April 30, 2013 - Pepperl+Fuchs introduces R2 Series Ultra-Small Sensors - a complete family of ultra-miniature photoelectric sensors available in four sensing modes to suit varied application needs. These sensors feature a 24 mm x 7.5 mm x 11.2 mm housing, industry standard mounting footprint, a flush and wear-resistant antistatic glass lens and a 45° cable outlet to maximize mounting flexibility. Consequently, the R2 series can be mounted where other photoelectric sensors cannot – in extremely tight spaces and close to moving objects – to deliver high performance and reliable operation in a wide range of applications regardless of the color, texture or shape of the object(s) being sensed.
Industry standard 15 mm mounting hole separation enables R2 series sensors to easily retrofit into existing applications. Threaded sensor mounting holes enable installation without mounting nuts to simplify installation and save time. This also negates the potential to lose or drop mounting nuts while installing a sensor in very small, tight spaces. R2 series sensors feature a glass optical surface which is more resistant to environmental contaminants, chemicals and abrasion than is the fragile plastic optical surface of many conventional photoelectric sensors. Additionally, the tamperproof housing of each R2 series sensor ensures that unauthorized personnel cannot make modifications or alterations after the sensor is setup.
Enhanced and strategically placed LEDs clearly indicate the sensor’s operating state. Their ultra-compact size, robust design and range of operating modes make the R2 series an ideal photoelectric sensing option in any number of material handling, print and paper, packaging and general purpose applications that have very tight mounting space. The high optical burn thru power and rugged housing is well suited for automotive applications, and semiconductor applications could benefit from R2’s ultra-low profile housing and high-precision thru-beam sensors. Its size and features also make the R2 series a good solution in certain biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. R2 series no-load supply current is less than 10 mA – up to 50 percent less than competitive models.
Maximum sensing distances vary by detection mode, with thru-beam mode sensors offering a range up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet). These sensors deliver a response time of 600 µs, and can operate with 10-30 VDC supply voltage and within operating temperatures from -25 °C to 60 °C (-13 °F to 140 °F). R2 series photoelectric sensors are IP67 rated, carry the CE mark and UL and cUL approvals.
“The R2 series is the only nano-sized photoelectric sensor available today with Background Evaluation (BGE) mode. Utilizing a fixed background such as a conveyor or machine part as a reference, R2 series BGE sensors are a unique alternative to retroreflective sensors, reliably detecting objects without the need for a reflector,” says Pepperl+Fuchs Product Manager, Michael Turner. “Advanced thru-beam mode R2 sensors are equipped with a secondary emitter LED that provides a laser-like spot size for high-precision applications and eliminates the hassle of applying external apertures. The R2 series is also available in polarized retroreflective and background suppression modes.”
“R2 Series’ powerful emitter LED literally outshines the competition, offering the brightest, most powerful, easiest to align, and most uniform light spot. The result is greater signal strength to optically ‘burn through’ environmental contaminants, more consistent detection and better visibility on dark materials,” explains Turner. “These extra bright LEDs ensure that everyone, especially maintenance personnel, can easily see them at a distance and at various angles.”
Pepperl+Fuchs is a world leader in the design, manufacture and application of high quality factory and process automation products and services. Pepperl+Fuchs pioneered the development of proximity sensors 50 years ago, and has set the standard for innovation and quality ever since.