Photoelectric Contrast sensors TLU Series

Datasensing TLU Series

The TLU Series delivers a robust family of contrast mark sensors, engineered for high-precision mark and reference detection, versatile optics, and industrial-grade construction. With nominal sensing distances typically around 9 mm (or 18 mm for larger lens variants) and spot dimensions as small as ~1.5 × 5 mm or Ø3 mm, the series supports fast switching (up to 20 kHz or more), wide-spectrum LED emission, and flexible mounting, providing dependable performance on demanding print, web-handling and packaging lines. 

Design & Functionality

• The sensors feature a durable metal housing (Zamak or aluminium) with integrated optics and connector interface, designed for machine-side mounting and with a rotatable connector/optics arrangement for easy alignment. 
• Optical and performance highlights include:
  • Wide-spectrum LED emission (red/green or white), enabling detection of both coloured and neutral reference marks or backgrounds. 
  • Very small spot dimensions (~1.5 × 5 mm or Ø3 mm) and nominal sensing distances around ~9-12 mm (or ~18 mm for larger lens) for precision mark detection. 
  • High switching frequency & fast response times — e.g., response time 0.025 ms (≈25 µs) or 0.05 ms (≈50 µs) in many models, supporting high-speed applications. 
  • Selectable output logic (NPN or PNP), Dark/Light mode, analog output in some variants — providing flexible integration into existing control systems. 

Total Crossed Beams

(In this context, this term is used to denote that the sensor offers consistent detection coverage and repeatability across its detection field rather than literal crossed optical beams.)

• The TLU Series ensures a stable detection zone even when reference marks vary slightly in size, position or colour, or when conveyors move at high speed. This leads to fewer missed detections, higher repeatability, and better process reliability in automated production lines.
• These features make the TLU particularly suitable for printing machines, packaging lines, web tracking systems and other applications where accuracy, speed, and compact integration are required.

Beam Pitch Options

(Here interpreted as variant options for sensor optics/capabilities rather than literal beam spacing.)

• Example: Standard variant with nominal sensing distance ~9 mm and spot dimension ~1.5 × 5 mm. 
• Example: Larger lens variant with nominal sensing distance ~18 mm and spot dimension ~2 × 7 mm. 
• These variants allow selection of a TLU model matched to your mark size, mounting distance, background and speed conditions — giving design flexibility.

Intrinsic Synchronism

• The electronics, optics and configuration interface are integrated within the sensor housing — no external synchronisation modules are required — which simplifies wiring and reduces installation complexity.
• With built-in Teach-in push-buttons or remote setting and status LED indicators (Output, Ready), the TLU supports quick commissioning, easy setup changes, and reliable diagnostics. 

Operational Advantages

• High-speed registration mark detection: The series supports response times as low as ~25-50 µs and switching frequencies up to ~20 kHz, making it ideal for fast printing and packaging systems.
• Fine-spot optics and wide-spectrum emission: With small spot sizes and red/green or white LED emission, the TLU reliably detects marks even on challenging materials or low contrast backgrounds.
• Flexible integration and robust construction: Metal housing, IP67 protection, selectable logic/output types and rotatable connector/optics provide mechanical and electrical adaptability.
• Applications: Excellent for print-mark detection, color mark registration on films, label presence/orientation sensing, conveyor web tracking, packaging registration tasks, and any setup where compact sensor, precision spot, and high reliability are needed.