Photoelectric sensors

Optical sensors - special tools for industry

Optical sensors are devices that use light to detect the presence of an object, in addition to detecting its shape, color, distance and thickness.

These sensors have many different properties that make them extremely useful in many industries. When is it worth using a photoelectric sensor?

Photoelectric sensors - structure and function

The functionality of photoelectric sensors is based on the exploitation of the phenomenon of light absorption, reflection, refraction or scattering on different materials and surfaces, which consist of a variety of raw materials and plastics such as metal, glass or plastic.

These sensors consist of a transmitter that generates a beam of light and a receiver that detects the light beams reflected or scattered by the object. Some sensor models also use a special optical system that directs and focuses the light beam onto the surface of the object.

In which industries is an optoelectronic sensor used?

Our range of brands is rich in a variety of photoelectric sensors that are used in many industries. Customers can opt for M18 type optical sensors, which are used in the food and beverage industry, among others. These sensors are characterized by exceptional resistance to harsh industrial conditions - the high degree of protection IP 69K qualifies our sensors for use in digital food production halls in wet areas where aggressive cleaning agents are used. The robust sensor housing made of high-quality stainless steel also enables precise monitoring of objects, e.g. in breweries, the meat processing industry or cheese production.

The product range of ifm electronic also includes the optoelectronic distance sensors OMH, which are used e.g. on high-speed conveyor belts, where they enable frequency measurement of up to 1200 Hz in speed mode and detection of small objects with a resolution of up to 0.01 millimeters. OMH optical sensors are characterized by exceptional functional accuracy, so they also enable the precise positioning and stacking required, for example, in the manufacture of battery cells.

Optical sensors for special applications

Ifm electronic customers can also opt for optoelectronic sensors that have been developed for somewhat more demanding industrial processes with a high degree of automation. High-resolution color sensors are particularly suitable for the packaging industry - these devices recognize, among other things, the color of products and packaging as well as labels and prints.

An optical sensor for non-contact level measurement of bulk solids and opaque liquids can also prove useful. These sensors use the pmd time-of-flight technology for a distance measurement: light waves emitted by the laser light source propagate, when they are reflected by the target object, the phase pattern shifts and this shift is directly proportional to the distance.

Pharmaceutical and food companies also like to use sensors to detect transparent objects. The sensors for detecting transparent objects consist of a reflex light barrier with a polarizing filter and a very fine triple mirror. Their main function is to efficiently count bottles and jars and check the condition of the film for possible damage.

Do you want to increase the efficiency of your company? Rely on the innovative products from ifm electronic.

Modern optical sensors are an extremely useful solution that more and more companies in the industrial sector are opting for every year. They enable accurate and reliable detection of objects without affecting their parameters. Are you interested in our offer? Find out about the entire product range from ifm electronic and find out more about the additional functionalities of the innovative optoelectronic sensors.