Your Roadmap to the Right Photoelectric Sensor Selection

When you’re on the hunt for a photoelectric sensor, it can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many different options out there, so how do you know what’s best for your application? Well, it involves the consideration of numerous factors to find the right one.

Photoelectric sensors are primarily designed for object detection, presence sensing, and similar applications in industrial automation and control systems. They rely on the interruption or reflection of light to detect the presence or absence of objects.

We’ve broken down the steps to selecting the right photoelectric sensor for your application.

Understand Your Application Requirements

  • Determine the type of object to detect: transparent, opaque, or reflective.
  • Define the sensing distance required for your application.
  • Consider environmental conditions where the sensor will be located, such as temperature, humidity, and potential interference.

Choose the Right Sensing Mode and Output Type

  • Photoelectric sensors come in different sensing modes, including through-beam, retro-reflective, and diffuse. Through-beam sensors have a separate transmitter and receiver, retro-reflective sensors use a reflector, and diffuse sensors detect objects directly.
  • Photoelectric sensors can have different output types, such as PNP or NPN. Choose the type that is compatible with your control system.
  • Consider the response time of the sensor, especially if your application requires fast detection.

Look at Mounting Options and Power Supply Compatibility

  • Ensure that the sensor's mounting options are suitable for your manufacturing setup.
  • Check the power supply requirements of the sensor and ensure compatibility with your facility's power system.

One Sensor for All Applications

Now that you know HOW to find the right photoelectric sensor, we’d like to introduce you to a new and innovative sensor that can be used for many manufacturing and logistics applications. In the past, photoelectric sensors were not designed with user experience in mind. We decided to change that.

The new W10 photoelectric sensor boasts the title of the world's first touchscreen user interface for sensor setup. Say goodbye to the hassle of manual configurations—this device offers a simple, intuitive, and confident setup experience.

The touchscreen interface provides users with unprecedented control and ease of use, making the installation process a breeze. The touchscreen display provides guidance to the user, and preconfigured set points are available for a power-up-and-go option. No adjustable potentiometers or external buttons are permissible.

Why Add a Touchscreen to Photoelectric Sensors?

The answer is simple – say goodbye to the hassle of manual configurations! As the world’s first touchscreen interface for sensor setup, the W10 offers a simple, intuitive, and confident setup experience.

The touchscreen interface provides users with unprecedented control and ease of use, making the installation process a breeze. The touchscreen display provides guidance to the user, and preconfigured set points are available for a power-up-and-go option. No adjustable potentiometers or external buttons are permissible.