At EMX, we continuously strive to advance our offerings and pair customers with leading solutions unmatched in quality and performance to address your production line challenges. Our range of photoelectric sensors was designed to support counting and process management of non-transparent materials and contains styles with retroreflective and thru beam technology. Now, we’ve expanded our range to include three exciting new models, each offering unique advantages for short and long-range reading, depending on your needs.
Read on to learn more about our new photoelectric models and how you can determine which is the best fit for your business.
Understanding Thru Beam vs Retroreflective Photoelectric Sensors
Both thru beam and retroreflective styles of photoelectric sensors are effective and trusted by users, but there are key differences between the two that can help shape which choice is best for your application.
A thru beam photoelectric sensor is comprised of two parts: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits an infrared beam that the receiver detects, and they are mounted opposite of each other. A retroreflective photoelectric sensor combines these components but requires a separate reflector to be installed with the unit so the infrared beam can be bounced back to the receiver. The nature of the retroreflective photoelectric sensor means it can be more difficult to get an accurate reading if the reflector isn’t perfectly reflecting back the signal. The thru beam is more reliable, but the retroreflective options can still be a strong choice depending on key factors like budget, environment, and range requirements.
Importantly for both product types — these solutions require your products to have a level of opacity. Products that are completely transparent won’t work because the light will shine through them, preventing accurate measurements. Our new products consist of both choices, and our team is here to help if you want support exploring the best equipment for you.
Announcing Our New Photoelectric Sensors
IRB-T115
This photoelectric sensor is unmatched in its reliability and ease of alignment, making it the perfect choice for users seeking a trusted thru beam solution. It doesn’t rely on a reflector to perfectly reflect the signal back and the way it emits the signal is much wider, streamlining installation and promoting more accurate results. Because of its thru beam nature, it does require power on both sides and an extra cable, but these necessities allow it to perform rapidly and reliably for your photoelectric sensor needs. It’s a powerful choice that’s designed with your needs in mind so you can get it up and operating even faster.
IRB-X50
This retroreflective photoelectric sensor comes with a compact housing that enables it to fit in tight-to-squeeze spaces. If you need to sense across a very narrow opening, the IRB-X50 is ideal and has the shortest operating range applicable, capable of delivering results from as little as a 6-inch range — and up to 50 feet. This unique operating range is its top triumph over other models: if you need to measure within very short distances using a retroreflective option that doesn’t compromise reliability, the IRB-X50 outperforms its cousin, the IRB-X60, in operating range.
IRB-X60
This other retroreflective photoelectric sensor expands in operating range, capable of offering up to a 60-foot range at its top end but requiring a minimum distance of 5 feet in order to operate. This expanded range comes with larger housing, which was designed to be sleek and aesthetically impressive without becoming a distraction. It has a ball joint to ensure easy alignment, and this ball joint socket enhances its flexibility so you can best arrange it for the needs of your environment and application. It also has an adjustable sensitivity, further tailoring it to your requirements. If you’re seeking a retroreflective solution that can operate over larger distances, choose the IRB-X60.
Not sure which is right for your needs? Don’t worry — EMX is here to help. We offer free sample testing so you feel confident in your investment before purchasing, and we’ll work with you to understand the details of your environment and suggest the top product for your needs.
Applications for Our Advanced Sensors
There are many uses for our sensors, but two stand out among our customers: counting and process management.
Our photoelectric sensors are essential for counting needs, such as identifying the number of bottles on conveyor belt lines. They’re also commonly used to count rejects that come off the line. If you need rapid and reliable counting for your products on the line or off, turn to our photoelectric sensors to get the data you need in a streamlined and efficient manner.
If you need to know where something is within your process at a specific time, you can also use our photoelectric sensors to understand the timing of your processes and when a certain point has been reached. For example, if you need to understand when a bottle reaches a very specific spot for consistency, you can use a photoelectric sensor and pair it with the OPAX sensor to achieve the results you need.
Whether you require strategic photoelectric sensors for counting, managing the time something occurs, or another key application, we’re here to help.
Contact Us Today for Superior Photoelectric Sensors
When you’re ready to level up your industrial automation with solutions tailored to your needs … ready to keep up with the demands of your environment, turn to our team. We’ll help you identify what you need and how our systems can better support you. Talk to us today and get free sample testing to see the success of our new products in action.