Object detection

New and extensive fork photoelectric sensor product range for object detection

Even faster and more precise – the new fork sensors of the GS 04B/GS 08B series

In industry, fork sensors are used in applications where small parts must be detected or where object positions must be detected quickly, precisely and irrespective of the surface structure of the object. Sensors of this design combine transmitter and receiver in a single device, thereby enabling easy mounting without alignment as well as offering high operational safety.
High switching frequencies and quick reaction times enable optimum integration of these sensors in high-speed automation processes.
With the new fork sensors of the GS 04B/GS 08B series (stainless steel), we are offering our customers from a broad range of industries, for example mounting/handling technology and packaging, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, a new and even more extensive product range. As a result, Leuze is setting new standards when it comes to speed, precision and technical highlights.

Advantages for you

• Optimum flexibility for your application: With 14 different fork widths between 5 mm and 220 mm to meet various requirements
• Fast, easy assembly without alignment because the transmitter and receiver are located in a single housing
• Greater convenience thanks to your preferred operating concept: Optionally via IO-Link or potentiometer
• High switching frequency with up to 10,000/5,000 Hz for reliable detection even in high-speed applications
• High precision for your application with a reproducibility of 0.01/0.02/0.03 mm and reliable detection of extremely small objects from Ø 0.05 mm
• Precise detection of small objects using a small homogeneous light spot
• Also available as stainless steel models for use in the food/pharmaceutical industry 

Feature level:

Advanced Segment 

• V4A stainless steel housing
• ECOLAB-certified
• Red light LED and laser models
• Push-pull output, IO-Link
• 4 application-specific sensor modes

Extended Segment 

• Metal housing
• Laser models
• Push-pull output, IO-Link
• 4 application-specific sensor modes

Standard Segment 

• Metal housing
• Red light and infrared LED models
• Models with PNP or NPN output
• Wide range of fork widths

Detection of small parts with monitoring of bottlenecks and feeding

Requirement:
During production operation, small parts are to be reliably detected within a feeding line in constrained spaces. The mounting of the sensor is to take place quickly and easily.

Solution:
The new fork photoelectric sensor GS 04B with its compact design and fork width of 50 mm is ideally suited for installation in constrained spaces and reliably detecting small parts as part of the monitoring of feeding and bottlenecks. Fork sensors combine transmitter and receiver in a single device, thereby enabling easy mounting without alignment.

High-speed applications in constrained spaces

Requirement:
On a test bench, the rotational speed of a small plastic gear wheel is to be determined. The space available for installing a sensor is very limited.

Solution:
From the new fork sensor product range of the GS 04B series, the model with a fork width of just 5 or 10 mm can be optimally integrated into the limited installation space. With a switching frequency of 10,000 Hz, the rotational speed of the small plastic gear wheel can be reliably determined, even in this high-speed application.

Controlling the position of larger components

Requirement:
On a conveyor line, the position of a large, glossy component is to be checked by monitoring the presence of a groove. The commissioning of the sensor is to be fast and without alignment.

Solution:
The new fork photoelectric sensors of the GS 04B series with red light LED are also available with extra-wide forks of 170 or 220 mm. As a result, even applications with larger components can be solved using fork sensors. By combining transmitter and receiver in one device, the commissioning can be carried out quickly and without additional alignment. Even glossy objects can be monitored with high precision thanks to these fork photoelectric sensors.

Monitoring disposable syringes in the clean room

Requirement:
In a pharmaceutical packaging machine, hanging disposable syringes are transported to an assembly station at high speeds via a feeder unit. Plastic caps are to be fitted on the disposable syringes using a rotary table. Beforehand, the thin needles of the syringes, with a diameter of just 0.3 mm, must be reliably detected because this is what triggers the fitting of the plastic cap.

Solution:
The thin needles of the syringes are detected reliably using a laser fork photoelectric sensor of the GSL 08B series. The V4A stainless steel housing is suitable for clean rooms and ECOLAB certified, making it ideal for areas with strict requirements regarding hygiene and resistance to cleaning agents. The fork sensors of the GS(L) 08B series provide a degree of protection of IP67 and work reliably in a temperature range of between –25 °C and 60 °C.