250 µs response time, half the time of the standard ML4.2 models. ML4.2 dual sensor redundant detection models have dual light beams from two emitter LEDs that reflect light to two receivers.  Compared with single beam sensing, the redundant light beam enables more reliable sensing of transparent or glossy objects that are foil or plastic-wrapped.

For more information about Pepperl+Fuchs ML4.2 Series Subminiature Photoelectric Sensors, click here for high speed models or here for dual sensor redundant detection models.

Multi-Pixel Array Sensors Increase Sensing Distance up to Three Times

Compared to similarly sized sensors, Pepperl+Fuchs RL31-8-H-800 multi-pixel array sensors can sense up to three times further away from the target. The sensors use an ultra high-intensity emitter called PowerBeam that provides a visible and uniform light spot, even on dark and dull black materials, to simplify sensor alignment and detection. With extremely low sensitivity to objects’ colors, the sensors can reliably and consistently detect objects and do not require re-adjustments or re-teaching if printed material changes or plastic parts fade or a new container is introduced.

For more information on Pepperl+Fuchs RL31-8-H-800 Multi-Pixel Array Sensors, click here.

Getting the Right Harsh Environment Photoelectric Sensor

Photoelectric Sensor Targets Harsh Environments

Banner Engineering Corp. repackaged its TM18 EZ-BEAM photoelectric sensor for use in heavy duty environments. With its nickel-plated, die-cast zinc metal housing and completely epoxy encapsulated electronics, the TM18 achieves an IP69K rating. This design provides the durability and resistance for harsh industrial sensing environments, such as those with high pressure washdowns.

For easy alignment to a variety of targets, the photoelectric sensor is available in opposed, polarized retroreflective, diffuse and fixed-field (background suppression) modes.

The unit has a right angle shape, an 18-mm threaded barrel mount and integral all metal M12 quick disconnect. Its metal housing provides the sensor immunity to electro-magnetic noise and improved ability to withstand interference from fluorescent lamps.

For more information on the Banner Engineering TM18 Photoelectric Sensor, click here.

ROHM Semiconductor’s Sensors Race Track

At Sensors Expo 2011, Steve Chutka, a field applications engineer at ROHM Semiconductor USA explains the sensors on its small demo truck to Sensor Tips’ Randy Frank.  The six sensors communicate to a sensor hub via ZigBee wireless protocol.

For more information about ROHM Semiconductor’s sensors and other products, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Vision Sensor Reads Linear and Data Matrix Codes

With its Sharpshooter ID vision sensor, Balluff now has an ID version designed to read a large range of linear bar codes and 2D Data Matrix codes, as well as optical character verification (OCV).

The vision sensor can read more than 10 types of linear bar codes, including PDF417 and 2D Data Matrix codes. The Data Matrix code reader reads both printed and direct part mark (DPM) based marks. Since alphanumeric characters like date codes or expiration codes can typically coexist with barcodes, the ID version also has an OCV tool to verify these values.

For more information about Balluff’s Sharpshooter ID vision sensor, click here.

Photoelectric and Inductive Sensors Designed for Hygienic and Washdown Apps

Hygienic applications may require more than one type of sensor. With its newest sensors, Baumer addresses measurements that require photoelectric and inductive sensing. To meet hygienic and washdown requirements, the sensors have smooth, groove-free V4A stainless steel housings. In addition, mounting accessories are EHEDG-certified, Ecolab-approved and the materials are FDA-compliant.

 Baumer developed its proTect+ concept for higher impermeability and guarantees a higher sensor performance and lifetime. In addition to traditional IP68 and IP69K impermeability tests, special endurance testing exposes the sensors to continuously changing temperature cycles to ensure higher reliability.

Get more information on Baumer’s Sensors for Hygienic Design: for inductive sensors, click here and for photoelectric sensors, click here.

Infrared Detector Arrays Boast Enhanced Measurement Stability

For those applications that need to sense PbS and PbSe, Cal Sensors’ LMA (Linear Multiplexed Array) family of lead salt infrared detectors can provide up to 25% increased measurement stability. Consisting of six compensation elements and 250 active elements, the 256-element array provides real-time measurement compensation for environmental changes. Measurement corrections are made based on a comparison of the six compensation elements and three active elements on each side of the array. In addition, the sensors have a much as 10% system noise reduction that provides increased measurement resolution and built-in shielding to isolate the array from measurement variables that could reduce accuracy.

Get more information about Cal Sensors LMA family: PbS and PbSe.

Diffuse Contrast Sensor Operates within 50 µs

Print mark detection in high-speed packaging and printing operations requires a rapid response sensor.  Baumer’s FKDK 14 diffuse contrast sensor uses a white LED to precisely detect print marks within a response time of 50 µs. With the white light source, the photoelectric sensor can reliably detect print marks of all colors, even with slight contrast to the background. A yellow LED visible through the sensor’s transparent housing base indicates the switching status.

The sensor’s 14.8 x 43 x 31-mm size allows easy integration into machines.

For more information about Baumer’s FKDK 14, click here.

Sensing Print Mark Detection

TRI-TRONICS MARK•EYE PRO sensor has a 45-µs response time and high immunity to ambient light. Using the broadband characteristics of a white light LED, the sensor achieves high-resolution for detecting the greatest variety of color combinations on any color background.

With the sensor’s “One-Touch” AUTOSET, setup simply involves putting the background in view, pressing the black button if the background is darker than the registration mark or pressing the white button if the background is lighter than the registration mark.

Units are available with lens and fiberoptic light guide options as well as 6-ft cable or connector options.

For more information on TRI-TRONICS MARK-EYE Pro, click here.

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