Photoelectric sensors

What are the different operating principles of photoelectric sensors and which sensor is right for your application? Read full whitepaper here.

Popularity

Operating principle of light barriers and diffuse reflection sensors

Photoelectric sensors function as position sensors, detecting objects by interrupting or reflecting their own light beams.

Light barriers come in three variants: through-beam, retro-reflective, and diffuse reflection sensors. Through-beam sensors transmit a light beam in only one direction, requiring the transmitter and receiver be incorporated in different housings, meaning there is no reflection to the transmitter. With retro-reflective sensors, transmitter and receiver exist in one component, as the transmitted light beam reflects to the receiver by a reflector. By comparison, a diffuse reflection sensors’ transmitter and receiver also exist in one housing, but unlike the retro-reflective sensors, no specific reflector is needed for the reflection. Any object will do; the range of diffuse reflection sensors depends largely on the object surface and the degree of reflection.

There are numerous applications for light barriers and diffuse reflection sensors, such as:

Position detection in packaging, conveying and handling technology
Object recognition in the wood, paper, cement and automotive industries
Positioning in steel processing
Detection of vehicles in car wash plants and on gateways

Order photoelectric sensors online from Automation24

Automation24 offers you many light barriers and diffuse reflection sensors at low prices. Renowned manufacturers such as ifm electronic offer top quality products in this range. It covers baseline products for standard applications, as well as light barriers and diffuse reflection sensors for applications with very complex and extensive requirements.

The offered portfolio of photoelectric sensors includes transmitters and receivers for through-beam sensors and retro-reflective sensors, as well as diffuse reflection sensors with and without background suppression. The cable and connector units are available in rectangular and threaded designs with ranges up to 80m. Automation24 offers you light-on, dark-on and correspondingly programmable light barriers. The protection ratings range from IP67 to IP69K, which ensures that the sensors stand up to a variety of environmental conditions. All light barriers are available in stock and can be filtered online to meet your specific requirements.

At Automation24, we offer a large selection of light barriers and diffuse reflection sensors at very favorable prices. Select the sensor suitable for you application now!