Optical sensors

Optical sensors use light in various forms to perform their detection tasks. An extensive product line is available with reliable and efficient sensor solutions for all applications that can be solved optically. Object detection for different surfaces, object sizes and colors requires various function principles, such as a throughbeam photoelectric sensor, a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor or a diffuse reflection sensor. All different operating principles are usually available in a given series (size). Universal series are also available with extended models and additional useful functions.

Easy to integrate with a compact design, economically scaled: Subminiature sensors with an extremely compact design

20 series

Leuze’s new series 20 diffuse sensors and throughbeam photoelectric sensors have been developed for applications where every millimeter counts. Thanks to their ultra-compact design, they fit reliably in even the tightest installation spaces, where conventional sensors do not fit. The series also offers high levels of flexibility: Two housing variants — front sensing (FL - flat) with a front-facing optical outlet and side sensing (lateral/slim) with a side-facing optical outlet — enable optimal integration into a wide variety of machine applications. This allows the sensors to be seamlessly integrated into your system without compromise, just like the missing piece of a puzzle.

Furthermore, the series 20 is sure to impress with its high performance wherever velocity and precision are required. With a response time of just 0.5 ms, even the fastest movements are detected without delay. Even very small objects can be reliably detected — for example, components measuring as small as 0.2 mm for sensors with background suppression and as small as 1 mm for throughbeam photoelectric sensors.

Advantages for you

Ultra-compact and ideal for the tightest installation spaces where no other sensor would fit
Maximum flexibility when it comes to integration and mounting: the two housing designs — front-sensing (flat) and side-sensing (lateral) — enable precise integration into a wide variety of applications.
High-speed response: detection of fast-moving objects without delay, thanks to a response time of just 0.5 ms
Reliable detection of extremely small objects/components measuring as small as 0.2 mm (diffuse sensors) and 1 mm (throughbeam photoelectric sensors) — for maximum precision in your application
High durability and maximum system availability thanks to the IP67 protection class

Further information on the 20 series

Go directly to product selection 20 series - flat

Go directly to product selection 20 series - slim

Subminiatur-Baureihe 20 fuer beengte Platzverhaeltnisse

Robust and hygienic: On the safe side with stainless steel sensors

33C/ 35C series

To ensure stable and economical production and packaging processes, the sensors used in the system must function reliably and be available in the long term. In hygiene-sensitive or wet environments, as well as in a harsh production environment, sensors in stainless steel housings are the perfect choice.

Discover our sensor portfolio for the 33C series in hygienic design and the 35C series in robust wash-down design.

Advantages for you

Wide range of possible uses thanks to an extensive portfolio with many special solutions for packaging processes, e.g. for film irradiation, clear glass detection or multi-track conveyor systems

Housing materials approved for direct food contact (FDA-compliant)

Easy commissioning and alignment thanks to  Power PinPoint^® LED

Further information on the 33C/35C series

Go directly to article selection 33C series

Go directly to article selection 35C series

Presence monitoring in intralogistics and packaging processes as well as in the automotive industry

5B series

When carrying out presence checks in automated processes, the sensor system should reliably detect different objects. The handling of the sensor, including mounting, alignment and adjustment, should also be quick and easy, especially since a large number of sensors often have to be installed.

We have developed an optimized sensor generation for precisely these requirements:

the 5B series. Convincingly economical. Perfect handling.

Advantages for you

Very compact housing (dimensions W x H x L: 11 mm x 32.4 mm x 20 mm)
360° display LEDs visible from all sides for easy installation and status indication, as well as fast alignment thanks to a highly visible, uniform light spot
Reliable detection of reflective, shrink-wrapped, and shiny objects
Tamper-proof light/dark switching via the polarity reversal of the (cable) wiring

Further information on the 5B series

Go directly to article selection 5B series

Stainless steel series in a miniature housing for detection tasks in hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes

53C/ 55C series

When processing, filling or packaging food or pharmaceutical products, very strict requirements apply with regard to the hygiene and cleaning of the systems.

Our stainless steel sensor platform, featuring the 53C and 55C series, has been specifically developed for applications with heightened hygiene requirements. All housing materials are FDA-compliant and approved for direct contact with food. This ensures additional safety in food processing and packaging.

Advantages for you

Two housing designs for use in wet areas (wash-down) and hygienic areas (hygienic design)
High-quality V4A (AISI 316L) stainless steel housing with smooth surface and glass-free optics cover made of PMMA+ with special scratch-resistant coating to prevent bacterial carryover
Thermal and chemical resistance (tested and certified according to ECOLAB, CleanProof+, JohnsonDiversey)
Simple configuration and condition monitoring through IO-Link interface, as well as variants with electronic range adjustment and measurement value output via IO-Link

Further information on the 53C/55C series

Go to the 53C series article selection

Go to the 55C series article selection

Kompakte Edelstahl-Baureihen 53C und 55C

Perfect performance at the best price

36 series

Reliable object detection remains the key to a high level of automation and smooth processes in plant engineering. Particularly in intralogistics, packaging technology and the automotive industry, the objects to be detected place the highest demands on sensor technology.

Our 36 series sensors deliver perfect performance at the best price. Different operating principles combined with superior signal processing lead to outstanding reliability in detecting objects – even in demanding applications. The high performance reserve allows the detection of objects at long distances or the compensation of sources of interference or contamination at shorter distances.

Advantages for you

Large function reserve and reliable detection rate even in critical applications thanks to very long operating ranges
Excellent price-performance ratio
Diverse connection possibilities allow for easy integration (cable, M12 connector or cable with M12 connector)

Further information on the 36 series

Go directly to product selection 36 series