Diffuse Mode and Retroreflective Sensors: Reliable Object Position Detection and Control

Photoelectric Sensors are the foundation of industrial automation, providing highly accurate, non-contact detection, positioning, and counting of objects. Among these, two key types are essential: Diffuse Mode and Retroreflective sensors.

1. Diffuse Mode Sensors

These sensors, often referred to as Background Suppression sensors or sensors relying on reflection from the object, are the simplest to install. The transmitter and receiver are housed in a single unit. The sensor emits a light beam and registers only the portion reflected directly from the target object.

Advantages:

• Do not require a separate reflector or receiver.

• Ideal for detecting objects with glossy or uneven surfaces.

• Models with background suppression ignore objects located outside the sensing zone, ensuring high reliability.

2. Retroreflective Sensors

Retroreflective sensors use a separate reflector placed opposite the sensor as a light-reflecting target. The sensor detects an object when it interrupts the light beam traveling between the sensor and the reflector.

Advantages:

• Longer sensing range than diffuse mode sensors.

• Reliable detection of even dark or transparent objects (thanks to the use of polarizing filters).

• Excellent for perimeter control or monitoring object passage on a conveyor.

Main Applications

Photoelectric sensors are versatile and used in almost all industrial sectors:

• Logistics and Warehousing: Monitoring the passage of pallets and boxes on conveyors.

• Packaging Industry: Determining the position of labels, caps, and bottles.

• Wood Processing: Controlling the size and position of workpieces.

• Automotive Industry: Detecting parts, controlling robot positioning.

Analogue Selection and Assortment

KSK-Automation LLC is the official distributor of Pepperl+Fuchs (P+F) and offers a full range of P+F diffuse mode and retroreflective sensors that meet the highest quality standards.

We also provide professional services for selecting functional analogues to replace sensors from other manufacturers, such as Sick, Keyence, Omron, Banner Engineering, Turck, Ifm, Balluff, and others.

Contact our specialists to receive:

1. Consultation on choosing the optimal sensor type (diffuse, retroreflective, or through-beam) for your task.

2. Operational supply of original Pepperl+Fuchs equipment.

3. Analogue selection to minimize downtime.

Make your automation reliable and efficient with KSK-Automation!