BALLUFF Through Beam Photoelectric Sensor, Block Sensor, 1 m Detection Range

brands

attributes.Sensor_Style

attributes.Detection_Type

attributes.Detection_Range

attributes.Output_Type

attributes.Electrical_Connection

attributes.Switching_Mode

attributes.Maximum_AC_Voltage

attributes.Communication_Protocol

attributes.Maximum_DC_Voltage

attributes.Terminal_Type

attributes.Light_Source

attributes.IP_Rating

attributes.Maximum_Current

attributes.Interface

attributes.Response_Time

attributes.Hazardous_Area_Certification

attributes.Housing_Material

attributes.Maximum_Operating_Temperature

attributes.Minimum_Operating_Temperature

attributes.Mounting_Type

attributes.Series

BALLUFF Retroreflective Photoelectric Sensor, Barrel Sensor, 0 → 5 m Detection Range IO-LINK


Photoelectric sensors, or photo eyes, detect objects, changes in surface conditions, and other items by utilising different optical properties, such as the amount of light reflected. Most photoelectric sensors use infrared or visible light (typically red, green or blue for colour identification) as their light source. These sensors offer several advantages, including durability, versatility in applications, ease of use, and affordability.

## **What are Photoelectric Sensors?**

The main function of photoelectric sensors is to determine the distance, absence, or presence of physical objects by emitting a field or beam of electromagnetic radiation. An object is detected by measuring alterations in the return signal. This is achieved as sensors have an Emitter for emitting light beams and a Receiver for receiving light beams. There are three main types of photoelectric sensors: through-beam, retro-reflective and diffuse, which vary slightly in the way they function.

## **Types of Photoelectric Sensors**

The basic function of each is to detect the presence or absence of objects or measure the distance to the object. You can learn more in our complete guide to photoelectric sensors below.

### **Through-Beam Sensors**

[Through-beam sensors](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/sensors/photoelectric-sensors/?applied-dimensions=4294644143,4292375497,4292375501,4292375496,4292375502) (aka thru-beam) rely on two separate housings, one for the transmitter and one for the receiver. The transmitter provides a continuous beam of light to the receiver. Each time an object passes through the beam, this interrupts the signal between the transmitter and receiver, which in turn causes the receiver to send an electrical signal to the output. Through-beam sensors are suited to long-distance sensing and can detect almost any object, irrespective of colour or angular motion.

### **Retro-Reflective Sensors**

[Retro-reflective photoelectric sensors](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/sensors/photoelectric-sensors/?applied-dimensions=4293741797,4293775963,4294644284) (retro-reflective) have both the transmitter and receiver contained within the same housing but require a reflector opposite the sensor. The reflector bounces the light beam back to the transmitter until an object breaks the beam. Objects which are highly reflective, such as aluminium, require sensors with polarising filters. The filter allows the sensor to acknowledge that the reflected light from reflecting materials is different from the reflector.

### **Diffuse Sensors**

Diffuse sensors ([proximity sensors](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/sensors/proximity-sensors/)) are easier to install as only one device must be mounted. This is because the transmitter and receiver are contained within one housing. Diffuse sensors use the reflection from the target object within a predetermined sensing range.

The transmitter sends out a continuous beam of light. Once this hits the target, it is diffused in all directions. A part of this light is reflected and recognised by the receiver, which then sends an electrical signal to the output. A special type of diffused mode is background suppression, which enables the user to precisely control the sensing range.

### **Applications of Photoelectric Sensors**

Photoelectric sensors can be used in various settings, some of which include:

- **Food Industry:** Photoelectric sensors are used in manufacturing and packaging lines within the food and beverage industries. For instance, a bottling plant must align and orient each bottle cap correctly. If there are any positioning errors, the photoelectric sensors detect them, ensuring the smooth operation of the plant.
- **Pharmaceutical Industry:** Photoelectric sensors are also used in pharmaceutical industry applications, such as the packaging of medicines. During the packaging process, these sensors help prevent issues like empty packaging by detecting the absence of medicine tablets on the production line.
- **Packaging Plants:** In packaging plants, photoelectric sensors can be used to ensure consistency in the size of each individually packaged item.
- **Automotive Industry:** When constructing an automobile body, each component must move along the production line and stop precisely at the appropriate station to be welded or processed accurately. Photoelectric sensors detect the proximity of the relevant station, allowing the line to halt and the component to be processed. The high precision of photoelectric sensors also enables them to provide accurate results even when operating around automobile parts with glossy surfaces.
- **Doors & Gates:** Automatic doors and gates, such as those on buses, trains, elevators, and garages, require reliable sensing technology to open and close at the appropriate times. For automated doors to function correctly, the entire area in front of the door must be within the sensing range. Photoelectric sensors combined with infrared scanners can serve this purpose of [detecting approaching people or vehicles](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/detecting-motion-proximity-sensor-types-and-applications).

## **How to Order Optical Sensors from RS?**

No matter what type of optical sensor you need, you can find a suitable option from [RS New Zealand](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/)’s diverse assortment. Our extensive collection of quality optical sensors includes products from trusted, leading brands such as [Banner](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/b/banner/), [Pepperl + Fuchs](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/b/pepperl---fuchs/), and our exclusive [RS PRO](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/b/rs-pro/) line. All available at competitive prices, you can be sure to find the perfect sensor for your needs while also getting great value for your money.

## **Delivery Information for New Zealand **

To have items stocked locally in New Zealand or Australia delivered the next working day, please place your order before 5 pm NZT and 3 pm NZT, respectively.

RS endeavours to deliver your photoelectric sensors and other orders the next working day between 8 am and 5 pm local time. However, a longer lead time may be expected for some products, including the following:

- Global Stock and Extended Range products.
- Orders containing hazardous materials.
- Items over 20kg, with a cubic weight over 20kg, or longer than 1.5 metres.

Non-core products and deliveries to specific regional areas may also experience extended lead times. For more details or to arrange consolidated delivery, please [reach out to Customer Service](https://nz.rs-online.com/web/content/support).



Photoelectric Sensors

Sensors

Automation & Control Gear

Electrical, Automation & Cables

Automation Signalling

Contactors & Auxiliary Contacts

Electric Motors

Industrial Robots

PLCs, HMIs & Industrial Computing

Process Control

Solenoids

Cables & Wires

AV Cables

Cable Glands & Fittings

Cable Joints & Cable Sleeving

Cable Management

Cable Ties & Fixings

Computer Cables

Electrical Power & Industrial Cables

Networking & Coaxial Cables

Single Core Cable

Wire to Board Cables & Ribbon Cable

Enclosures & Server Racks

19-Inch Racking

Enclosures

Enclosures & Racking Components

Fuses & Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breakers

Earth & Lightning Protection

Fuse Holders & Accessories

Fuses

HVAC, Fans & Thermal Management

Air Conditioning & Fans

Air Conditioning & Heating Accessories

Building Automation

Electronics Heating & Cooling Components

Fan Accessories

Lighting

Light Bulbs, Lamps & Tubes

Light Fittings, Fixtures & Luminaires

Lighting Components

Torches & Inspection Lamps

Relays & Signal Conditioning

Relay Accessories

Relays

Signal Conditioners & Isolators

Switches

Capacitive, Magnetic and Piezo Switches

DIP & Rotary Encoded Switches

Domestic Installation Switches

Foot Switches & Components

Joysticks & Components

Key Switches & Selector Switches

Keyboard & Keypad Switches

Limit & Position Switches

Micro Switches & Detector Switches

Push Button Switches & Components

Rocker Switches & Components

Rope Pull Switches & Components

Rotary Switches & Components

Safety Enabling & Control Switches

Safety Interlock Switches & Components

Switch Disconnectors & Components

Toggle Switches & Slide Switches

Electronic Components, Power & Connectors

Batteries & Chargers

Battery & Charger Accessories

Battery Chargers & Power Banks

Non-Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable Batteries

Connectors

AV Connectors

Automotive Electrical Connectors

Backplane & Rack Connectors

Circular Connectors

IC Sockets & Adapters

Mains & DC Power Connectors

Network & Telecom Connectors

PCB Connectors & Wire Housings

Power Connectors

RF Coaxial Connectors & Adapters

Terminal Blocks

USB, D Sub & Computing Connectors

Wire Terminals & Splices

Displays & Optoelectronics

Display Modules

Fibre Optic Components

Indicators & Indicator Components

LED Lighting Components

LEDs - Light Emitting Diodes

Laser Modules & Components

Optocouplers & Photodetectors

ESD Control, Cleanroom & PCB Prototyping

ESD Control & Clean Room

PCB Etching, Preparation & Developing

PCB Handling

PCB Spacers, Pillars & Supports

PCB Tools

Prototyping Boards

Passive Components

Antennas

Capacitors

Crystals, Oscillators & Resonators

EMI Filters & Protection

Fixed Resistors

Inductors

Passive Components Kits

Rotary Encoders

Sounder, Buzzer & Microphone Components

Surge Protection Components

Variable Resistors

Power Supplies & Transformers

Power Supplies

Renewable Energy

Transformers

Voltage Converters

Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ROCK, STEM Education & Development Tools

Arduino Shop

BBC micro:bit Shop

Development Tools & Single Board Computers

ROCK SBC Shop

Raspberry Pi Shop

STEM Education

Semiconductors

Amplifiers & Comparators

Audio & Video ICs

Chip Programmers & Debuggers

Clock, Timing & Frequency ICs

Communication & Wireless Module ICs

Data Converters

Discrete Semiconductors

Interface ICs

Logic ICs

Memory Chips

Power Management ICs

Processors & Microcontrollers

Programmable Logic ICs

Sensor ICs

Mechanical, Fluid Power & Tools

Access, Storage & Material Handling

Ladders & Steps

Material Lifting & Loading Equipment

Storage & Shelving

Transit & Equipment Cases

Trucks, Trolleys & Lifting Tables

Adhesives, Sealants & Tapes

Adhesive, Sealant & Tape Dispensers

Adhesives & Glues

Sealants & Resins

Tapes

Bearings & Seals

Gaskets, Seals & Packings

Linear Motion

Rotary Bearings & Housing Units

Engineering Materials & Industrial Hardware

Anti Vibration & Levelling Components

Carbon Fibre & Felt Sheets

Castors & Wheels

Ceramic Materials

Channel Support Systems

Conveyor Components

Insulation Materials

Knobs, Levers & Handles

Metal Materials

Plastic & Rubber Materials

Polishing & Finishing

Shim Stock

Structural Systems

Fasteners & Fixings

Clips & Springs

Girder Fixings

Magnets & Magnetic Strips

Nails & Rivets

Nuts & Washers

Pins, Keys & Retaining Clips

Screws & Bolts

BALLUFF Photoelectric Sensors

62 Products showing for BALLUFF Photoelectric Sensors

Popular Searches

Related links