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.

Additional Sensor Categories:
Proximity | Ultrasonic | Pressure | Temperature | Level | Tilt

 

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  • Baumer_OR18W_Primary.png

    Baumer

    OR18W.TI-ZZZP.9VO

    11157855

    Thru-Beam Sensor, Emitter, Pulsed Infrared Diode, 12-30VDC, 13m Actual Range Sb, M12 4-Pin Connector, Ø18 x 67.2mm, Stainless Steel, -25 to +55°C, IP67, Receiver Sold Separately

  • Baumer_OHDM_5001_Primary.png

    Baumer

    OHDM 16P5002/S14

    10238243

    Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression, Pulsed Red Laser Diode, Laser Class 2, 10-30VDC, 25-300mm Sensing Distance Tw, Mechanical 8-Turn, PNP, Light/Dark Operate, M12 4-Pin Connector, 15.4 x 50 x 50mm (WxHxD), Die-Cast Zinc, -10 to +50°C, IP67

    $1,249.20
    $1,249.20
  • Baumer_FRDK_S_Primary.png

    Baumer

    OPDK 14P5901/S14

    11001317

    Retroreflective Sensor, Polarization Filter, Pulsed Red Laser Diode, Laser Class 1, 10-30VDC, 10m Actual Range Sb, Teach-in, PNP, Light/Dark Operate, M12 4-Pin Connector, 14.8 x 43 x 31mm (WxHxD), Plastic (ASA/MABS), -10 to +50°C, IP67

  • Baumer_OHDM_5001_Primary.png

    Baumer

    OHDM 16P5001

    10236804

    Diffuse Sensor, Background Suppression, Pulsed Red Laser Diode, Laser Class 2, 10-30VDC, 25-300mm Sensing Distance Tw, Mechanical 8-Turn, PNP, Light/Dark Operate, 2m 4-Pin Cable, 15.4 x 50 x 50mm (WxHxD), Die-Cast Zinc, -10 to +50°C, IP67

    $1,264.20
    $1,264.20
  • autonics_-_bup-50s-p_-_through_beam_sensor__33307.jpg

    Autonics

    BUP-50S-P

    Thru-Beam Sensor, 1 Channel, 12-24VDC, 50mm Sensing Distance, Maximum 30mA Current Consumption, Infrared LED Light Source, Light On/Dark On (Selectable), PNP Control Output, 2m Cable Connection, -10 to 60°C (-25 to 70°C Storage), IP66

  • Baumer_FZDM_08_Primary.png

    Baumer

    FZDM 08P1001

    10218479

    Diffuse Reflective Sensor, Pulsed Infrared Diode, 10-30VDC, 40mm Sensing Distance Tw, No Adjustment, PNP, Light Operate, 2m 3-Pin Cable, 8 x 58 x 12mm (WxHxD), Anodized Aluminum, -25 to +65°C, IP65

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

Additional Sensor Categories:
Proximity | Ultrasonic | Pressure | Temperature | Level | Tilt

 

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