Optical sensors are used in industry, more precisely in factory automation, to detect objects and their characteristics using light as a medium. They are triggered, for example, when the light is interrupted or the intensity of the light has changed. They operate according to certain basic principles: diffuse sensors (with and without background suppression), retro-reflective sensors, colour sensors, distance sensors and fork light barriers.
The SOE4 is one of our high-precision fibre-optic units. It enables switching frequencies of up to 8000 Hz, ranges of up to 2000 mm and is available with LED display as well as switching and analogue output. Thanks to the different mounting options (H-rail mounting or with through-hole), our fibre-optic unit SOE4 is easy to fit wherever it is needed.
Colour sensors have a transmitter that emits a light beam, which is reflected back by the detected object and then evaluated by the receiver. Evaluation is possible for the colours red, green and blue. The Festo colour sensor SOEC-RT-Q50-PS-S-7L has a range of 12 mm ... 32 mm and can be used in ambient temperatures of -10 °C ... 55 °C.
The SOOD and SOOE are sensors that operate optoelectronically. This means, for instance with diffuse sensors, that the transmitted light beam is reflected onto the receiver by the object. The intensity of the reflected light is evaluated and the switching distance can be adjusted by changing the sensitivity of the receiver. With the SOOE, this is done via IO-Link®, potentiometer or teach-in. This type of optical sensors belong to the group of diffuse sensors. They are a cost-effective solution and can be very quick to install. Other basic principles are diffuse sensors with background suppression, retro-reflective sensors, through-beam sensors and distance sensors.
The optoelectronic sensors of the SOEG series are particularly well-suited for applications with long distances. The SOEG-RS/RT has the functions of a retro-reflective sensor and background suppression and is able to detect metallic and non-conductive objects of all sizes. The SOEG-E/S is a through-beam sensor used for ranges of up to 20 m. Characteristic for both optical sensors are the round design and the electrical connection via an open cable end or a plug.
The Festo fork light barrier SOOF belongs to the group of through-beam sensors. The advantage of this type of optical sensor is that they are very reliable and efficient and can be installed very quickly. Thanks to its sturdy housing, the SOOF has an extremely high shock and vibration resistance. The SOOF is available as a polymer or metal variant, depending on which material is more suitable for your application. The fork light barrier SOOF has a 3-pin plug connection and practical LED indicators. The SOOF-M (metallic) has IO-Link® and different operating modes for added flexibility.