Small size, huge peformance.

New F 10 series:
SensoPart presents subminiature sensors with laser technology

Small sensors can also offer great performance and SensoPart Industriesensorik GmbH has proven this with its latest series of light barriers F10: they are the first and only subminiature sensors using laser light on the market. The adjustable background suppression is also a real premiere with laser sensors of this size. Thanks to excellent performance data and countless user-friendly details, these tiny sensors are can be used in almost any application. The new F10 series was presented to the public for the first time at Automatica 2010.
 

A quick tour through SensoPart's range of F 10 laser sensors
including the Background Suppression Sensors

So much capacity in so little space: The subminiature sensors from the F10 range are the only sensors of their size to operate with laser light. Their optical performance data and capacity for small part detection are equally impressive. Dovetail mounting and other user-friendly details facilitate alignment and setup. (Photo: SensoPart)

A special optical ASIC was specifically developed so that the laser technology could be fitted in the 21 x 14 x 8 mm3 small subminiature housing. The red light laser produces a very precise light spot, which is still so sharp at long distances that even small parts can be reliably detected in the millimetre range – for example the proximity switch with adjustable background suppression can easily detect a wire with a diameter of 0.5 mm at a distance of 60 mm. The very bright light spot, which is clearly visible even in daylight, facilitates alignment and represents absolutely no danger as the sensors are laser class 1.

The F10 series does not just offer an impressive optical performance. Its unmistakeable design also offers special features unique for its size. The sensor housing is equipped with a dovetail mount into which an appropriate bracket can be inserted – this considerably facilitates fine adjustment in problematic mounting situations. Another special feature is the M5 connector which enables simple connection and replacement of sensors without the need for rewiring. The electronic teach key and clearly visible status LEDs are also exceptional features in this sensor size.
 

Entire sensor family in one size

Different applications each require a suitable sensor. The F 10 is therefore available as a through-beam or retro-reflective light barrier and as a proximity switch with background suppression which comes in four different versions. All product versions are equipped with a red laser light with a high optical performance.

The sensor design is identical for all product versions: the hermetically-sealed (IP 67) subminiature housing consists of glass-fibre reinforced plastic in the new light grey SensoPart colour. Permanent laser-marked type designations are clearly legible. All product versions have been awarded the Ecolab certificate and thus fulfil the highest requirements with regard to water-tightness and material resistance.

Due to their small size and weight, sensors from the F10 series are designed for use in tight spaces and/or on moving machine parts, for the assembly of semi-conductor components, the production of solar cells or generally in large-scale integrated machines such as handling and assembly systems. SensoPart’s smallest sensors do not just open up completely new application potentials but are also an alternative to – decidedly more expensive – fibre-optic amplifiers.

Flush fitting thanks to innovative connection technology: the M5 connector, used here for the first time, is perfectly integrated in the housing design and enables flush installation. (Photo: SensoPart)