Compact SA1N Sensors Join IDEC’s Expanding PE Lineup

From an automation perspective, it is very rare to find a manufacturing facility with readily available space. The economy of space drives those companies to push for smaller, more compact equipment. In addition, when designing a system, the weight and size of all components matter significantly when speccing out the proper size robot, pneumatic cylinder, and electric slides; otherwise, the cost of automation can increase dramatically.

Introducing the newest photoelectric sensors from IDEC, the SA1N series. Image used courtesy of IDEC

To combat this, integrators and automation experts tend to design things that meet these expectations and drive down their overall costs. To help with this demand, the IDEC Corporation has expanded its photoelectric (PE) lineup with a space-saving subminiature SA1N series of PE sensors.

New Subminiature SA1N Photoelectric Sensors

What makes this sensor a little more special than the rest? The SA1N photoelectric sensors boast a length of only 3cm. These sensors, however, also feature a built-in amplifier, removing the need for an additional unit. These photoelectric sensors also come equipped with a 2 m flexible cable, which sounds odd for a photoelectric sensor because you would normally think that these cables would be an inflexible photoelectric cable. However, this sensor uses a stainless steel fiber-type cable, which allows the cable to be flexed and makes it easier to replace if damaged.

The SA1N will feature a built-in space-saving amplifier and a sensitivity adjustment control. Image used courtesy of IDEC

The SA1N sensors will feature two different styles of photoelectric sensors: barrel-mount and block type. The barrel-mount sensors will use a fiber-type diffuse-reflective infrared-style LED and be secured with an M6 nut through the mounting hole. The barrel style will also have a sensing range of 3 to 50mm. The block-style sensor is a convergent-reflective red LED style that has a detection range of 5 to 50 mm and can be secured through the two mounting holes, which will have a 14 mm pitch. Both models will have PNP and NPN light-on configurations and will have response times as fast as .5 msec. Each sensor is also equipped with a sensitivity adjustment volume, which can be set according to the user to increase the flexibility of their sensor installation depending on their workpiece and distance.

Useful In Almost Any Application

When using any sensor, it's important to understand its limitations regarding what it can and cannot easily detect. The SA1N sensor is particularly well-suited for detecting parts in conveyors, bowl feeders, or other automated feeding systems across various industries. Ensure the area has consistent ambient light and is free from excessive dust, debris, or fog. Additionally, the surface of the material should be appropriate for optimal performance. These conditions are crucial, as they can lead to false signals or hinder the sensor's effectiveness.