Photosensor isn't fooled by opaque targets

An Omron Electronics product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 14, 2008

Retroreflective sensor measures the polarisation of the light beam, which typically changes by 75% when a PET bottle enters the beam.

According to Omron, its new-generation E3ZM-B sensors will provide dependable and stable detection of PET bottles - even those with thin walls and complex shapes.

Combining innovative AC3 feedback and P-opaquing sensing technologies, the new retroreflective sensors are easy to set up, and operate reliably without the need for regular adjustment, even in areas where dust and other contaminants are present.

Ordinary photosensors depend on changes in light intensity for target detection; but with PET bottles the change is only a few percentage points.

This makes the sensors hard to set up, and they are prone to drift out of adjustment if the operating conditions change.

In contrast, the P-opaquing technology of the new Omron E3ZM-B sensors measures the polarisation of the light beam, which typically changes by 75% when a PET bottle enters the beam.

This makes E3ZM-B sensors easy to set up: after installation, the user simply presses a button with no target in place and the sensor automatically sets the optimum switching threshold.

No further adjustment or trials with sample bottles are needed and, after this simple setting operation the sensor will work reliably with any type of PET bottle, irrespective of size, shape or transparency.

To further enhance user convenience and sensing dependability, E3ZM-B sensors continually monitor and adjust the intensity of the light beam using AC3 feedback.

This ensures stable operation, even in the presence of dust and vapours or if the sensor lenses become soiled.

The need for frequent lens cleaning is, therefore, eliminated.

To ensure that Omron E3ZM-B PET bottle sensors, which have an operating range of 100 to 500mm, are suitable for use in even the most demanding of applications, they feature a robust yet compact SUS316L stainless-steel housing, and have an IP69K ingress protection rating.

Their operating temperature range extends from -40 to +60C.

Find out more about this article. Request a brochure, download technical specifications and request samples here.

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