10.07.2025
The comprehensive portfolio of new-generation fork sensors
Mount instead of align – the easiest way to use optical sensors
With its new generation of fork sensors, Balluff presents a comprehensive portfolio that reliably covers all industrial requirements. From economical entry-level variants and powerful standard models to high-precision laser and robust infrared variants, the product family offers the right solution for every application. In addition to different fork widths and various light types, the broad portfolio also includes variants for a wide range of special applications.
Modern optics, robust construction, and full mechanical compatibility with the previous generation ensure easy integration and future-proof automation—regardless of whether it's a simple presence detection or a demanding precision task.
The similarities of all variants of the new fork sensor generation
Mechanically fully backwards compatible
Transmitter and receiver perfectly adjusted in the housing - no alignment required
The pre-adjusted alignment of the transmitter and receiver ensures precise installation of the light beam in accordance with the design.
Ready for immediate use thanks to the practical plug-and-play system
IP67 die-cast zinc housing for use, even in harsh environments
Focus on the essentials: our Entry Line
Balluff is adding a basic fork sensor variant as an extension of their portfolio. This series represents the perfect balance between functionality and user-friendliness, built into an extremely robust design.
These fork sensors are the ideal solution for users who need a sensor solution that is as economical as it is reliable. They use red light, offer basic functions and are costoptimized but do not compromise on the usual Balluff robustness: the sensors detect objects regardless of color and surface, even under demanding industrial conditions thanks to the robust metal housing.
Features
- Cost-optimized, economical solution
- Plug-and-Play System: ready for immediate use
- Unintentional adjustment is impossible
- Simple alignment and monitoring thanks to visible red transmitter light
- Reliable object detection regardless of color and surface
- Three fork size openings for different requirements: 30, 50 and 80 mm
The standard versions of the new generation: IO-Link and more
When applications have higher technical requirements, such as switching frequency, smallest object detection, or signal transmission to the control system, the standard versions are the logical next step. They combine excellent optical performance with a choice between classic standard operation (SIO mode) or modern IO-Link communication.
Optimize your processes with modern IO-Link communication: Higher switching frequency of 5 kHz, up to 50% improved repeatability and smallest-part detection, 100% improved ambient light immunity and robust operation thanks to higher functional reserve ensure maximum efficiency and reliability. Equipped with integrated pulse extension, the fork sensors ensures that even short signals are reliably detected – so no data is lost.
Features
- Significantly improved optical performance (ambient light immunity, repeat accuracy, smallest part detection)
- IO-Link for smart communication: remote configuration, monitoring of optical condition, voltage, and temperature, contamination monitoring, and potentiometer lock function
- Fork sizes for various requirements from 5 to 220 mm
- Operation in SIO mode with switching output and signal monitoring via IO-Link possible
- Device replacement without manual intervention or knowledge, with data storage in the master
- Integrated pulse extension
Laser and infrared variants – For special applications and maximum precision
Laser and infrared variants are the right solution for particularly demanding tasks. Laser variants offer higher edge accuracy, detect even the smallest structures through narrow gaps and small openings, and support precise positioning thanks to their fine light spot.
In dirty environments, infrared technology really comes into its own.
Features
- Infrared variants with fork widths from 5 to 220 mm
- Laser variants with fork widths from 30 to 120 mm
- IO-Link for smart communication
Clear logic – a seamless portfolio
The structure of the portfolio follows a simple, easy-to-understand system.
Balluff thus offers a logically structured and complete portfolio that enables you to serve every application with the optimum technology.
Our products
BGL Fork sensors, Entry Line
- Dimension
- 10 x 50 x 68 mm
- Fork opening
- 30 mm
- Interface
- Push-pull NO(PNP)/NC(NPN)
- Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 0.85 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
WEEE
cULus
- Dimension
- 10 x 100 x 88 mm
- Fork opening
- 80 mm
- Interface
- Push-pull NO(PNP)/NC(NPN)
- Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 1.2 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
WEEE
cULus
- Dimension
- 10 x 70 x 88 mm
- Fork opening
- 50 mm
- Interface
- Push-pull NO(PNP)/NC(NPN)
- Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 1 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
WEEE
cULus
BGL sensors in red light version
- Dimension
- 10 x 200 x 153 mm
- Fork opening
- 180 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 1.7 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 70 x 79 mm
- Fork opening
- 50 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Film on glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 50 x 59 mm
- Fork opening
- 30 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 0.85 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Film on glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 240 x 153 mm
- Fork opening
- 220 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 1.7 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 100 x 79 mm
- Fork opening
- 80 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Film on glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 140 x 84 mm
- Fork opening
- 120 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Film on glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 25 x 54 mm
- Fork opening
- 5 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 0.85 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 30 x 54 mm
- Fork opening
- 10 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 0.85 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 40 x 58 mm
- Fork opening
- 20 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED, red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 0.85 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
BGL sensors in laser version
- Dimension
- 10 x 50 x 68 mm
- Fork opening
- 30 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Collimated
- Light type
- Laser red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 0.3 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 100 x 88 mm
- Fork opening
- 80 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Collimated
- Light type
- Laser red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 0.3 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 70 x 88 mm
- Fork opening
- 50 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Collimated
- Light type
- Laser red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 0.3 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 140 x 93 mm
- Fork opening
- 120 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Collimated
- Light type
- Laser red light
- Light spot size
- Ø 0.3 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
BGL sensors in infrared version
- Dimension
- 10 x 40 x 58 mm
- Fork opening
- 20 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED infrared
- Light spot size
- Ø 1.5 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 200 x 153 mm
- Fork opening
- 180 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED infrared
- Light spot size
- Ø 2 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 240 x 153 mm
- Fork opening
- 220 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED infrared
- Light spot size
- Ø 2.5 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 30 x 54 mm
- Fork opening
- 10 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED infrared
- Light spot size
- Ø 2 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 25 x 54 mm
- Fork opening
- 5 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED infrared
- Light spot size
- Ø 1.7 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 50 x 68 mm
- Fork opening
- 30 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED infrared
- Light spot size
- Ø 2.5 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 70 x 88 mm
- Fork opening
- 50 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED infrared
- Light spot size
- Ø 2.5 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 100 x 88 mm
- Fork opening
- 80 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED infrared
- Light spot size
- Ø 2.5 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
- Dimension
- 10 x 140 x 93 mm
- Fork opening
- 120 mm
- Interface
-
IO-Link-Device: 1.1.3
Push-Pull/IO-Link: NO(PNP)/NC(NPN) - Principle of operation
- Fork sensor
- Principle of optical operation
- Through-beam sensor
- Beam characteristic
- Divergent
- Light type
- LED infrared
- Light spot size
- Ø 2.5 mm Light exit
- Connection
- Connector, M8x1-Male, 3-pin
- Housing material
-
Zinc, Die casting, black coated
PUR, PA 6.6 - Material sensing surface
- Glass, coated
- Operating voltage Ub
- 10...30 VDC
- Approval/Conformity
-
CE
UKCA
cULus
WEEE
Advantages of fork sensors for your industrial automation
-
Flexibility: Versatile for various application requirements thanks to a wide selection of sizes and light types
-
High precision: Detection of even the smallest and transparent objects with maximum accuracy and repeatability.
-
Versatile application possibilities: Ideal for the detection of edges, holes and slits as well as in packaging, printing and assembly processes.
-
Reliability: Stable performance even under difficult environmental conditions, robust against vibrations and mechanical loads.
-
Maintenance-free: No moving parts mean less wear and low maintenance requirements for a longer service life.
-
High interference immunity: Insensitive to ambient light and electromagnetic interference
Applications and use cases
Presence checking
Detecting and counting objects
Monitoring the flow of goods on conveyor belts
Monitoring the flow of goods at feed units
Flow control in filling plants
Positioning (end position only)
Checking the size
Detecting unbalance in rotating parts
Detection of thin films and wires
Speed measurement
Which light type should I use when?
-
Red light
is a real all-rounder and is particularly easy to use thanks to its good visibility.
-
Infrared light
is invisible to the human eye, which increases safety and minimises interference from ambient light. It is recommended for use in very dirty environments.
-
Laser
provide the best results for precise positioning and detecting fast movements.
-
Special wavelength
for water and other liquids, glass or substrate.
Related topics
Downloads
-
Set for the future with IO-Link technology
-
BGL entry series – new generation of basic fork sensors