Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric sensors detect the distance, absence or presence of an object. These sensors are great for sensing long distances and detecting most materials.

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  • baumer-om20-30-photo-sensor_10__16821.jpg

    Baumer

    OM20-P0120.HH.YIN

    Distance Sensor, 16-120mm, 12-28VDC, 4-20mA/2-10mA, IO-Link V1.1, Teach-In, Point Beam, Laser Class1, Pulsed Red Laser Diode, Die-Cast Zinc, M8 4-pin Connector, IP67, CE, cULus, -10 to +50°C Operating Temperature, 37 x 34.5 x 13mm (HWD)

    $1,725.60
    $1,725.60
  • baumer-om30-photo-sensor_9__43503.jpg

    Baumer

    OM30-L0350.HV.YUN

    Photoelectric Distance Sensor, Laser Line, 50-350mm Range, Analog and Digital Output Signal: 0-10VDC/0-5VDC, 12-28VDC, 50mA, Teach-In Button/IO Link, Pulsed Red Laser Diode, Die-Cast Zinc, M8 4-pin Connector, IP67, -10 to +50°C° Operating T

    $1,725.60
    $1,725.60
  • Baumer_OT500_Primary.jpg

    Baumer

    OT500.DL-GLUBJ.72F

    Photoelectric Distance Sensor-Version: Time of Flight, Measuring Distance 150...2500 mm, Teach-in and IO-Link, Pulsed Red Laser Diode, Output Circuit Push-Pull and Analog, 12...30 VDC, M12 Connector (5 Pin), IP67

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_117302_-_thru_beam_sensor__61246.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    117302

    Safety Thru-Beam Sensor, Transmitter, 0.2-10m Effective Detection Range, LED, 660nm Light Source, Power Supply via Control Unit, Operation on Control Units of SB4 (SafeBox), M12 5-Pin 90° Rotatable Connector, IP67, Returns are subject to Ma

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_117304_-_thru_beam_sensor__82557.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    117304

    Safety Thru-Beam Sensor, Receiver, 0.2-10m Effective Detection Range, LED, 660nm Light Source, Power Supply via Control Unit, Operation on Control Units of SB4 (SafeBox), M12 5-Pin 90° Rotatable Connector, IP67, Returns Subject to Manufactu

  • pepperl_fuchs_-_132616_-_sensor__74685.jpg

    Pepperl+Fuchs

    132616

    Print Mark Contrast Sensor, Diffuse Mode, 10-30VDC, 11mm ± 2 mm Range, Teach-In, Light/Dark On, 2 Push-Pull O/P, M12 5 Pin, Nickel Plated Die-Cast Zinc, Plastic Optics, -20 to 60°C Ambient Temp., 41.5 x 49 x 15mm (WHD), IP67

Photoelectric sensors detect the distance, absence or presence of an object. These sensors are great for sensing long distances and detecting most materials.

How Does a Photoelectric Sensor Work?

Generally a photoelectric sensor consists of the following:

  • Transmitter - emits the light beam
  • Receiver - detects the light beam and converts it to an electrical signal

Photoelectric sensors detect changes in the light beam caused by the presence/absence, movement or properties of an object.

Types of Photoelectric Sensors:

  • Through-Beam (Thru-Beam)
    • Transmitter and receiver are two separate units that are directly opposite of each other. The sensor detects when an objects breaks the light beam
    • Great for long distance detection
    • Ideal for conveyors, counting or monitoring door openings
  • Retroreflective (Reflective Mode)
    • Transmitter and receiver are in one housing; light beam is reflected back by a reflector. Detection is triggered when an object breaks the beam.
    • Medium range detection and easier to install than a through beam
    • Ideal for package detection and pallet positioning
  • Diffuse (Proximity Mode)
    • The transmitter and receiver in one housing; the sensor detects light reflected directly off the target object (no reflector needed)
    • Best for short range applications
    • Ideal for detecting objects on assembly lines, verifying presence or checking fill level
  • Specialized Types:

Categories Related to Photoelectric Sensors:

  • Stack lights - signal towers visually communicate the data or alerts that the photoelectric sensors are generating
  • Smart relays - photoelectric sensors provide input signals which can process the data and control outputs
  • Pushbuttons and estops - if your sensor detects a fault, an operator can use a pushbutton to reset the system
  • HMIs - HMIs can dispay the data from the photoelectric sensor which allows you to monitor processes