Through beam sensors
With through beam sensors, the transmitter and receiver are in two separate devices positioned directly opposite each other. The transmitter continuously sends light to the receiver. The receiver switches as soon as the light beam is disconnected by an object. Through beam sensors are more resistant to malfunctioning and offer very high ranges. Read more here
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Through-beam sensors - precise and interference-resistant object detection
Through-beam sensors from autosen are the first choice for professionals in industry, logistics, plant engineering and automation who value precise and interference-resistant object detection. Our products offer ranges of up to 25 metres and certified IP67/IP69K protection ratings, ideal for use in harsh environments such as conveyor systems, warehouses and production lines. Transmitter and receiver are offered as separate components and must be selected as a compatible pair. Which models fit together is clearly stated in the product description. This ensures reliable installation without a reflector, individually tailored to your application.
How through-beam sensors work
Through-beam sensors consist of a separate transmitter and receiver that are precisely aligned with one another. Depending on the configured light-on/dark-on switching mode, a switching signal is triggered either when the light beam is interrupted or when the light beam is received freely. Models with visible red light make alignment even easier.
Advantages of through-beam sensors in industrial use
- Range up to 25 m - Reliable detection even over long distances
- Very fast switching frequency up to 1,000 Hz - Ideal for time-critical applications
- IP67/IP69K protection - Robust against dust, water and steam
- High interference immunity - Reliable operation even in difficult environments
- Reflector-free installation - Easy mounting without additional components
These features make through-beam sensors a robust and durable solution for industrial applications.
The right through-beam sensor for your application
The choice of the optimum model depends on your specific requirements and the field of application. Here are some typical applications and the matching through-beam sensors:
Through-beam sensors for conveyor lines and logistics centres
For reliable detection of parcels and goods on long conveyor lines, we recommend models with a long range and visible red light. They ensure continuous material flow even under harsh ambient conditions.
We recommend:
Through-beam sensors for hygiene-sensitive applications
For applications with high hygiene requirements and regular cleaning, we recommend:
They are resistant to aggressive cleaning agents and meet the strict standards of the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Through-beam sensors for access control and safety
For fast response times and precise detection of objects or vehicles, through-beam sensors are ideal - they are perfectly suited for automatic gate controls and safety systems.
Through-beam sensors for warehouse and logistics diverters
For flexible goods diversion and high cycle rates, AO036 (light-on/dark-on switching, range up to 12 m) offers an efficient solution.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about through-beam sensors
Yes, autosen through-beam sensors are specially developed for use under demanding conditions. Thanks to the high IP67 and IP69K protection ratings, they are reliably protected against dust, steam and water. They can be used outdoors without any problems, for example in logistics centres, at access controls or on conveyor lines, without weather or environmental influences impairing their function.
The available models cover a wide range spectrum - from short switching distances of under 3 m for compact systems up to 25 m for large conveyor lines and extensive logistics areas. Models such as AO041/AO042 are specifically designed for long-distance applications. Which range is the right one depends on your requirements and the precision required.
Through-beam sensors operate with different types of light to meet different requirements:
- Red light: enables easy alignment thanks to the visible light beam and is ideal for installations with frequent maintenance requirements.
- Infrared: for discreet operation and particularly robust function in dusty or dark environments.
- Laser: offers maximum precision, for example when detecting very small objects or in precision engineering applications.
The sensors can be integrated flexibly and are available both with M8 connection (4-pin) and M12 connection (2, 3 or 4-pin). There are variants with switching output that can be programmed as normally open/normally closed or also as light-on/dark-on switching. Thanks to this flexibility, through-beam sensors can be integrated easily into existing control environments and machine fleets, regardless of the existing electrical standards.
Installation is straightforward and quick: transmitter and receiver are mounted and aligned exactly opposite each other. A reflector is not required, which simplifies installation and minimises sources of error. Alignment can usually be completed within a few minutes, so that the through-beam sensor is ready for operation immediately.
Through-beam sensors are particularly robust against dust, steam and moisture. Typical sources of interference such as strong stray light sources, contamination of the optics or mechanical vibrations can be minimised through regular cleaning and correct alignment. In the event of unexpected failures, the following fault diagnosis is recommended:
- Check the exact alignment of transmitter and receiver.
- Check the power supply and connection types (PNP/NPN).
- Clean the optics carefully with a soft cloth.
- Test the function with a reference object.
If you have further questions or cannot rectify the fault, our technical support team is available at any time.
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