Optical fork and angle sensors
March 2010
Sensors & Transducers
ifm electronic has introduced the OP range of photoelectric sensors for precise detection of part monitoring in feeder and handling systems.
A fixed housing reduces alignment time and effort and offers a lasting, rigid solution with the gain and accuracy of a through-beam but without the wiring. All the OP range (OPU for fork and OPL for angle) are available as NPN or PNP devices, with light/dark switching selectable and a potentiometer provided for sensitivity setting.
The sensing characteristics are almost laser-like, but without the cost of a laser: all OP units detect objects less than a millimetre across. The length of the slot inside the fork ranges from 17 to 60 mm, while widths between the forks range from 10 to 120 mm. The angle sensors, which can look across an angle or corner, can detect across a distance of 60 or 100 mm.
Speed is essential when looking at tiny objects therefore the OP range can switch as fast as 10 000 Hz. The sensors are sealed to IP67 and are built into a robust metal housing to eliminate distortion and withstand shock and vibration.
Operating from 10 to 35 VDC, the OP will switch 200 mA working in an environment where temperatures can be as low as -25°C or as high as 60°C. Electrical connection is made using M8 connectors and the IP67 seal eliminates ingress of dust and water.
For more information contact Chris Cronjé, ifm electronic SA, 086 143 6772, [email protected],
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