A photoelectric sensor detects objects, changes in surface conditions, or distances using light (usually infrared or visible). It consists of: Emitter: Sends a beam of light Receiver: Detects the reflection or interruption of that beam Used when non-contact detection is needed over long or short ranges 🏭 About Baumer Baumer Group is a Swiss company known for high-quality sensors, encoders, vision components, and process instrumentation. Their photoelectric sensors are widely used in: Factory automation Packaging Robotics Food & beverage Logistics 📦 Types of Baumer Photoelectric Sensors 1. Through-Beam Sensors Structure: Separate emitter and receiver Range: Up to 60 meters Advantages: High accuracy, long distance, best for dusty/dirty environments 2. Retro-Reflective Sensors Structure: Emitter and receiver in one unit, reflects off a mirror/reflector Range: Up to 18 meters Advantages: Easy setup, reliable for shiny/transparent objects (with polarization filter) 3. Diffuse Sensors Structure: Emitter and receiver in one unit, detects reflected light off object Range: Up to 2 meters Variants: Background suppression (BGS): Detects only objects at a specific distance Energy-based: Simpler, but less accurate with varying colors 4. Laser Sensors High precision laser light Ideal for small object detection or precise positioning tasks 🔍 Key Features of Baumer Photoelectric Sensors Feature Description Sensing Range Up to 60 m depending on type Light Source LED (red, infrared, laser) Response Time Fast — microsecond-level switching Output Type NPN, PNP, analog, IO-Link Power Supply Typically 10–30 V DC IP Rating IP67 / IP69K available (waterproof, washdown-ready) Housing Types M18, M12, square, miniature sizes Material Options Stainless steel, plastic, chemical-resistant versions Temperature Range Typically -25°C to +60°C or more 🔌 Smart Features (Depending on Series) IO-Link communication: Enables parameterization, diagnostics, and data streaming Background suppression: Excellent in complex background environments Transparent object detection: For detecting glass/plastic Teach-in functionality: Easy setup using a button or teach wire 📈 Popular Series from Baumer Series Features / Use Case O300/O500 Compact, robust, ideal for conveyor systems FHDK Miniature sensors for tight spaces FRDK/FFDK Retro-reflective with strong performance OADM Laser distance sensors (diffuse or analog) U500 Ultrasonic version for non-light-based sensing O200 Ultra-compact, precise, background suppression IFRM Cylindrical M18 proximity/photoelectric sensors 🛠️ Applications Object detection on conveyor belts Counting parts or boxes Level detection in tanks or bins Presence detection in packaging lines Bottle detection (transparent) Small part precision positioning ✅ Pros Durable for industrial environments High precision and repeatability Fast switching speeds Flexible output and mounting options Wide sensing range options IO-Link support for Industry 4.0 ⚠️ Things to Consider Transparent or shiny objects require specialized versions (e.g., with polarization) Environment (dusty, steamy) may affect performance without correct sensor type Diffuse sensors are more sensitive to background and object color 📘 Example: Baumer O300.DR-11295768 Type: Diffuse sensor with background suppression Range: 15–150 mm Output: PNP light-on/dark-on switchable Response Time: 0.5 ms IO-Link: Yes Protection: IP67 Mounting: Compact housing with M8 connector