The world’s smallest optical distance sensor

Gottenheim, November 2018 – This sensor fits into even the tiniest of gaps:  No bigger than a sugar cube, the laser distance sensor FT 10-RLA from SensoPart is ideally suited to challenging measuring tasks, for example in semi-conductor assembly or robotics applications. The output of measurement values is purely digital thanks to IO-Link.

Reduced to the smallest possible size and weight: Measuring just 21.1 x 14.6 x 8 mm and only approximately 10 g, SensoPart’s new laser distance sensor is the smallest of its kind. Despite a subminiature design, it has excellent sensor capacities with particularly exceptional linearity and repeatability. The measuring range is 10 to 70 mm with only a tiny blind zone of 10 mm. The sharp rectangular light spot (1x3 mm), which is characteristic of laser sensors, guarantees reliable small part detection.

Determined by triangulation, the distance is emitted as a 3-byte digital value via the integrated IO-Link interface. Measurement values are consequently no longer distorted by surrounding electromagnetic influences, in contrast to the analogue output method. Due to increasing digitalisation in industry and the fact that IO-Link is now a global standard, the time was ripe for a purely digital distance sensor.

The tiny laser sensor offers everything necessary for effective distance measurement. Thanks to an integrated dovetail holder, the sensor can be quickly and easily mounted and aligned, even in cramped conditions. The class 1 laser beam also facilitates use. Typical applications with the FT 10-RLA are distance measurement directly from the robotic gripper arm, double layer detection wtih printed circuit boards, presence and height control of semi-conductor components as well as the measurement of small dispensing reels. Due to its small construction, the sensor is a practical substitute for fibre-optic cables when precision measurements are required in extremely confined spaces.

The new laser distance sensor rounds out the subminiature F 10 series with a version requested by many. Distance sensors from SensoPart are now available in all industrycompatible formats: compact, miniature and subminiature.

About SensoPart Industriesensorik GmbH

The medium-sized, family-run company based in Gottenheim near Freiburg and in Wieden near Todtnau, develops, produces and sells sensors for factory automation. The main focus is on optoelectronic sensors and camera-based vision sensors, which are used for so many purposes in industrial applications - e.g. for object/colour detection or distance measurement.

SensoPart is synonymous with flexibility and stands for innovative, high-performance products made in Germany. The company has received numerous distinctions for its work, for example the recent 1st place in the Automation Award and has been several times winner of the German Sensor ApplicationPrize.