07.10.2024
New generation of fork sensors
Detect, monitor, identify – the easiest way to use photoelectric sensors
Fork sensors are photoelectronic sensors that have a light transmitter and receiver integrated in one housing. They are the watchful eyes of industry: they detect precise objects, measure distances and control fill levels – all contact-free and at lightning speed. This makes them indispensable in the world of modern automation solutions .
With the third generation of fork sensors, Balluff also offers an entry-level model in addition to the optimised versions.
Focus on the essentials: our entry level model
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-optimised, economical solution
- 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
Set for the future with tomorrow's technology– IO-Link and more
IO-Link's digital communication standard provides data and diagnostics that are smart, simple, and fast. It not only enables precise, remote adjustment of the sensor parameters. It also allows you to continuously monitor the sensor's signal quality to determine when dust or debris are affecting the sensor's ability to operate.
Optimize your processes with a switching frequency of 5 kHz, which more than doubles the speed from the second generation sensors, to improve small part detection and robust operation. Their increased function reserve ensures maximum efficiency and reliability. Equipped with an integrated pulse extender, the fork sensors ensures that even short signals are reliably detected, so no data is lost.
Features
- Operation in SIO mode with switching output and available signal monitoring via IO-Link
- Device replacement without manual adjustment or parameter setup, using data storage in the network master
- Integrated pulse stretching
The similarities of all variants of the new fork sensor generation
IP67 die-cast zinc housing for use, even in harsh environments
Mechanically fully backwards compatible
Transmitter and receiver perfectly adjusted in the housing - no alignment required
Ready for immediate use thanks to the practical plug-and-play system
Products
Fork sensors BGL, entry-level models
- 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 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
- 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
Fork sensors BGL with IO-Link
- 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 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 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
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.
-
Lasers
provide the best results for precise positioning and detecting fast movements.
-
Special wavelength
for water and other liquids, glass or substrate.
Related topics
Downloads
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Set for the future with IO-Link technology
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BGL entry series – new generation of basic fork sensors