Pepperl+Fuchs introduces ML17 Tru-Vue™ series photoelectric sensors for fiber optic sensing. ML17 Tru-Vue fiber optic sensors feature a compact housing (29 mm depth) with a typical sensing range of 100 mm+ for diffuse fiber optic cables, and 400 mm+ for thru-beam fiber optic cables.
These fiber optic sensors can be easily mounted via an industry-standard M18 threaded snout or thru-holes. Diffuse and thru-beam plastic fiber optic cables are secured to the sensor by an innovative quarter-turn locking mechanism. An assortment of fiber optic cables to suit specific application needs are available.
As with the rest of the Tru-Vue photoelectric sensors, fiber optic models offer 360° visibility LEDs, five connection options and 4-in-1™ outputs. The 4-in-1 outputs enable a single sensor to operate in NPN normally open, NPN normally closed, PNP normally open, or PNP normally closed configurations. The 4-in-1 simplifies sensor selection and stocking because one sensor model can now replace four sensor models. Installation is also faster because there are no extra steps needed to choose an output type, as the fiber optic sensor automatically determines its output without external influence.
In sensing applications with small targets or unfavorable conditions, fiber optic cables can be a very sensible solution. When attached to the end of the photoelectric sensor, they guide light through the cable and out off the fiber head, while reflected light travels back through another fiber optic cable to the sensor’s receiver. The Tru-Vue fiber optic sensor is most often used with plastic fiber optic cables, although there are some glass cables available. Glass fiber optic cables are more rugged, rated for a higher temperature range, and generally allow longer sensing ranges. Plastic fiber optic cables can be cut to length and are more affordable.
In thru-beam mode sensing, where an emitted light beam is aimed directly at the receiver and when a target interrupts the light path the output is switched accordingly, two individual cables are used. In diffuse mode sensing, where light from the emitter strikes the target and some of the light returns directly to the receiver to detect the target, a bifurcated cable is used.