Pepperl+Fuchs has added three high performance diffuse mode sensors to its family of user-friendly and field-proven ML100 Series
photoelectric sensors. These new versions are designed to provide advanced
performance for increasingly complex and space-constrained applications. The ML100-8-W is equipped with an extra-wide beam light spot for detecting transparent
objects or use on heavily textured and angled surfaces. The ML100-8-HW provides background evaluation sensing based on the triangulation
principle for detecting irregularly shaped objects or use on low contrast
targets such as black-on-black. New ML100 sensors with multi-beam background
suppression (ML100-8-H-100) offer three light spots, ideal for detecting
non-uniform objects.
The ML100-8-W has an extra-large light spot to prevent false trips on
heavily textured surfaces, and is highly resistant to
vibration and object tilting. This diffuse
mode sensor is also sensitive enough to reliably
detect transparent objects. This makes
them perfect for use on conveyor
routes for glass or module
transport. In addition, it is ideal in flat panel
production, particularly on lifting tables or track switches.
The ML100-8-HW
receiver, consisting of a near-field element and far-field element, is able to clearly distinguish between
a background such as a metal frame, and an object in the
detection area. In doing so the sensor references the determined background. The object is detected if, due to the geometrical arrangement, more light falls
on the near-field element than on the far-field element. It is also recognized
if no light reaches the receiver, e.g., if the light is reflected by a shiny
object. This enables operation without the need
for separate retro-reflectors. The diffuse
mode sensor also
reliably detects flat objects or objects
with low reflectivity in front of a close background, e.g. black
rubber parts on conveyor belts.
The ML100-8-H-100
sensor has three
light spots for redundancy. As a special feature, the
outputs include a logical AND and OR link. The OR output activates when any one
of the three light spots is interrupted, enabling non-uniform objects to be
reliably detected. The AND output only activates if all three light spots are interrupted.
Thus, even object properties can be recognized while interference in the
surrounding area (such as dust) can be ignored.
Pepperl+Fuchs is a world leader in the design, manufacture and
application of high quality factory and process automation products and
services. Pepperl+Fuchs pioneered the development of proximity sensors 50 years
ago, and has set the standard for innovation and quality ever since.