Name: Retro Reflective Photo Electric Sensor
Brand: Balluf
SKU: 1641
Availability: InStock

Retro Reflective Photo Electric Sensor – Premium Cylindrical M18 Optical Object Detection Switch

The Retro Reflective Photo Electric Sensor (BOS M18 series) is an advanced, high-efficiency optical automation solution designed to execute precise, non-contact object detection across complex industrial workflows. Manufactured by BALLUF, a worldwide pioneer in sensory systems, this cylindrical retroreflective sensor combines an optical emitter and receiver into a single space-saving housing.

This specialized Retro Reflective Photo Electric Sensor operates by projecting a highly visible red light beam toward a remote reflector target positioned on the opposite side of a tracking track. When a moving part, packaging carton, or machine component cuts through this focused beam, the light fails to bounce back to the integrated receiver lens. This disruption triggers an immediate change in the sensor’s solid-state transistor output (available in PNP or NPN variants). Equipped with integrated polarizing filter arrays, this sensor family effectively avoids false reflections from glossy metallic surfaces, making it a reliable choice for challenging industrial sorting lines.

Key Features of Retro Reflective Photo Electric Sensor

Single-Unit Emitting and Receiving Optics: Combines transmission and collection circuits inside one housing, cutting wiring steps in half compared to traditional through-beam sensor setups.
Integrated Polarization Filter Arrays: Avoids false trips caused by shiny, reflective, or mirror-finished objects by filtering secondary light angles.
Long-Distance Detection Profiles: Offers a long sensing reach ranging from $0text{ m}$ up to $7text{ meters}$ (and up to $16text{ meters}$ on specialized laser variants).
Rugged M18 Threaded Metal Housing: Built inside a durable, nickel-plated brass cylindrical barrel that withstands high mechanical stress and intense installation torques.
360° Highly Visible Status Indicators: Features a rear-mounted indicator ring or bright LED cluster providing clear visual confirmation of power and active output state from any angle.
High Environmental Ingress Shielding: Sealed up to IP67 compliance ratings to guarantee flawless internal electronic protection against continuous dust ingress, grease, and fluid washdowns.

Applications and Usage of Retro Reflective Photo Electric Sensor

The rapid response times and consistent material-independent tracking of the Retro Reflective Photo Electric Sensor make it highly valuable across multiple sectors:

Conveyor Object Tracking and Counting: Deployed along high-volume logistics and intralogistics conveyor belts to index passing parcels, boxes, or storage totes regardless of color.
Automotive Body Panel Presence Sensing: Tracks dark, metallic, or painted automotive metal sub-assemblies inside industrial welding cells without losing accuracy due to ambient glare.
Palletizer and Warehouse Automation: Serves as an end-of-travel stop sensor on automated pallet wrapping equipment and stacker cranes to confirm load positions.
Bottling and Packaging Production Control: Monitors high-speed bottle filling pathways to detect missing container caps or confirm feed lane spacing before applying labels.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification	Technical Details & Engineering Metrics
Product Component Class	Cylindrical Photoelectric Sensor Block
Primary Target Keyword	Retro Reflective Photo Electric Sensor BALLUF
Housing Design Form Factor	M18 Standard Threaded Barrel ( $varnothing 18 times 75text{ mm}$ )
Operating Optical Concept	Polarized Retroreflective Sensor System
Light Type Architecture	Highly Visible LED Red Light (650 nm wave signature)
Sensing Distance Span	$0text{ m}$ to $7.0text{ meters}$ continuous range (Reflector dependent)
Operating Voltage Range ( $U_b$ )	10V DC to 30V DC (Short-circuit and reverse-polarity protected)
Switching Output Logic	PNP or NPN (Selectable Normally Open / Normally Closed)
Connection Protocol Type	M12 Micro-Connector (4-pin male configuration) or 2m PVC cable
Enclosure Protection Rating	IP67 Dust and Water Splash Impervious
Housing Material Formula	Nickel-Plated Brass Shell with AR-Coated Glass Sensing Face
Operational Temperature	$-25^circtext{C}$ up to $+55^circtext{C}$ active performance window

Benefits of the Retro Reflective Photo Electric Sensor

Generous Mounting and Alignment Tolerances: Emits a wide, well-defined optical beam that makes it easy for maintenance teams to align the sensor with its reflector target.
Detects Varied Textures and Colors: Relies solely on light beam disruption rather than surface reflectivity, tracking flat black plastics, fabrics, and clear wrappers with equal accuracy.
Minimizes Commissioning Costs: Requiring power and wiring on only one side of the machine path drastically lowers installation hardware and labor costs.

Installation and Alignment Guidelines

Reflector Positioning: Mount a compatible high-performance BALLUF corner-cube reflector directly opposite the sensor face. Ensure both faces are clear of heavy physical obstructions.
Optical Optimization: Adjust the orientation of the M18 threaded barrel until the rear alignment LED transitions to a stable state, indicating maximum light reflection. Secure the dual M18 retaining nuts to lock the position.
Sensor Cleaning: Periodically clean the AR-coated glass lens with a lint-free cloth to prevent dust accumulation from reducing the sensor’s optical range.

To review optical polarization formulas, alignment margin charts, and environmental sealing ratings for industrial automation switches, consult the global Automation Direct Photoelectric Sensing Technical Reference.

To submit an official commercial RFQ for bulk project discounts or verify current warehouse stock volumes in your region, reach out to our engineering branch through the Control Qatar Contact Page.