Electronic/laser sensor detects parts under 0.1mm

Leuze claims to have made the world's smallest opto-electronic/laser sensor, which is capable of detecting components measuring less than 0.1mm.

Leuze's PRK 3b photoelectric sensors, believed to be the world's smallest opto-electronic/laser sensor, can detect components measuring less than 0.1mm.

For standard applications with a scanning range up to 400mm, the PRK 3b series has extremely good black-and-white performance and reliable switching operation irrespective of the object and background properties.

This variant suits diverse applications in the assembly and handling sectors including conveying of miniature containers, as well as for printing or labelling applications.

In an XL version this sensor reliably detects objects with gaps, boreholes and grooves.

Examples are when scanning PCBs, transparent films or bottles, or grid-type structures of the kind encountered in blister packs and objects with changeable positions.

The S version has been optimised for the detection of small components and structured, coloured or shiny objects.

Within its extremely compact housing of just 32 x 11 x 17mm, the sensor iprovides faster and more precise detection.

It can cope with interference from spurious light sources, reflective packaging as well as heavy soiling.

The sensor has superb sealing properties, said Leuze to manufacturingtalk, ensuring conformity to IP 67 and IP 69K for areas where intensive cleaning cycles are deployed.

Technologies such as active ambient light suppression (ALS) or 'brightVision' allows the PRK 3b opto-sensors to recognise the incidence of spurious light and to distinguish between its own sensor signal and the interference source.

Development work on the new photoelectric sensor generation focused on reducing life cycle costs, achieving lower costs in terms of procurement, commissioning and operation.

The technological advances and new production techniques used by Leuze electronic in the build of the new PRK 3B offers maximum functional reliability and handling convenience coupled with an optimum cost-to-performance ratio.

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