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### What are Photoelectric Sensors?

Photoelectric sensors determine the distance, absence, or presence of physical objects by emitting a field or beam of electromagnetic radiation. An object is detected by measuring alterations in the return signal, this is achieved as sensors have an Emitter for emitting light and a Receiver for receiving light. There are 3 main types of photoelectric sensors, through-beam, retro-reflective and diffuse, which vary slightly in the way they function.

The basic function of each is to detect the presence or absence of objects or measure the distance to the object. You can learn more in our [guide to photoelectric sensors](/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/photoelectric-sensors-guide).

### Types of Photoelectric Sensors:

**Through-beam Sensors**

[Through Beam Sensors](https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/automation-control-gear/sensors/photoelectric-sensors/?applied-dimensions=4290647141,4290647142,4290683171,4290688368,4294572004) (aka thru-beam) rely on two separate housings, one for the transmitter and one for the receiver, with the transmitter providing a continuous beam of light to the receiver. Each time an object passes through the beam this interrupts the signal between the transmitter and receiver, which in turn causes the receiver to send an electrical signal to the output. Through-beam sensors are suited to long-distance sensing and can detect almost any object, irrespective of colour or angular motion.

**Retro-reflective Sensors**

Retro-reflective photoelectric sensors (retroreflective) have both the transmitter and receiver contained within the same housing but require a reflector opposite to the sensor. The reflector bounces the light beam back to the transmitter until an object breaks the beam. Objects which are highly reflective such as aluminium require sensors with polarising filters. The filter allows the sensor to acknowledge that the reflected light from reflecting materials is different from the reflector.

**Diffuse Sensors**

Diffuse sensors (proximity sensor) are easier to install as only one device must be mounted. This is because the transmitter and receiver are contained within one housing. Diffuse sensors use the reflection from the target object within a predetermined sensing range.

The transmitter sends out a continuous beam of light, once this hits the target it is diffused in all directions, a part of this light is reflected and recognised by the receiver, the receiver then sends an electrical signal to the output. A special type of diffused mode is background suppression which enables the user to precisely control the sensing range.

### Applications of Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric Sensors can be used in various settings, some of which include:

- Food Industry
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Packaging Plants
- Automotive Industry
- Doors & Gates

Browse the broad range of Photoelectric Sensors RS Components have to offer and order today for next day delivery.



Browse our broad range of Photoelectric Sensor offers. Also known as Optical Sensors or Diffuse Sensors. Next day delivery on Photoelectric Sensor offers.

Photoelectric Sensors | Optical Sensor | RS Components

Photoelectric Sensors

Allen Bradley Photoelectric Sensor, 2 m Detection Range

Allen Bradley Photoelectric Sensor 30 mm Detection Range

Allen Bradley Retroreflective Photoelectric Sensor 3 m Detection...

Allen Bradley Polarised Retro Reflection Photoelectric Sensor 10 m...

Allen Bradley Receiver Only Block Sensor, 25 → 80000 mm Detection Range

Allen Bradley Through Beam Photoelectric Sensor 80 m Detection Range

Allen Bradley Through Beam Photoelectric Sensor 0 → 18 m Detection...

Allen Bradley Through Beam Photoelectric Sensor 0 → 13000 mm...

Buy Laser Sensors. Browse our latest Laser Sensors offers. Free Next Day Delivery.

Laser Sensors | RS

<p>A range of high quality laser sensors. These photoelectric laser sensors offer precise object positioning and the ability to detect very small objects. With a fast response time these laser sensors can also detect objects that are moving quickly.</p>

Buy Baumer Photoelectric Sensors. Browse our latest Baumer Photoelectric Sensors offers. Free Next Day Delivery.

Baumer Photoelectric Sensors | RS

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Panasonic Photoelectric Sensors | RS

Buy from our selection of photoelectric sensors from Balluff. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Balluff Photoelectric Sensors | RS Components

Buy from our selection of Photoelectric Sensors from Allen Bradley. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Allen Bradley Photoelectric Sensors | RS

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Idec Photoelectric Sensors | RS

Buy from our selection of Photoelectric Sensors from Pepperl + Fuchs. At RS, we strive to give you the best offers from our supplier and to promptly deliver in the shortest time.

Pepperl + Fuchs Photoelectric Sensors | RS

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Banner Photoelectric Sensors | RS

<p>Banner is a leading supplier of automation solutions and products within the industrial sphere. Helping to increase efficiency, productivity, and availability of machinery in a variety of industries. Banner photoelectric sensors detect the presence or absence of an object through an emitted light. This beam of light can also detect a change of surface conditions. Sensors are also known as 'photo-eyes'. When the transmitted light is stopped, or reflected by an item, the receiver will then detect the change in the light pattern. This change is measured by the receiver and can recognise the target object.</p><p>Banner manufactures a range of photoelectric sensors to fit every need, however, it can be challenging to decide which is best for a specific application. A range of sensors are available with varying levels of versatility, strength, durability, performance, and size. Other factors such as mounting options and sensing modes should also be considered. Smaller sized sensors are available for more compact spaces with fast response times within high-speed environments suitable for material handling applications.</p><h4>Why choose a photoelectric sensor from Banner's range?</h4><p>Banner photoelectric sensors can identify the presence or absence of a target object. One of the many advantages, of a Banner photoelectric sensor is their ability to detect targets at many different ranges. Another advantage is the long-life status of these sensors. All Banner photoelectric sensors are solid state with a surface mount design and are industrial grade for harsh environments. External factors are considered such as working within environments which include a range of temperatures, and their ability to withstand shock and vibrations, whilst being able to detect almost a plethora of targets.</p><h4>What type of applications are Banner photoelectric sensors suitable for?</h4><p>Banner photoelectric sensors are suitable for use in a variety of industrial applications including manufacturing, medical, material handling, food and beverage and many other industries. There is an emitter and a receiver that makes the sensor work. The setup is dependent upon the application type and the sensor. RS offer a variety of Banner photoelectric sensors available with free next day delivery.</p>

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OMRON Photoelectric Sensors | RS

<p>Photoelectric sensors (sometimes known as "Photo Sensors") are an incredibly useful bit of kit. They work incredibly simply yet can be deployed in numerous ways for various industries - with excellent levels of accuracy. Essentially, a photoelectric sensor detects the distance, presence or absence of a physical object by emitting an electromagnetic field or beam. This is then picked up by a receiver which detects if anything has changed. An alteration in the return signal alerts the sensor to whether an object is or isn't present or if other required criteria is different. An everyday example would be the sensor on an automatic door – when an object is near the door it breaks the signal between the transmitter and the receiver and so the door opens.</p><p>Photoelectric sensors can also be used to:</p><ul><li>Check conveyor belts to detect errors.</li><li>Count small objects for sorting and packing.</li><li>Manage the movements of pick and place machinery in warehouses.</li><li>Detect colours for printing and sorting.</li></ul><p>Multiple sensors can be used to monitor wide spaces to detect the absence or presence of an item or triangulate movement and distance – perfect for public transportation or assembly lines.</p><h2>Why Choose an OMRON Photo Electric Sensor?</h2><p>Although known for their work in many areas, OMRON are specialists in both electrical components and industrial automation. They have a wealth of experience supplying not just parts, but whole solutions for the manufacturing and processing industries. They continue to innovate, develop and work closely with the food and beverage, automotive and medical sectors. When choosing a photoelectric sensor for your needs OMRON are the way to go.</p><p>There are three main types of photoelectric sensor and OMRON can supply all of them with various configurations.</p><h2>Through-Beam Sensors</h2><p>Through-beam (sometimes written as thru-beam) sensors use two separate parts – a transmitter and a receiver – positioned either side of the area to be detected. If the beam between the two modules is broken the sensor knows an object is present. Through-beam sensors can be used over very small distances. For example, the OMRON "EE" series has a detection range of just 5mm – perfect for technical applications such as component mounting or use in semiconductor production. On the other side of the scale "E3Z" sensors have a range up to 60m. As one of the most widely used series of photoelectric sensors in the world, "E3Z" sensors are ideal for food processing, manufacturing and packing applications.</p><h2>Retro Reflective Sensors</h2><p>Retroreflective sensors have the transmitter and receiver in the same housing but use a separate reflective module to bounce the beam back. This makes them easy to install as usually only one element needs to be wired in. However, they shouldn't be used to detect highly reflective items. The "E3Z" series includes several retroreflective options for use in large areas while the "E3S" range can be used to detect transparent objects such as plastic bottles. The OMRON "EE" series includes photomicrosensors with a detection range as low as 1mm.</p><h2>Diffuse Reflective Sensors</h2><p>Diffuse sensors work in a similar way to retroreflective sensors, but instead of needing a separate reflective unit rely on the light reflected by the object detected. Usually, a diffuse sensor would not expect to have any light reflected back at it. These sensors are not suitable for every application as they need the objects detected to produce sufficient light – however they are easy to install and work well over shorter or mid-range distances. OMRON "E3F" sensors offer non-stop detection with a range of up to 1m. They are often used for logistics or manufacturing purposes. You will also find them deployed in food and beverage, textile and ceramics production.</p><p>When considering which photoelectric sensor you need think about whether background suppression is needed. This feature enables the sensor to isolate detected objects from their surroundings. This is especially useful in locations with a high degree of reflection, which might otherwise affect the sensor's ability to detect.</p>

Allen Bradley Photoelectric Sensors

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