LED technology in sensors for precise and reliable object detection

New optical sensors feature improved detection capabilities and faster commissioning with innovative Power PinPoint LED technology. The Power PinPoint LED from Leuze emits the maximum light power from a very small surface. The new light source technology can be employed to finely position stacker cranes, among other things, utilising diffuse reflection sensors.

Aligning and commissioning sensors can be very time-consuming. These LEDs now make this much quicker and easier. The sensor's LED emits maximum light power from a very small surface. The Power PinPoint LED generates a light spot that maintains its size, shape and homogeneity over the sensor's entire working range, enabling simple and fast commissioning. This technology also increases process reliability through precise detection. The innovative light source is obtainable for the first time with the company's new 33C and 35C sensor series and the 25C, 3C and 5B diffuse sensor series.

Retro-reflective photoelectric sensors attain a higher function reserve with Power PinPoint LEDs, particularly with small reflectors. Retro-reflective photoelectric sensors with these LEDs are excellent for object detection in harsh food industry environments.

These LEDs generate a small, round light spot with sharply defined contours. This gives the sensors significantly reliable detection capabilities and allows precise start and end detection of an object with pinpoint response behaviour during object tracking. Even small objects are optimally detected thanks to their precise detection capability. Another advantage is that retro-reflective sensors with Power PinPoint LEDs have higher function reserves for applications with small reflectors or large distances. Also, several through-beam photoelectric sensors can be employed in parallel with increased detection reliability as their compact light beam minimises diffused light. The LED also reduces the possibility of unwanted reflection to ensure highly reliable detection.

Throughbeam photoelectric sensors also display the innovative light source's strengths. These LEDs provide extremely reliable detection even in confined spaces, such as battery cells in a filling station.

LEDs are already employed in the 33C and 35C sensor series. Both series' ranges include diffuse sensors, retro-reflective sensors and through-beam photoelectric sensors in smooth stainless-steel housings. These are especially suited to hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes. Therefore, they can be employed for almost all harsh, wet or hygiene-sensitive applications. The sensors can withstand high mechanical loads and intensive cleaning processes. The 33C and 35C series also include special solutions for packaging processes, including sensors for detection through film, clear glass or PET.