Pepperl+fuchs Phototalk

In this episode of PhotoTalk, the podcast for photoelectric sensors, Helge Hornis and Michael Turner cover the basic operating principles for a luminescence sensor and a few applications where a luminescence sensor works extremely well. --A luminescence sensor emits ultraviolet (UV) light which can stimulate some materials, causing them to absorb this UV energy and in turn emit visible light which can then be detected by the sensor. -- Luminescence sensors like our DK50-UV series are a very effective way to detect markings/materials that would be extremely difficult – if not impossible – to detect using anything but a vision system. --DK50 series luminescence sensors with analog output   

In this episode of PhotoTalk, the podcast for photoelectric sensors, Helge Hornis and Michael Turner discuss several important design differences that sets the R2100 Multi-Ray LED scanner apart from the construction of a traditional 2D scanner. They also cover a new addition to the R2100 Multi-Ray LED Scanner family. -- 2D distance measurement with no moving parts -- LEDs provide an alternative to costly, temperature sensitive, and potentially harmful laser emitters - without sacrificing power -- R2100 with CAN interface now available

In this episode, Michael and Helge cover some new additions to the R2000 2D laser scanner family. Specifically, the availability of a “Long-Range” laser scanner option. Also, several applications for the user-friendly, general purpose R2000 Detection are discussed. --R2000 UHD and R2000 Detection now available in a “Long-Range” configuration. --Long-Range laser scanner versions with infrared laser provide up to 30 meter range to natural objects Learn more about the R2000 Detection 2D Laser Scanner.

In this episode of PhotoTalk for photoelectric sensors, Tom and Helge  take a look at the 12GM40 series. It is a 12mm diameter cylindrical photoelectric sensor in a threaded metal housing that is offered in diffuse, retro-reflective and thru-beam sensing modes.  Because it is 20% shorter than comparable photoelectric sensors, it is an ideal solution for space restrictive applications or as a replacement for inductive sensors which may not offer enough range.  A powerful visible red emitter LED makes alignment easy, even on black targets.  And the status LEDs are bright and easy to see. --20% shorter than comparable sensors --Powerful, visible red emitter LED --Highly visible status LEDs Visit our website to explore the photoelectric sensors discussed in this episode: --Diffuse mode photoelectric sensors --Retroreflective photoelectric sensors --Thru-beam photoelectric sensors

In this episode of PhotoTalk for photoelectric sensors, Tom and Helge discuss the LS682, which is an optical data coupler that transfers data wirelessly through modulated light.  Because it is protocol free, the optical data coupler can be used with any Industrial Ethernet type, including Ethernet IP, Profinet, Powerlink, Ethernet, etc.  The fast, 100 Mbit/s transfer rate is fast enough to send video for remote inspection.  Full duplex data transfer means that the optical data coupler simultaneously transmits and receives data in two directions. --Fast, 100Mbit/s transfer rate --Protocol free, can be used with any Industrial Ethernet type --No configuration Watch the video on the LS682 optical data coupler

Rather than using the standard convention for describing the photoelectric sensor outputs as normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC), most photoelectric sensor manufacturers specify the output behavior as being either light ON or dark ON. In this episode, Michael and Helge discuss how the terms light ON and dark ON apply to photoelectric sensors. --Light ON (LO) means that the sensor’s output is ON when it receives light. --Dark ON (DO) means that the sensor’s output is ON when it is dark (i.e. receives no light).

Photoelectric sensor resolution, accuracy and repeatability are commonly misunderstood measurement specifications. In this episode, Michael and Helge discuss the definitions of each and provide a few everyday examples. --Resolution: Measurement step size - the smallest measurable difference the system is able to detect/display/output. --Accuracy: Measurement trueness - how close the measured value is to the true or desired value. --Repeatability: Measurement consistency – how closely the measured values are clustered together.

Enhanced Status LEDs on photoelectric sensors: In this episode, Michael and Helge discuss what make a status LED enhanced, as it pertains to photoelectric sensors. --Enhanced status LEDs take the guesswork out of determining what the photoelectric sensor’s operating status is --See more examples of enhanced status LEDS on photoelectric sensors

The SU19 fiber optic sensor features an easy to use and interpret 4-digit display which shows the percentage of the light received.  The fiber optic sensors feature five operating modes including high-speed and high-resolution.  And the SU19 models offer four teach-in procedures which allow for detection of even challenging applications. Built-in time delay functions are fully adjustable. --4-digit percentage display --Multiple operating modes --Adjustable time delays

The SU19 is a high-performance plastic or glass fiber optic amplifier in a slim, 9 mm wide housing.  All SU19 fiber optic models feature a built-in 4-digit display which is easy to interpret, along with high-end features such as time delays, light on/dark on adjustment, and 4-in-1 output.  Automatic gain control automatically adjusts the switching threshold for stable output.  And the SU19 fiber optic sensor is available in either main or expansion units for gang mounting up to 18 amplifiers. This reduces wiring by 70%. --4-digit display --Automatic gain control --Gang mounting reduces wiring by 70%

The SU18 fiber optic amplifiers are available in two styles, potentiometer adjustment or push-button teach.  Potentiometer models are easy to use and are the more cost-effective of the two types of fiber optic amplifiers.  Push-button models feature four different programming modes which can be used to customize the sensing further.  Additionally, push-button models also feature automatic gain control which compensates for any oversaturation by reducing the gain to stabilize the output.  --Potentiometer or push-button models --Multiple programming modes --AGC for stable operation

The SU18 is a cost-effective, high performing fiber optic amplifier used with either plastic or glass fiber optics.  Packed with high-end features like selectable operating modes and timer functions, the SU18 fiber optic amplifier is available in a high speed version, or high power version.  And both are available with either potentiometer adjustment or push-button teach for simple operation. --Cost-effective --High performance --Simple to use

In this episode, Tom Corbett and Helge Hornis note that there are three families of 18 mm cylindrical photoelectric sensors, the plastic housing GLV18/GLK18 series, the standard metal housing 18GM series and the high-end metal housing V18 series.  The GLV18/GLK18 is an economical plastic series available in a variety of sensing modes and AC/DC voltages.  The 18GM is the entry level metal housing series available is diffuse, retroreflective and thru-beam. The V18 is the high-end metal housing series with many options not found on the other two families including cross-talk protection and laser light sources. --GLV18/GLK18 series features an economical plastic housing available in AC/DC voltages --18GM series has a metal housing and is available in three sensing modes --V18 series has a metal housing, high-end features and optional laser light sources      

In this episode, Tom Corbett and Helge Hornis cover the R2 series, which is an “ultra-small” photoelectric sensor family that features best-in-class ranges and industry standard mounting hole separation of 15 mm.  The R2 family offers high-end features like antistatic glass lens and enhanced status LEDs.  All models also feature a 45° cable exit at the rear, bottom of the housing, which helps when mounting the R2 in tight spaces. Unique to the thru-beam models are two different modes, high power which help achieve a 2m range, and high precision which can detect objects as small as 0.16 mm. --Best in class ranges --High-end features like abrasion-resistant, antistatic glass lens --Unique thru-beam feature with high power or high precision modes Video: Unique thru-beam feature with high power or high precision modes

R2000 Detection: In this episode, we continue our discussion about the R2000 Detection 2-D laser scanner. The differences between the R2000 and safety scanners are discussed, along with applications for the R2000. -- Why not use a safety scanner for all general-purpose applications where safety is not a requirement? -- What features does the R2000 Detection offer? Contact Michel Turner (mturner@us.pepperl-fuchs.com ) to request your copy of the R2000 Detection 2-D laser scanner FAQ (PDF).

R2000 Detection: In this episode, we reintroduce the concept of a 2D laser scanner and discuss a few advantages of the newest model, R2000 Detection. It is a rotating distance measurement sensor, and creates a continuous field for object detection. --R2000 2D laser scanner - The fundamental theory of operation --What advantages does a non-safety rated scanner have?

Photoelectric sensors and the value of a large light spot size: In this episode, we go back to the basics of photoelectric sensing and discuss photoelectric sensors with a large light spot. --The benefits of having a photoelectric sensor with a large light spot are often overlooked or misunderstood. --But what are the advantages and disadvantages of a large light spot?

The GLD3 series are photoelectric slot sensors designed specifically for detecting labels on a roll of backing. The GLD3 slot sensor sets a threshold based on the amount of light received through the label backing. Labels are detected on the backing as they pass through the 3mm slot width of the GLD3 sensor because both materials together do not allow as much light to pass. All GL Series photoelectric slot sensors feature both the emitter and receiver in a one-piece housing for easy mounting and alignment. -- One-tough pushbutton programming -- One-piece housing -- Fast, 5 kHz switching frequency

The SBL is a background suppression photoelectric sensor designed specifically for roller conveyors.  The unique design of the SBL photoelectric sensor allows it to mount underneath the conveyor, looking up between the rollers. Since the SBL’s sensing type is background suppression, it detects all colors at the same range.  This means that black targets on the conveyor are detected at the same range as white targets. There are SBL models that have a built-in pneumatic solenoid valve along with built in control logic functionality for use on zero pressure accumulating conveyors. This allows up to 25 sensors to be cascaded together using one power supply. -- Adjustable background suppression -- For installation between the rollers on a roller conveyor -- Very small black-white difference

The WTS10 is a diffuse photoelectric sensor used to determine if weld tips have been properly dressed, or milled.  After the copper electrodes (or weld tips) are dressed on tools such as an auto dresser, the WTS10 diffuse photoelectric sensor verifies that all burrs and soot have been removed from the welding tips.  The WTS10 verifies that the amount of returned light reflected off the weld tips meets a certain threshold.  If the returned light is above a user-programmable threshold, the output of the sensor switches, verifying that the tip has been dressed correctly.  The rectangular design of the WTS10 contains two independent sensors, one at the top and one at the bottom of the housing. This unique design allows two tips to be simultaneously checked. -- Designed for quality checks on weld tips -- Upper and lower caps checked simultaneously -- Two separate outputs