Ultrasonic sensors
Advantages

Advantages of ultrasonic sensors

Ultrasonic sensors detect all sound-reflecting objects and measure the time between sending and receiving a reflected sound signal The target’s colour, transparency and surface are irrelevant.

Advantages over other measuring principles

Object / Application		Ultrasonic sensor	ToF distance sensor	Photoelectric sensor
Shiny objects
Irregular objects
Objects with holes
Transparent objects
Transparent liquids
Transparent film
Large area One signal
Different colour targets
Level irregular objects (seeds, potatoes)
Long range (>1m)
Dynamic application
Angle to target
Small targets

Transparent objects are reliably detected

Blister packs, PET bottles or transparent plastic bowls in the food industry can be reliably detected using ultrasonic sensors.

Ideal for difficult surfaces

As opposed to photoelectric sensors, the target’s colour, transparency and surface reflectivity do not affect sensing. The wide beam allows reliable detection, even of mesh objects.

Reduces deposits

The vibration of the sound transducer reduces the deposit of dust. The sensors operate reliably even with light soiling and can be used in applications where photoelectric sensors reach their limits.

Outstanding performance

In all kinds of applications, ranging from batch height monitoring of cardboard boxes to “empty” detection of shiny plastic labels, ultrasonic sensors provide reliable and continuous signals. For example, the M18 type sensor offers a particularly small blind zone and long sensing ranges which are usually only achieved by sensors of a considerably larger design.