Dark-on and light-on refer to the output of a sensor in relation to when the light source is hitting the receiver.

If you want the output to turn on when there is no light received, this would be called Dark-on. This would mean you want the output to turn on when the object is being detected.

If you want the output to be on while the receiver is detecting light from the emitter, then you would have a Light-on output. This would mean you want the output on when there is no object being detected.

Many sensors today offer both methods within one sensor which allows you to flip a switch or wire a sensor accordingly.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for a wide range of sensors! Just a few of our sensor lines include Pepperl+Fuchs, Baumer Electric, Takex, IDEC and Carlo Gavazzi.

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Marshall Wolf Automation has the new Baumer O500 series in stock and ready to ship!

Are you looking for a low cost retro-reflective photoelectric sensor? We have the new Baumer Electric O500 O500.RR-11096090 for just $63.75 each. This part has an 8000mm sensing range, M12, 4-pin and can ship today!

Another popular one is our Baumer O500.GR-11096062 which is a diffuse sensor with background suppression, 600mm sensing range, M12, 3-pin. Also ready to ship today!

Marshall Wolf Automation has a full offering of miniature photoelectric sensors available from top manufacturers! We are authorized industrial automation distributors for Pepperl+Fuchs, IDEC, Baumer, Takex, Autonics and many more.

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I often get questions regarding the different photoelectric sensing methods. This blog will discuss diffuse sensors.

Diffuse sensors use the target itself as the reflector. Detection occurs with the reflection of light off the object back to the receiver. This differs from through-beams and retro-reflective because those methods detect based on the interruption of the beam.

In a diffused situation the emitter sends out a beam of light, generally infrared, visible red or laser beam, which is reflected by the target when it enters the detectable area. The beam is diffused off of the target in all directions and part of that beam will return back to the receiver, which is inside of the same housing as the emitter.

A great example of diffuse sensors is bathroom sinks - your hands act as the target/reflector. When the sensor detects your hands it will turn the water on.

Diffuse photoelectric sensors have some limitations, due to using the target as the reflector. Non-reflective targets, such as matte-black paper, will have a significantly reduced sensing range compared to a bright white target.

Marshall Wolf Automation has a complete product offering of diffuse photoelectric sensors! We are authorized industrial automation distributors for:

• Autonics
• Baumer Electric
• Carlo Gavazzi
• Datasensor
• IDEC
• Leuze Electronic
• Pepperl+Fuchs
• Takex

Photoelectric sensors operate by detecting a change in the quantity and quality of a transmitted energy source, usually provided by a Red or infrared LED. This common feature allows the Photoelectric Sensor to provide non-contact operation. The combination of non-contact operation, small size and many sensor modes, make it easy to find the proper sensor for almost any application.  The mini photoelectric sensors from Takex have the following features:

• Ultra compact, suitable for building into a machine
• Washable - Waterproof to IP67
• Stablility output is a standard function (NPN output type)
• Fast response time 0.35ms
• High power- can"see" through a business card

As part of the prestigious Takenaka Sensor group in Japan, TAKEX is the leading manufacturer of Security and Industrial Sensors for a demanding global market.  Marshall Wolf Automation is your one-stop industrial automation distributor for sensors!  Visit us online or call us today at 800-325-9653.  We have extended our hours to serve you better: 7:30 am until 6:00 pm Central Standard Time.  You can also email us at sales@wolfautomation.com. 

Does your application need a reliable sensor that can detect a wide variety of materials and will not be influenced by difficult surfaces?

Take a look at the advantages of ultrasonic range sensors:

• Regardless of color or reflection characteristics, ultrasonic sensors can detect objects with millimeter precision
• Immune to outside interference
• Consistent high quality, accurate to the millimeter
• Works with virtually any material - wood, plastic, metal and even liquids!
• Any surface - transparent, smooth, rough, reflective
• May be used to distinguish different materials
• Extensive range of ultrasonic sensors available - we are authorized for Pepperl+Fuchs, Baumer, Leuze, Carlo Gavazzi and Takex

Marshall Wolf Automation is your source for a complete line of ultrasonic sensors!

Does shopping have you stressed out?  Not if you shop with Marshall Wolf Automation and use our user-friendly website at www.wolfautomation.com.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, is an authorized distributor for all the manufacturers on our website.

Following is a sample of the wide range of product lines we offer:

• Variable frequency drives-AC Tech Lenze, Teco, Fuji, Hitachi, Delta, and Weg
• All types of sensors-Carlo Gavazzi, Pepperl & Fuchs, Baumer, Leuze, Takex
• Switches, contactors, circuit breakers-Chint, IDEC, Altech, Euchner, Carlo Gavazzi
• Power supplies-IDEC, Delta, Altech, Micron
• Industrial light towers-Patlite, Menics, Werma
• Gearboxes-Bonfiglioli USA, Motovario

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Please email your inquiries to sales@wolfautomation.com.

You might be surprised at where you find photoelectric sensors.

If you used a garage door opener this morning there was one present to safely open and close the door. We've all waved our hand in front of a sink to turn the water on or walked through an automatically opened door. All of these use photoelectric sensors.

A photoelectric sensor detects a change in light intensity. Generally this means the sensor either does or does not detect the emitted light source. For example, an automatic door senses the change in light intensity when you approach the door and then opens.

There are basically three main methods of target detection with photoelectric sensors: diffused, through-beam and retro-reflective.

Let's start with through beam photoelectric sensors. Through beam (or thru-beam) uses two separate housings. One for the transmitter and one for the receiver. The transmitter aims a light at the receiver and when a target breaks the light beam the output on the receiver is activated.

Through beam is the most efficient method and gives you the longest possible sensing range when using photoelectric sensors.

The next method of sensing is retro-reflective. As the name suggests, this method uses a reflector.

The transmitter and receiver are in the same housing. The transmitter uses a reflector to reflect the light back to the receiver. The target is detected when the beam is blocked from the sensor to the reflector.

The third and final mode of sensing is diffused mode. In this method the transmitter and receiver are also in the same housing, however, the light from the transmitter hits the target and it is reflected back to the receiver. There is no reflector needed, however, this mode usually gives you shorter sensing ranges than the other two.

This method is affected by the target's color, size and finish because the sensor is using the target to reflect the light beam back.

Marshall Wolf Automation is a powerhouse when it comes to sensors, especially photoelectric sensors. We are authorized distributors for all the big names in sensors; Pepperl+Fuchs, Baumer Electric, IDEC, Takex, Autonics, Carlo Gavazzi, Leuze Electronics and more.

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Takex has over 1,000 photoelectric, ultrasonic, and laser sensors; spanning all facets of industrial automation and embedded OEM applications.

Whether your requirement is for factory line automation, hot metal detection (molten, cast, or rolled goods), or embedded OEM devices you can depend on for years of reliable service; Takex offers the broadest range of detection approaches on the market today.  The diverse product offering comprises the most robust and dependable photoelectric, ultrasonic, and laser sensing technologies available on the market today.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, is an authorized Takex distributor.

If you have a requirement for an industrial sensor you have a wide range of Takex sensors to choose from:

• DC  sensors
• Background suppression
• Fiber sensing
• Light curtains
• Ultrasonic sensors
• AC/DC sensors
• Mark/U sensors
• Color sensors
• Hot/Cold metal sensors

Please visit our website at www.wolfautomation.com and view a sampling of our large product offering.

Please email any inquiries to sales@wolfautomation.com.

Takex, formerly known as Pulnix and SEEKA, offers over 1,000 types of industrial automation sensors for your applications.

They specialize in factory automation, hot metal detection and OEM sensors. Takex offers you a huge range of detection options.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Takex industrial sensors!

Search all of our Takex sensors now!