Photoelectric Fork sensors SRF Series

Datasensing SRF Series

The SRF Series provides a high-precision family of slot (fork) photo-electric sensors, engineered for exceptional detection accuracy, robust mechanical design, and rapid switching capability. With options spanning slot widths of 30 mm to 120 mm, emission types including high-resolution laser and red LED, and minimum detectable object/gap performance down to 0.1 mm in laser variants, this series delivers outstanding precision, high throughput, and industrial durability. 

Design & Functionality

• The sensors feature a metal housing with glass lenses, designed for machine-side installation with high resistance to shock and vibration. 
• Optical and operational highlights include:
  • Laser emission versions reach minimum detectable object sizes as low as 0.1 mm (or better) and switching frequencies up to ~5 kHz. 
  • Red LED emission versions offer resolutions to ~0.3 mm, and switching frequencies around ~1.5 kHz.
  • Slot widths: 30 mm (depth ~34 mm), 50 mm/80 mm/120 mm (depth ~54 mm) — allowing selection of the appropriate aperture size for component width or gap detection. 
  • Sensitivity adjustment via rear-mounted trimmer, and output mode selectable (Light/On, Dark/On) through a selector switch — simplifies configuration. 
• Mechanical & electrical features:
  • Operating voltage: 10 … 30 V DC. 
  • Protection rating: IP67 in many models — offering durability in industrial environments. 

Total Crossed Beams

(In this slot sensor context, “Total Crossed Beams” is used metaphorically to emphasise full coverage of the slot aperture rather than literal crossed optical beams.)

• The SRF Series ensures a stable detection zone across the slot aperture, meaning objects or gaps passing through the slot will be reliably detected regardless of their exact position — this translates into fewer missed detections, higher repeatability, and better reliability in high‐speed lines.
• Its combination of ultra-fine resolution (laser version) and fork geometry suits it to detection tasks where precision, speed, and compact format are required — such as label gap detection, transparent film edge detection, packaging machine in-feed controls.

Beam Pitch Options

(Here interpreted as variant options of slot width/depth, emission type and performance rather than literal beam spacing.)

• Example variant: 30 mm slot width, laser emission, switching rate up to ~5 kHz. 
• Example variant: 50 mm slot width, LED emission, switching ~1.5 kHz. 
• Example variant: 80 mm or 120 mm slot width for larger format detection (e.g., bottles or large web gaps) with laser or LED. 
• These variant options allow you to choose an SRF model that matches your part width, gap dimension, web or conveyor spacing and required resolution — giving design flexibility.

Intrinsic Synchronism

• The emitter, detector and electronics are all integrated in the same housing — no external synchronising module required — which simplifies wiring and reduces installation complexity.
• With built-in trimmer adjustment, output indicator LEDs (status/stability), and compact fork format, the SRF family supports fast commissioning, easy diagnostics, and reliable operation in industrial settings. 

Operational Advantages

• Ultra-high resolution detection: With minimum detectable object sizes down to 0.1 mm (laser variant), the SRF Series is capable of monitoring very fine parts, label gaps or film defects.
• High switching speed: Laser versions with up to ~5 kHz switching frequency allow usage in high-throughput packaging and web processing lines.
• Flexible slot geometry: With multiple slot widths (30 mm to 120 mm) the series adapts to a wide variety of component sizes — from small labels to wide webs.
• Industrial robustness: Metal housing, glass optics, IP67 protection and compact form make the SRF suitable for machine side-frames, high-speed conveyors and packaging installations.
• Applications: Ideal for label presence/absence detection, transparent film edge detection, gap or hole detection in webs, packaging machine in-feed monitoring, conveyor throughput control, and any scenario requiring fork-slot sensor format, high resolution, fast response, and robust installation.