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Precision distance measurement for automation technology

DTECT® Distance: Photoelectric distance sensors

Our photoelectric distance sensors from the DTECT® Distance Series detect distances, positions and heights with contactless light technology. They output the measured value as a signal for control, regulation or inspection tasks, making them ideal for reliable distance measurement in industrial automation. 

These photoelectric distance sensors are convincing both as compact sensor solutions for confined installation situations as well as for long ranges of up to 70 m. Depending on your application, choose from different measurement principles and housing designs to find just the right optical distance sensor.


Distance sensors for all measuring tasks: Triangulation sensors, time-of-flight sensors with IO-Link

Selection guide: Which distance sensor do you need?

Our DTECT® Distance series provides photoelectric distance sensors with various measurement principles for different measurement tasks. They are divided into two groups: sensors for highly precise close-range measurements and sensors for longer distances. The choice of the right sensor depends primarily on the required measurement range, the desired precision, and the ambient conditions of the application:

DTECT Distance® - Distance Sensors from SensoPart

Triangulation sensors for precision close-proximity measurements

Triangulation sensors are the right choice for precise distance measurements at short ranges (up to 1,000 mm). They capture short distances with high repeatability and stable signal quality, making them especially suitable for positioning tasks, height measurements, and control processes in industrial applications.

Sensors suitable for short ranges:

FT 10-RLA
FT 25-R(L)A
FT 55-RL(2)AM

FT 10-RLA: Our smallest

With the volume and weight of a sugar cube, the FT 10-RLA fits into nearly any gap.

FT 25-R(L)A: For any measurement task

The laser and LED variants of the FT 25-R(L)A in a miniature format are the perfect solution for simple applications.

FT 55-RL(2)AM: Powerful precision

The FT 55-RL(2)AM offers outstanding performance characteristics over the entire working range of up to 1000 mm. For applications with higher performance requirements, there are also variants in laser class 2 that provide additional performance reserves. 

Time-of-flight sensors for long distances

Distance sensors using time-of-flight measurement are suitable for reliable distance measurements over longer ranges (up to 70 m). They detect objects stably even over several meters and are typically used for position determination, object detection, or distance control in conveying, storage, and robotics applications.

Our sensors for long ranges:

FT 25-RLAP
FT 55-RLAP
FR 55-RLAP

FT 25-RLAP: For precision position detection

The FT 25-RLAP reliably detects the correct position of components in assembly processes and inspects even small details with accuracy.

FT 55-RLAP: For universal application

With ranges up to 5 m, the FT 55-RLAP is especially suitable for checking the occupancy of storage bays in high bay warehouses.

FR 55-RLAP: For long ranges

With a range of up to 70 m, the FR 55-RLAP reflector unit enables exact position determination of overhead cranes or the distance to industrial trucks.

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Measured value output
Connection name
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24 Products match your search criteria

Illustration
Description
Setting range
Measured value output
Light source
Connection name
FR 55-RLAP-70-PNSIL-L5
Distance sensor with time-of-flight measurement, reflector, 0.3...70 m, laser, analogue 4...20 mA, Auto-detect, N.O./N.C., teach-in, connector M12 5-pin, IP67 & IP69K, IO-Link COM2, min. cycle time 3 ms, SIO mode is supported
Setting range
300 ... 70000
Measured value output
Analog (voltage), Analog (current), IO Link
Light source
Laser
Connection name
Plug, M12x1, 5-pin, IO-Link
FT 10-RLA-60-PNSL-KM4
Triangulation distance sensor, 10…70 mm, laser, measured value output via IO-Link, Auto-detect, N.O./N.C., key lock via teach input, cable 200 mm with metal connector, M8 4-pin, IP67, IO-Link
Setting range
10 ... 70
Measured value output
IO Link
Light source
Laser
Connection name
Kabelschwanz 200 mm mit Stecker M8, 4-polig, IO-Link
FT 10-RLA-60-PNSL-K4
Triangulation distance sensor, 10...70 mm, laser, measured value output via IO-Link, Auto-detect, N.O./N.C., button lock via teach input, 2 m cable, IP 67, IO-Link
Setting range
10 ... 70
Measured value output
IO Link
Light source
Laser
Connection name
Cable, 4-wire, 2 m
FT 25-RA-60-PNSUL-M4M
Working range 20...80 mm, red light, analogue 1...10 V, teach-in, Auto-detect, N.O./N.C, metal connector M8x1, 4-pin, IO-Link
Setting range
20 ... 80
Measured value output
Analog (voltage), IO Link
Light source
LED
Connection name
Metal plug M8x1, 4-pin
FT 25-RA-170-PNSUL-M4M
Working range 30...200 mm, red light, analogue 1...10 V, teach-in, Auto-detect, N.O./N.C, metal connector M8x1, 4-pin, IO-Link
Setting range
30 ... 200
Measured value output
Analog (voltage), IO Link
Light source
LED
Connection name
Metal plug M8x1, 4-pin
FT 25-RLA-80-PNSUL-M4M
Triangulation distance sensor, 20...100 mm, laser, analogue 1...10 V, Auto-detect, N.O./N.C., teach-in, M8 4-pin metal connector, IP67 & IP69, IO-Link
Setting range
20 ... 100
Measured value output
Analog (voltage), IO Link
Light source
Laser
Connection name
Metal plug M8x1, 4-pin, IO-Link
FT 25-RLAP-1500-PNSUL-M4M
Distance sensor with time-of-flight measurement, 0.1...1.5 m, laser, analogue 1...10 V, Auto-detect, N.O./N.C., metal plug M8 4-pin, IP 67 & IP 69, IO-Link
Setting range
100 ... 1500
Measured value output
Analog (voltage), IO Link
Light source
Laser
Connection name
Metal plug M8x1, 4-pin, IO-Link
FT 25-RLAP-1500-PNSUL-KL4
Distance sensor with time-of-flight measurement, 0.1...1.5 m, laser, analogue 1...10 V, Auto-detect, N.O./N.C., pigtail 150 mm with plug M12 4-pin, IP 67 & IP 69, IO-Link
Setting range
100 ... 1500
Measured value output
Analog (voltage), IO Link
Light source
Laser
Connection name
Pigtail, 150 mm with plug, M12x1, 4-pin, IO-Link
FT 55-RL2AM-480-PNSUIDL-L5M
Laser distance sensor, working range 120…600 mm, 2xQ, QA 4…20 mA / 0.1...10 V, IO-Link, laser class 2, Auto-detect (PNP/NPN), metal housing, IP67 / IP69, display, metal connector M12, 5-pin
Setting range
120 ... 600
Measured value output
Analog (voltage), Analog (current), IO Link
Light source
Laser
Connection name
Plug, M12x1, 5-pin, IO-Link
FT 55-RL2AM-800-PNSUIDL-L5M
Laser distance sensor, working range 200…1000 mm, 2xQ, QA 4…20 mA / 0.1...10 V, IO-Link, laser class 2, Auto-detect (PNP/NPN), metal housing, IP67 / IP69, display, metal connector M12, 5-pin
Setting range
200 ... 1000
Measured value output
Analog (voltage), Analog (current), IO Link
Light source
Laser
Connection name
Plug, M12x1, 5-pin, IO-Link

2D vision-guided robotics with integrated distance measurement

VISOR® Robotic +Z – Vision sensor with distance measurement

The VISOR® Robotic +Z combines 2D vision with integrated distance measurement directly on the robot arm. It provides precise depth and position data for fast and reliable gripping and positioning.

Go to the VISOR® Robotic +Z

The advantages of our DTECT® Distance sensors

  • Contactless measurement without wear or mechanical loading
  • High repeatability for stable processes
  • Rapid and robust measurement value capture even in dynamic processes
  • Flexible integration into machine control systems (e.g. via IO-Link)
  • Broad range of applications from precision close-range measurements to longer distances
  • Universal measurement solution for many areas of industrial automation 

DTECT® Distance Key Visual

IO-Link: Connect sensors intelligently

Actuators and sensors communicate efficiently using the first globally standardized IO-Link technology. Take advantage of our IO-Link sensors and benefit from faster commissioning, targeted maintenance, and error-free signal transmission for a reliable smart factory.

More about IO-Link

Themenbanner IO-Link

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Typical applications for photoelectric distance sensors

Optical distance sensors are used in industrial automation for a wide range of measurement and control tasks. They enable precise distance and position determination, support stable production processes, and deliver reliable measured values even with changing materials or demanding ambient conditions. 

Depending on the application, different sensors from the DTECT® Distance series can be used. Several examples and the associated sensor solutions are provided below.

Position detection on robots

In robotics and handling applications, the exact position of individual parts or components is often monitored. For example, changes in height can be detected to ensure the correct position of screws or other components. Precise distance measurement helps stabilize the process and prevent incorrect assembly.

In order to be able to remove the stacked housing parts in the material container using the VISOR® Robotic vision camera, the FT 55-RLAM triangulation sensor must determine the exact stack height and align the robot gripper and the cameras at the correct working distance.

Monitoring stack height

In the wood, packaging, and handling industries, reliable stack height detection is crucial for automated conveyor and material-flow processes. Optical distance sensors continuously measure the height of stacked materials or packaging units, enabling reliable control of feeding, removal, or further processing.

Position control of car body parts with optical sensors

Presence and position inspection in assembly processes

Assembly and handling processes often require reliable inspection of components for presence and correct positioning. Optical distance sensors support the control of material flow in these situations, for example, at manual workstations or in automated assembly lines. Continuous distance measurement enables detection of whether a component is present and in the intended position.

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Application consulting

Start your automation project with our application consulting and work with our experts to develop a suitable sensor solution for your specific application

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