All about photoelectric sensors!

What are photoelectric sensors?

Photoelectric sensors are the ones that use a beam of light to sense or detect objects in the path. The ray of light used can be infrared or visible. Generally, photosensors can be classified into three broad categories:

1) Diffuse Reflective-type Sensor:
The emitting source and the receiver are in the same housing. Normally the light beam does not get reflected back to the receiver. 

On the other hand, when a target comes in between then the beam gets reflected back to the receiver, hence it starts sensing. The diffused reflective light method helps us to get stable measurements or readings.

Usage:

•  Detection of many objects kept together on a conveyer belt.

•  Detection of translucent objects

• Detection of fill up levels of a container

• Detection of specific parts in an object

2) Through-beam Reflective-type Sensor:
In a through-beam reflective type photosensor, the emitter and the receiver are kept facing each other. A light beam is emitted by the emitter and received by the receiver.

Whenever a target or object comes in between the emitter and the receiver, the light flow is stopped. This is how this type of sensor works.

Usage:

• It can only detect opaque objects.

• The level of liquid inside a container can be detected.

• Even the tiniest object can be sensed.

• One can sense materials that overlap each other.

3) Retro-reflective Sensor:
This contains the properties of both the above-mentioned types. Here the receiver and emitter are both in the same housing. There is a reflector that is kept in the opposite direction. They both are kept in such a manner that they are facing each other.
The beam of light emitted from the emitter gets reflected on the reflector and is received back by the receiver.

Whenever a target object comes in between the beam does not get reflected on the reflector. This is how this kind of sensor works.

Usage:

• It is mainly used for the detection of large objects.

• Objects which are moving at high speed can be detected.

• Clear, transparent, and even plastic products can be sensed.

Why should one use sensors manufactured by Autonics?

Autonics is an automatic solution provider from South Korea. It provides a wide range of sensors and controllers. The quality provided by Autonics is such that one cannot complain about its accuracy. The sensors and controllers manufactured by Autonics is today in various machines, equipment, and devices.
Radio Equipment Company is the company authorized distributor for Autonics Automation India Pvt Ltd.

Here are some of the photosensors up for sale this month: