Benefits of detecting if the part is in position prior to closing or moving the gripper are assuring part in proper position, detecting slippage as gripper moves, and protecting tooling from missing or misaligned parts.

Self-contained thru-beam photoelectric sensors can detect part presence regardless of material. Certain versions can even detect clear glass or plastic. Various light sources can be employed (for example infrared, visible red, or visible red laser) depending on the characteristics of the part, the operating environment (clean or dirty), and the required precision of the part positioning in the gripper.


Sheet metal gripper using self-contained thru-beam L-frame sensor
This pneumatic gripper closes at high speed to securely hold and transport sheet metal. To prevent potential collision of the part with prematurely closed gripper jaws, it is importent to detect part presence in the jaws before the gripper is closed. When object is in the jaws, the sensor’s beam is broken and the part is detected.

See all self-contained thru-beam L-frame sensors (BWL)

Shovel gripper used with self-contained thru-beam L-frame sensor
As a right-angle part is nesting in the gripper, a self-contained thru-beam sensor detects a beam break and confirms part presence in the shovel. A slot in the shovel provides a light path and additional protection for the metal-bodied sensor.

See all self-contained thru-beam L-frame sensors (BWL)

Custom gripper assemblies and self-contained thru-beam C-frame sensor
Ideal for part-in-position applications on custom gripper assemblies. C-frame photoelectric sensors don't require initial alignment and provide high visibility with porthole LEDs.

See all self-contained thru-beam C-frame sensors (BGL)