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What Is A Photoelectric Sensor? from AutomationDirect
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Photoelectric sensors are everywhere! From counting boxes on a conveyor, ensuring precise packaging and labeling to the automatic doors you walk through daily, check out this video to learn more about photoelectric sensors and options available now at AutomationDirect.com.
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From counting boxes on a conveyor to ensuring precise packaging and labeling, photoelectric sensors are everywhere! Today, let’s learn what a photoelectric sensor is. A photoelectric sensor is a device that uses light to detect the presence of objects. Light is either reflected off an object or a reflector, or it is transmitted directly from an emitter to a receiver. The sensor detects changes in light intensity to determine object presence based on either a light-activated or dark-activated mechanism. A light-activated sensor has an output that is actively true when it detects reflected light. A dark-activated sensor, on the other hand, has an output that is actively true when it does not detect reflected light. Not all photoelectric sensors are the same! There are four main types of photoelectric sensor technology: through-beam, retro-reflective, diffuse, and diffuse with background suppression. Diffuse, retro-reflective, and background suppression sensors are configurations in which both the emitter and receiver are housed in the same unit. Diffuse sensors use a sensing head that contains both the emitter and receiver. They detect objects by capturing reflected light. These are often the most cost-effective option since they require only one mounting point and a single housing. However, they have the shortest sensing distance. Background suppression technology allows you to teach your target and ignore objects in the background. This adds to setup time but results in a more accurate sensor. Diffuse sensors are commonly used in applications where the sensor can be placed close to the object, such as counting boxes or packages on a conveyor line. For diffuse sensors, "light-on" indicates a part is present, as there is something for the light to reflect off. "Dark-on" indicates no part is present. Retro-reflective sensors, also known as reflective sensors, require a reflector to bounce light back to the receiver. These sensors are widely used because they detect light from a fixed point rather than directly from an object. Retro-reflective sensors are commonly found in applications where the object surface won’t reflect light uniformly, such as an automatic door system. For retro-reflective sensors, "dark-on" indicates a part is present, as the part occludes the light reflection. "Light-on" indicates no part is present since nothing prevents the reflection. Through-beam sensors consist of a separate emitter and receiver. They offer the longest sensing range because the receiver detects light directly from the emitter without relying on reflection. Through-beam sensors require both components to be mounted and wired separately, but they are unaffected by the shape, color, or angle of the object, making them highly reliable in various industrial applications. For through-beam sensors, "dark-on" indicates a part is present, as the part blocks the light. "Light-on" indicates no part is present since nothing prevents the light from traveling from the emitter to the receiver. Now that we understand the basics let’s compare the pros and cons of each type: Through-beam sensors are the most powerful, offering the longest range and consistent reliability. These sensors are less likely to be affected by ambient conditions. However, they are more expensive and require two mounting points—one for the emitter and one for the receiver. They also require electrical power for both the emitter and the receiver. Retro-reflective sensors are more affordable than through-beam sensors, have a better range than diffuse sensors, and only require power to the sensor, not the reflector. However, they are less precise than through-beam sensors, more expensive than diffuse sensors, and require two mounting points—one for the sensor and one for the reflector. Diffuse sensors are the most cost-effective option and require only one mounting point. However, they have the shortest range. They are also more color-dependent, as the surface of the object must reflect enough light to trigger the sensor. Diffuse sensors with background suppression technology are similar to standard diffuse sensors and are highly effective with reflective backgrounds. However, they are more expensive and require additional setup time to calibrate the sensor. Whichever sensor you choose, be sure to visit us at AutomationDirect.com to explore our full lineup of photoelectric sensors. We carry top brands like Wenglor and Eaton, as well as more budget-friendly options like ProSense, Contrinex, and Achieve. Hundreds of models are in stock right now and ready to ship! If you need further assistance, our award-winning technical support team is available to help with any questions about our products. Plus, we offer a free 45-day money-back guarantee to ensure that the sensor works for you and your application. Click here to learn more about our sensors. Click here for more videos.
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