Pinpoint LEDs enhance photoelectric sensor set-up and reliability
2 December 2024 
The German sensor-maker Leuze has announced a lighting technology that will make it quicker to align and commission photoelectric sensors. Setting up such sensors can be time-consuming. The new technology uses LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that emit their maximum light power from a tiny surface, generating a light spot that maintains its size, shape and homogeneity over the sensor’s entire working range.
As well as making alignment much quicker and easier, the Power PinPoint LED technology is also said to increase process reliability through precise detection.
Sensors with the new LED technology generate a small, round light spot with sharply defined contours. This allows precise detection of the start and end of objects, with a pinpoint response during object tracking. Even small objects can be detected reliably.
Another claimed advantage is that retro-reflective sensors with the new LEDs have higher function reserves for applications with small reflectors or large distances. Also, several through-beam photoelectric sensors can be used in parallel with higher detection reliability, because their compact light beams reduce diffusion. The LEDs also reduce the possibility of unwanted reflections, thus enhancing reliability.
The new light source is available initially for Leuze’s new 33C and 35C sensors, as well as its 25C, 3C and 5B diffuse sensors. The 33C and 35C series include diffuse, retro-reflective and through-beam photoelectric sensors in smooth stainless-steel housings. They are particularly suitable for hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes. They can be used for almost any application in harsh, wet or hygienic environments. They can withstand high mechanical loads and intensive cleaning processes. The 33C and 35C series also include special sensors for detecting through film, clear glass or PET in packaging applications.
