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Photoelectric sensors detect presence, distance, or color using light via through-beam, retroreflective, or diffuse sensing modes. Specialized types, such as fiber optic and fork sensors, are also available; certain models offer IO-Link and smart functionality for advanced data and configuration.
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Photoelectric Sensors
Photoelectric sensors use light and optics to detect object presence, color, or distance. Standard models provide discrete or analog outputs; smart sensors offer advanced functionality; and models with IO-Link capability supply measurement, diagnostic, performance, and configuration data. Photoelectric sensors from brands such as Autonics, Contrinex, Datalogic, di-soric, Eaton, Leuze, Micro Detectors, and Wenglor, as well as our own AchieVe, AutomationDirect, and ProSense brands, can detect a wide variety of materials and measure distances from a few millimeters up to hundreds of meters.
For part listings and specifications, go to Shop Now
Photoelectric Sensors Overview
Background Suppression
Newest Additions!
- Contrinex IO-Link smart photoelectric sensors
Diffuse photoelectric sensors with background suppression detect objects by sensing reflected light. They offer reliable detection by ignoring surrounding objects and provide a stable sensing distance regardless of target color. Some models use blue light to accurately sense dark or shiny targets.
Diffuse
Newest Additions!
- Contrinex IO-Link smart photoelectric sensors
Diffuse photoelectric sensors combine an emitter and receiver into a single compact housing. They sense presence, color, or contrast by emitting a light beam and sensing the light reflected directly from the target. They are easy to install and adjust, but typically have shorter sensing distances.
Retroreflective
Newest Additions!
- Contrinex IO-Link smart photoelectric sensors
Retroreflective sensors bounce light off a fixed reflector; a target is detected when it breaks the beam. They offer longer sensing distances than a diffuse style but require alignment of the sensor and reflector. Polarized models improve detection accuracy by filtering out ambient light sources.
Through-Beam
Through-beam photoelectric sensors consist of an emitter and a receiver in separate housings. The emitter sends a beam of light to the receiver, which determines a target is present when the beam is interrupted. These sensors offer the longest sensing distances but require precise alignment.
Fiber Optic Sensors
Fiber optic sensors provide a remotely mounted electronics and optics package with fiber optic extensions to the sensing area. They offer supreme noise protection, and their small size is perfect for extremely tight locations or where even low-power electronics are not allowed.
Fork Sensors
Fork sensors (also called slot or "U" sensors) offer advantages over standard through-beam sensors, including identical mechanical / optical axis, operational reliability and repeatability with transmitter and receiver built into the same housing.
Reflectors, Lens Adapters and Splitters
Reflectors, lens adapters, shutters, and splitters are available for proper operation and detection or to alter the size and/or path of the emitted light for specialized installations.
Mounting Brackets and Rods
Brackets and adapters are available in various materials for mounting tubular and rectangular photoelectric sensors.
Sensor Tester and Spare Parts
Replacement hex nuts and a sensor tester are available to securely install and validate the operation of photoelectric sensors.
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