Ray10 and Ray26 are the names of the new product families of reflex array sensors from Sick, which the company presented at Logimat. The sensors work with a 2D light band that makes it possible to reliably detect flat and position-tolerant objects on stationary conveyor systems. This saves up to 50 percent of the installation and costs associated with light grid solutions or multiple light barriers.

The compact Ray10 and the performance-oriented Ray26 are specified for different installation and detection conditions and can detect objects with edge heights between two millimetres and ten millimetres from different working distances. As a result, they offer a high degree of mounting flexibility for different detection and installation situations. In CEP hubs and distribution centers, the sensors have proven to be reliable, integration-friendly and economical solutions for detecting polybags and shipping bags - which are increasingly being used by shippers to minimize freight costs - as well as magazines and other flat mail items and objects, according to the manufacturer.

The 2D functional principle of the Ray10 and Ray26 is also suitable for determining the height of pallets in intralogistics, for detecting objects with perforated surface structures and for detecting interfering objects in front of weighing or labeling systems.

Space-saving strip light barrier
The Reflex Array sensor Ray10 is designed for use in confined machine environments with limited mounting space and therefore enables space-saving sensor solutions. Installation is made easier by the PinPoint LED with its sharply contoured light spot and the integrated alignment aid.

With a detection height of 25 millimetres, the Ray10 can handle minimum object heights from five millimetres - and with a response time of 0.5 milliseconds. As a result, the sensor delivers reliable detection results even at high conveyor speeds and ensures a high system throughput, for example on CEP conveyor lines, says Sick.

Flat object leading edges or large detection height
The Ray26 works with a detection height of 55 millimetres and - depending on the sensor variant - can detect minimum edge heights of between two millimetres and ten millimetres. The smart sensor version has an IO-Link communication interface that an automation system can use to load the appropriate setting directly into the device. This allows a machine to be adapted very quickly and flexibly to the objects to be detected - which optimizes the availability and productivity of processes and systems.

In addition, the Belt Blanking function suppresses interference signals, such as those caused by the surface of belt conveyors, to ensure detection and signal reliability - even at high object speeds. Sensor integration is also made easier with the Ray26 thanks to the bright PinPoint LED and optically supported alignment.

Application potential beyond logistics
The Reflex Array sensors avoid the often space-critical and adjustment-intensive installation of light barriers positioned one above the other or the increased expense of a light grid solution. In addition to possible applications in logistics, there are therefore also examples of applications in other sectors where objects need to be detected based on their front edge. These can be found, for example, in packaging technology when processing cardboard blanks, in the steel industry when detecting profile material, in the automotive industry when detecting radiator condensers on conveyor systems, in PCB protrusion control in electronics production or in the wood industry when automatically detecting boards, panels and panels.