W10 Photoelectric Proximity Sensor: The New Benchmark for Versatility In Object Detection

All in one – one for all: with the new W10 photoelectric proximity sensor, SICK presents a sensor that can be used to solve a wide range of detection tasks in automation technology more universally than ever before.

The sensor series comprises just four variants, which differ in their operating distances and mounting options. This considerably reduces the usual variety of types. The Class 1 laser light source, in conjunction with the precise receiver evaluation line, delivers precise detection results with high repeat accuracy.

For the first time, a touchscreen interface has been implemented in a sensor of this type, which means that the operation of the W10 meets demanding requirements for intuitive ease of use and innovative user experience. Three application-optimized operating modes can be activated just as easily via the display as foreground or background suppression if required. In addition, situation-dependent teach-in options allow the W10 to be conveniently adapted to individual application scenarios.

The stainless steel housing with IP69k protection protects the sensor even when used in demanding ambient conditions. Thanks to IO-Link functionality, the photoelectric sensor offers the option of remote configuration and efficient integration of the recorded sensor data into an existing automation network.

The W10 stands for versatility and a high degree of flexibility in application design. This opens up a wide range of applications for the photoelectric proximity sensor across numerous industrial sectors and innovation sectors, particularly in factory and logistics automation applications, for example in the robust and reliable detection of objects with different or challenging surface properties such as gloss, color or structures.

World’s first laser triangulation sensor with intuitive user experience via touchscreen

Slide switches, potentiometers, rotary knobs – the W10 can do without all these setting elements. This is made possible by the touchscreen display, which makes this laser photoelectric proximity sensor the first of its kind. Whether speed, standard or precision operating modes, foreground or background suppression, individual teach-in settings, preconfigured parameters, and limit values – the operator can select, call up, adjust, and save everything intuitively.

A screen lock as a special security feature of the W10 protects the settings securely against access or unwanted changes by third parties. As an alternative to operation on the device, the W10 can also be set easily via IO-Link and can also communicate via this interface. The W10 has two digital outputs for the output of switching signals.

Reliable detection thanks to precise laser triangulation over short and long ranges

The W10 combines a high-precision class 1 laser light source – whose focused light beam produces only a small light spot on an object – with a fast and precise receiver evaluation line.

Thanks to this powerful technology, the photoelectric proximity sensor achieves very precise detection results with high repeat accuracy both in the short-range version with working distances between 25 mm and 400 mm and in the long-range version with ranges from 25 mm to 700 mm: this is ideal for the precise detection of objects and positions. In speed mode, the response time is 1.8 ms – reliable switching behavior is therefore guaranteed even at high machine speeds.

Wide range of applications thanks to teach-in option and hybrid and robust design

By using dynamic algorithms developed for specific applications, the W10 achieves a high level of reliability and good repeat accuracy ex works. The photoelectric proximity sensor offers individual teach-in options for specific adaptations. In addition to the usual 1-point teach, which detects objects at a defined distance, a 2-point teach enables objects of different heights to be detected. A manual mode extends the teach options and offers even more flexibility.

Both the short-range and long-range versions of the W10 are available in two housing variants: one for standard mounting with a 1-inch hole and one for hybrid mounting via the M18 thread on the front or the 1-inch hole on the side.

With just two versions – each with two color LEDs to indicate the operating status – the W10 offers a high degree of mounting flexibility. This makes it suitable for the most common installation situations.

The stainless steel housing with protection class IP69k makes all W10s extremely robust devices that can withstand harsh operating environments, aggressive media or frequent cleaning cycles. This ensures maximum availability during operation and avoids long downtimes in the application.

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