MicroLaser Through Beam DKM60R – a new dimension for laser sensors

Balluff STM GmbH: The micro laser through beam sensor type DKM60R from STM is another highlight in the MICROmote® product family. The sensor stands out as being remarkably small and precise.

The most noticeable difference, when compared to other commercially available lasers, is the body volume. The M6 threaded cylindrical housing means that even under extremely limited space conditions there is almost no restriction in sensor installation. The ultra-flexible supply cable from the STM MICROmote® family connects the sensor with the separate amplifier. Despite the minimum size of the laser it has many valuable features available through the separate amplifier, for example, convenient operation, programming, and displayed signal value are a few of the features offered.

But more importantly there is another unique attribute which becomes visible only in the practical application: The microoptic of the emitter is exceptionally designed in a way that the circular laser beam has a 0.6mm diameter with a divergence of only 2mrad. This sensor therefore has no distinctive focal point, contrary to practically all other competitive products. Because of this the resolution is identical at any position between emitter and receiver.

Even with a nominal sensing distance of more than 4m the power output notably remains below 1mW and is classified as a Class 1 laser product.

Regardless of the application--either in small part detection over large distances, precise monitoring of liquid levels in capillaries, or in the reliable detection of transparent objects with small dimensions and varying shapes--this product remarkably combines simplicity of alignment with measurement precision.