Photoelectric sensors

The solution for your detection task

Discover the new generation of our photoelectric sensors.

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The latest generation of photoelectric sensors

The photoelectric sensors from SICK offer a simple and perfect solution for every requirement. Whether in tight installation situations, for large detection distances, or with challenging objects – object detection is particularly reliable and simple using the new sensors from SICK. Highly automated processes require reliable object detection. But no matter what challenges have to be mastered, the photoelectric sensors from SICK are the intelligent solution for many demanding applications. The high detection quality of SICK sensors ensures accurate object detection results. 

Photoelectric sensors from SICK are also characterized by their high level of ruggedness and durability. The resulting reduction in downtime leads to increased productivity of your machines and systems, which gives you a decisive competitive advantage.

The right sensor for your requirements

The key: Different technologies and light sources can be integrated into different housing types made from a wide range of materials. This provides a high level of flexibility when designing systems and configuring applications. Despite the wide variety of products and the broad range of applications for which they can be used, the operation of the individual variants is almost identical and also quite intuitive. Even complex systems with many different photoelectric sensors are suitably easy to operate, which reduces the amount of maintenance required.

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DIVERSE APPLICATION POSSIBILITIES THANKS TO DIFFERENT PRODUCT VARIANTS

The right type for your mounting situation

In certain installation situations, the housing must be particularly compact, while in others, a maximum sensing range is what counts. To ensure a powerful and reliable solution is at hand for every need, the photoelectric sensors from SICK are available in a variety of housing types. This provides you with a high level of flexibility when selecting a sensor suitable for your space situation. For extra convenience, all types have standardized mounting options.

Photoelectric sensors in different housing types

The right housing material for your application

Rugged and reliable: The photoelectric sensors are available in different housing materials. In addition to a zinc die cast housing, SICK also offers a VISTAL® plastic housing that can withstand even high temperatures as well as being mechanically resilient and chemically resistant. Regardless of the application, you get a reliable solution that suits your specific requirements.

Photoelectric sensors in different housing materials

The correct light source for your detection task

The right choice of light source depends on the particular application and the resulting requirements. The following light sources are available for the photoelectric sensors from SICK: Laser red light for high precision, infrared LED for greater sensing range, and PinPoint LED as an all-rounder variant.

The photoelectric sensors also have different light spot geometries and measurement principles. This enables specific detection tasks to be solved easily and especially reliably. It also gives you freedom of choice when selecting the light source and provides you with the right sensor for your requirements.

Photoelectric sensors with different light sources

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GENERAL INFORMATION ON PHOTOELECTRIC SENSORS

What is a photoelectric sensor?

Photoelectric sensors are optical sensors for non-contact detection of persons and objects. A so-called detection object interrupts the light beam, which triggers a switching process. A photoelectric sensor consists of a sender and a receiver. If both are installed in one housing, the device is referred to as a photoelectric retro-reflective sensor. In a through-beam photoelectric sensor, the sender and receiver are located in two separate housings.

How does a photoelectric sensor work?

The sender of a photoelectric sensor sends a signal that a receiver receives directly or via a reflector. If an object or person interrupts this signal, a switching signal is triggered and the relevant object is detected. In the case of photoelectric retro-reflective sensors, a distinction is made between the principle of triangulation and autocollimation.

What are the different types of photoelectric sensors?

There are through-beam photoelectric sensors where the sender and receiver are installed in two housings. In the case of photoelectric retro-reflective sensors, however, the sender and receiver are installed in the same housing and the light beam is deflected by means of a reflector.

What are the advantages of photoelectric retro-reflective sensors?

Photoelectric retro-reflective sensors are reliable and responsive. Furthermore, they are precise and can be used in many different applications. Photoelectric retro-reflective sensors detect objects regardless of their surface properties, which enables them, for example, to also detect transparent objects.

Where are photoelectric retro-reflective sensors used?

Photoelectric retro-reflective sensors are used in a wide range of applications, for example in automation engineering, in the packaging industry, or in robotics. In general, photoelectric retro-reflective sensor are used to detect objects or persons.

What is a photoelectric proximity sensor?

Photoelectric proximity sensor are optical sensors for non-contact detection of persons and objects. The sender and receiver are installed in the same device. The reflector in this case is the object to be detected, whose surface reflects the emitted sensor light. 

How does a photoelectric proximity sensor work?

With a photoelectric proximity sensor, the sender and receiver are located in the same housing. If the object to be detected is within a taught-in sensing range and reflects sufficient light, the sensor switches.

How can I make sure that my photoelectric proximity sensor is working properly?

The basic prerequisite for proper functioning is that the photoelectric proximity sensor was commissioned correctly. The sensor must be ideally aligned and taught-in at the correct sensing range. Furthermore, it is recommended to regularly clean the front screens and reflectors, and to check the alignment. The sensors from SICK, however, exhibit a high level of ruggedness and operational safety even when exposed to contamination and disruptive influences from ambient light.

How long do photoelectric proximity sensors last?

The average service life of the photoelectric proximity sensors from SICK is 100,000 hours. The sensors are therefore durable and offer a high level of operational safety over the entire service life. The exact service life depends, however, on the ambient conditions. 

How are photoelectric proximity sensors installed?

The method of installation depends on the type of photoelectric proximity sensor and the particular application. As a rule, photoelectric proximity sensors must be mounted at a suitable location and taught in for an object or background at an appropriate sensing range.