Photoelectric Sensors - SICK

Photoelectric sensors use a beam of light to detect objects without touching them, often from several meters away. They are a staple of packaging, material handling and assembly lines, counting cartons, checking for missing parts and confirming that a product is in position.

Sensing Modes

• Through-beam – separate emitter and receiver for the longest range and highest reliability
• Retroreflective – a single sensor and reflector, easy to align across conveyors
• Polarized retroreflective – detects shiny and wrapped objects without false triggers
• Diffuse and background suppression – sense the target directly and ignore what's behind it
• Clear object and contrast sensors – for bottles, film and printed marks

Selecting the Right Sensor

Consider range, target size, color and surface, and whether there's room for a reflector or receiver. Laser and red-light versions make alignment easier, and IO-Link models allow remote setup and diagnostics. For washdown areas, look for stainless housings rated IP67 or IP69K.

Centro carries photoelectric sensors from trusted automation brands, along with the cables, reflectors and brackets to install them.

Related categories: Automation & Robotics Sensors | Inclination Sensors | Magnetic Cylinder Sensors | Sensor Adapters | Sensor Cables