The emitter and receiver on thru-beam sensors are aligned opposite one another. The advantage of this is that the light reaches the receiver directly and long detection ranges and high excess gain can therefore be achieved. These sensors are capable of reliably detecting almost any object. The angle of incidence, surface characteristics, color of the object, etc., are irrelevant and do not influence the functional reliability of the sensor.
The emitter and receiver are aligned in a housing such that the retroreflective sensors are easy to install. Simply position a reflector on the opposite side and align the sensor with it. The standard version featuring a polarization filter combines the installation benefits offered by the retroreflective system with the reliable detection, even of reflective objects, at long detection ranges. The retroreflective sensors for clear object detection are ideal for reliably detecting transparent objects.
Diffuse mode sensors are particularly easy to install, since only one device has to be fitted and no reflector is required. These sensors operate primarily at close range, feature optimum switching accuracy, and can reliably detect even very small objects. The sensors with background suppression sense only a specific area in front of the sensor. The sensor ignores any objects that are outside of this area. Sensors with background suppression are also insensitive to interfering objects in the background and are still extremely precise. Sensors with background evaluation are always used in applications with a fixed background in the measuring range with which you can align the sensor.
Switching sensors with measurement core technology are based the Multi Pixel Technology (MPT) developed by Pepperl+Fuchs. Thus, multiple operating modes and switching points are easily set up in a single triangulation sensor. These photoelectric sensors can be configured as background suppression sensors, background evaluation sensors, and in window operation mode. Additionally, the sensors are equipped with a standard IO-Link interface which enables users to easily integrate them into versatile applications.
Fiber optic sensors and cables are the perfect solution for applications where the direct mounting of sensors is not possible due to space restrictions, temperature extremes, and so on. Small fiber optic beams are ideal for detecting tiny objects.
With a fast response time, the devices are ideal for detecting tiny objects from long distances. They are frequently used to detect objects on vibrating and oscillating conveyors. Slot grid sensors handle challenging counting and monitoring tasks such as detecting non-guided objects in free fall.
In the automation of packaging and printing processes, the reliable detection of print and color marks plays a key role in coordinating the various processing steps. Photoelectric contrast sensors are specially designed for such detection tasks.
Light grids are ideal for applications where wider areas need to be monitored. Light grids are much easier to mount, install, and align and are therefore preferred to multiple individual photoelectric sensors. Application areas range from controlling the width, height, and profile of pallets in material handling facilities to detecting position-independent objects, controlling overlap on larger conveyed goods, and monitoring elevator doors.
Whether near range or long distances—Pepperl+Fuchs offers innovative technologies for distance measurement. Sensors with Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT) use strong laser pulses to deliver reliable results at all times, even at high detection ranges and in difficult ambient conditions. For short distances, multipixel technology (MPT) offers maximum precision.
The optical data couplers were designed to establish wireless communication with stock feeders, industrial trucks, automated transportation systems, overhead conveyors and docking stations. Mechanical and problematic RF- and Wi-Fi-based transmissions are avoided as a result. Devices with a variety of operating ranges and transfer rates are available.
Pepperl+Fuchs developed a number of industry-specific special devices for applications that are functionally not covered by the standard program. The application-specific sensors offer completely new possibilities in optical sensor technology for the user searching for the “right" solution.
Personnel protection is becoming increasingly important in automated processes. Wherever machines perform high-risk movements, the relevant health and safety regulations must be observed. Even if the operator is momentarily distracted, shearing, crushing, and impact injuries must be prevented.
Nowadays, it is hard to imagine life without escalators, automatic doors, gates, barriers, and elevators. As if by magic, they open automatically, detect obstacles, and appear to react quite naturally to approaching people and objects.
An extensive selection of accessories complements our photoelectric sensors product line, with application-specific fiber optic cables, mounting brackets, and a broad range of reflectors.
Industrial vision is one of the key sensor technologies of the future. The sensors and systems available from Pepperl+Fuchs range from vision sensors to system solutions that are customized according to the needs of your specific application. From the rack fine positioning of automated storage and retrieval systems to sheet verification in print post-processing, Pepperl+Fuchs offers vision sensors that are designed for your specific applications. Light section sensors based on unique SmartRunner technology enable rugged solutions for reliable presence, completeness, and position detection, even for low-contrast objects and in a wide range of lighting conditions.
The specialists at VMT Bildverarbeitungssysteme GmbH, a Pepperl+Fuchs Group company, work with customers to develop the requirements profile and implement highly complex, innovative image processing and laser sensor systems, and complete solutions for sensor-based robot guidance and path correction.
The 3-D sensors of the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D series are made for goods inspection on conveyor belts or for pick-and-place applications in robotics. The 3-D vision sensor delivers high-precision 3-D point cloud images in addition to 2-D images, and is available with stereo vision technology or time-of-flight (ToF) technology. Commissioning is performed with the intuitively operable ViSolution software—regardless of what technology or sensor version you choose.
Pepperl+Fuchs offers application-specific vision sensor solutions for different fields of application. The sensors are ideal for a wide range of applications such as positioning, tracking, feature recognition, quality control, camera-based identification and optical measurement. Due to their flexible applicability, the universal vision sensors close the gap between simple 2D vision sensors and costly vision systems.
Laser profile sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs feature optimal precision and reliability, regardless of surface structure, contrast, and color. Laser profile sensors are perfect for detecting, monitoring, and protecting even the smallest objects.
Vision Systems represent the most complex stage in image processing and are adapted to the specific customer requirements of the application. VMT Bildverarbeitungssysteme GmbH is the competence center for vision systems.
The event camera (IP65/- 30° to + 50°C) continuously records the last 60 seconds of the video stream. It provides a 24/7 live view of your application as well as an internal ring buffer to capture a video recording 60 seconds before and after a trigger event. Digital hardware input allows easy integration for event recording and improved error analysis. Full HMI integration is possible thanks to REST API.
In industrial applications, ultrasonic sensors are characterized by their reliability and outstanding versatility. Ultrasonic sensors can be used to solve even the most complex tasks involving object detection or level measurement with millimeter precision, because their measuring method works reliably under almost all conditions.
No other measuring method can be successfully put to use on such a wide scale and in so many different applications. The devices are extremely robust, making them suitable for even the toughest conditions. The sensor surface cleans itself through vibration, and that is not the only reason why the sensor is insensitive to dirt. The physical principle—the propagation of sound—works, with a few exceptions, in practically any environment.
The measuring method employed by ultrasonic sensors has been viewed as an excessively complex technology, and only used as a “last resort” ... as a solution for particularly difficult applications. Those times have long since passed!
Ultrasonic sensors have proven their reliability and endurance in virtually all industrial sectors.
These sectors include:
Ultrasonic sensors are most commonly used in the diffuse mode. A single ultrasonic transducer is used as both emitter and receiver and is typically contained in the same housing as the evaluation electronics.
To reliably detect difficult objects, the majority of our diffuse mode sensors can be converted to retroreflective operation via software parameterization. Some ultrasonic sensors are supplied as retroreflective sensors from the outset.
Ultrasonic thru-beam sensors feature an extremely powerful acoustic beam. They offer a large detection range within compact housing dimensions. Unlike diffuse and retroreflective models, these sensors do not continuously switch between transmission and reception modes or wait for an echo signal to arrive. Thus, their response time is considerably faster, resulting in very high switching frequencies.
Double sheet sensors are ultrasonic thru-beam sensors that have been optimized specifically for sheet feed applications, including double sheet detection, label counting, and splice detection.
Double sheet and double material sensors distinguish between empty gaps, one, and two layers of material, including paper, metals, wooden boards, and glass panes.
When performing label detection tasks, the sensors can distinguish between the label backing and the base material.
Compatible accessories offer enormous potential for cost savings. Not only do you save a great deal of time and effort when installing the sensors, but also when servicing them. If products are used in harsh ambient conditions, appropriate Pepperl+Fuchs accessories can be used to extend the service life of the sensors.
The USi-safety ultrasonic sensor system is breaking new ground for safety applications—whether in challenging, dusty environments or in outdoor areas. Machines and vehicles can be reliably protected using state-of-the-art ultrasonic technology and all of the advantages this brings.