Waldkirch, November 2008 – The new WFL series of laser fork sensors, that SICK is to present for the first time at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES trade fair in Nuremberg, now includes more than 20 different housings. In addition to their versatility, these rugged sensors score points through their rapidity, very precise laser light source, and simple 2-point teach-in. Thus the WFL will become a real problem-solver in, among other areas, the packaging and pharmaceutical sectors, labelling and identification systems, and handling technology.

Unlike other photoelectric switches, such fork housings offer a decisive advantage: the transmitter and receiver require no alignment during mounting and commissioning because they are fixed in the housing.

Small laser light spot ensures great precision

The fork photoelectric switches of the WFL series allow reliable detection of the smallest objects of up to 0.05 mm, e.g. the tip of a syringe. This is because the laser light source emits parallel light and generates a very small light spot on the object. It is therefore also possible to reliably detect small parts and carry out precise positioning, e.g. in machine tools – even at high switching frequencies. The WLF even masters the detection of transparent objects or differentiation between different transparent materials without difficulty.

There’s always one housing that fits

The WFL series offers sensor solutions in more than 20 housings. Fork depths of 40 mm, 60 mm and 95 mm are available; fork widths of 2 mm, 5 mm, 15 mm, 30 mm, 80 mm and 120 mm can be selected. All device variants can be easily mounted and commissioned: a sample object is simply inserted in the light path and the switching threshold taught-in at the press of a button.