M12 laser sensor has 50 metre range

A new M12 laser sensor with a body length of only 50mm and an operating range of 50m has been developed by Contrinex for use in hostile environments that prohibit the use of photoelectric and fibre optic sensors and where even inductive devices are susceptible to failure.

Protected to IP67, immune to interference from other light sources, resistant to high shock levels and protected against the effects of electro-magnetic radiation, these M12, stainless steel, high performance sensors are ideal for processes such as welding where fumes, soot and sparks create an extremely hostile environment and yet it is necessary to verify certain key components are present and correctly assembled.  With a sensing beam of less than 1mm diameter they can be used to detect very small objects with great accuracy at a distance where the process emissions do not affect the device.

Using a pulsed laser (660nM) it is a simple process to line-up and set the fine through-beam to detect the target.  Detection is confirmed by a yellow LED while a green LED confirms there is sufficient light for reliable operation. This diagnostic system also continuously monitors for dirt build-up or any misalignment that may occur during operation.

These sensors have an operating supply voltage from 10 to 30 VDC, a 5kHz switched output frequency and a current rating of 200mA.  In addition, the sensing range is stable from -25°C to +55°C and they are short-circuit and inverse polarity proof and overload protected.

M18 Laser through-beam sensors.

Contrinex, the Swiss industrial sensor specialist, has introduced a new range of M18 laser through-beam sensors that, compared with conventional LED through-beam sensors, provide much greater accuracy and provide a precise switch point anywhere between the sender and the receiver.

Other advantages are that, due to the narrowly focused beam, very small objects can be detected and the sensors have an extremely long operating distance of 50 metres and a high switching frequency of 2.5kHz.

Sensitivity setting is by means of a potentiometer on the receiver. The sharply concentrated, visible red laser beam (660 nm) simplifies alignment as the light spot can be clearly seen at long distances even in normal daylight.

The devices are built into a short, robust M18 metal housing and have an excess light indicator to further aid alignment and to indicate the build-up of dirt on the lens. Versions are available either with changeover outputs or with excess light output indication on a fourth wire.