Photoelectric Fork sensors FC6 Series

Datasensing FC6 Series

The FC6 Series delivers a high-performance family of fork-type photo-electric sensors, engineered for straight-through object detection, ultra-fine resolution, and industrial robustness. With slot widths ranging from as little as 5 mm up to 80 mm (or more depending on model), minimum detectable objects as small as 0.05 mm (in FC6L variant) and switching frequencies of up to 10 kHz, this series delivers exceptional speed, exceptional precision, and flexible integration into automation lines. 

Design & Functionality

• The sensors feature a metal housing (painted aluminium) with a robust construction, designed for rugged machine-side mounting in high-throughput automation. 
• Optical and operational highlights include:
  • Infrared or Class 1 Laser emission (depending on variant) enabling high detection contrast and reliability.
  • Minimum object detection down to 0.05 mm (FC6L variant) for ultra-fine part detection. 
  • Switching frequency up to 10 kHz and response time around 50 µs for swift detection of objects passing through the slot. 
• Electrical & environmental features:
  • Operating voltage 12…24 V DC; no-load current ≤ 40 mA; load current ≤ 100 mA. 
  • Protection rating IP65; operating temperature range approximately –20 °C to +60 °C (variant-dependent). 
• Mechanical variant flexibility: With multiple slot widths and depths (e.g., slot width 30 mm / depth 59 mm; slot width 80 mm / depth 95 mm) the FC6 series allows tailoring of the sensor to the size of parts passing through, conveyor spacing and clearance constraints. 

Total Crossed Beams

(In this context, the phrase is adapted to indicate that the sensor provides full coverage of the slot aperture rather than literal crossed optical beams.)

• The FC6 Series ensures a consistent detection zone across the slot aperture, so that whatever the position of the object passing through, the emitter and detector maintain reliable detection — leading to fewer missed detections, higher repeatability, and better reliability in high-speed systems.
• This design is especially valuable when parts travel unpredictably through the slot, or when installation tolerances are tight and simple alignment is preferred.

Beam Pitch Options

(Here interpreted as variant options of slot width / depth / sensing distance rather than literal beam spacing.)

• Example variant: Slot width 15 mm, depth 42 mm. 
• Example variant: Slot width 50 mm, depth 95 mm.
• Example variant: Slot width 80 mm, depth 95 mm. 
• These variant options allow you to select an FC6 model that matches your part width, mounting clearance and detection throughput requirements — giving design flexibility.

Intrinsic Synchronism

• The optics, emitter/detector and electronics are fully integrated in the sensor housing — no external synchronising modules required — simplifying wiring and installation complexity.
• With simple adjustment buttons (-/+) for sensitivity, selectable Light/Dark mode and output logic (PNP/NPN), the FC6 family supports fast commissioning, and easy maintenance even in dense machine configurations.

Operational Advantages

• Ultra-fine object detection: With minimum detectable object sizes down to 0.05 mm, the FC6 Series is capable of monitoring micro-parts or thin materials with high accuracy.
• High-speed detection in fork format: Switching up to 10 kHz and response time ~50 µs allow reliable detection when parts move quickly through the slot, enabling high-throughput automation.
• Flexible mechanical design: With a wide range of slot widths/depths and rugged metal housing, the series fits installations from small electronic components up to larger assemblies moving through conveyor forks.
• Industrial robustness: Metal housing, selectable logic, IR/laser emission, and IP65 protection make FC6 sensors well suited for packaging lines, labeling machines, quality control systems and harsh machine-side environments.
• Applications: Ideal for presence/absence detection of parts traveling through a slot (conveyor channel, film or label gate), intrusion detection in slotted frames, limit detection, transparent/foil detection when mounted in fork format, and any scenario where compact fork sensor, fine resolution, and high-speed detection are required.