Fork Sensors for Precise Object Detection
Fork sensors enable reliable detection of micro-parts, transparent, shiny or reflective objects in industrial applications. They are used, among other things, in packaging automation, conveyor technology and label recognition, where high switching frequencies and precise object detection are crucial. The wenglor portfolio includes fork sensors made of plastic or stainless steel and with LED light, laser or ultrasound to offer the right solution for every detection task.
Advantages of Fork Sensors in Industrial Use
Suitable Designs for a Wide Range of Applications
Different fork widths for different installation situations
Robust stainless steel 316L variants for demanding environments
Compact and lightweight miniature variants for mobile applications and use on robots
Reliable Detection of Small and Transparent Objects
Precise detection of small and delicate objects thanks to fine, precise laser beam
Fork sensors with laser light also reliably detect transparent materials and films
Reliable detection of shiny, reflective surfaces, regardless of their object properties
Simple Installation without Time-Consuming Alignment
Emitter and receiver are already aligned ex works
Low wiring effort due to only one connection cable
No misalignment during operation
Process Reliability in Fast Applications
No switching errors at high speeds
Through-beam mode for safe switching processes
Reliable query independent of the object position in the light beam
How Do Fork Sensors Work?
Which Fork Sensor is Suitable for Which Application?
Fork sensors for confined installation spaces
Miniature design with two switching outputs and switching status display
Sensitivity set via IO-Link 1.1
Flexible cable outlet with plug M8 × 1; 4-pin
Miniature design with two switching outputs and switching status display
Sensitivity set via IO-Link 1.1
Flexible cable outlet with plug M8 × 1; 4-pin
Fork sensors for standard applications
For standard applications, such as presence detection and counting of small objects, as well as detecting holes and recesses
Fine laser beam over the entire fork width
Setting is made via the teach-in key
For standard applications, such as presence detection and counting of small objects, as well as detecting holes and recesses
Fine laser beam over the entire fork width
Setting is made via the teach-in key
Fork sensors for harsh industrial environments
Stainless, robust stainless steel 316L housing with IP69K degree of protection
Suitable for transparent and small objects as small as 40 µm
Collimated laser beam for precise detection
Stainless, robust stainless steel 316L housing with IP69K degree of protection
Suitable for transparent and small objects as small as 40 µm
Collimated laser beam for precise detection
Fork sensors for label detection
For special applications, fork sensors with optical or ultrasonic technology are available in addition to classic fork sensor. They are particularly suitable for detecting labels and label materials. They detect objects regardless of color, pattern or degree of gloss. Fork sensors with ultrasonic technology also detect objects of different transparency levels and are therefore also suitable for optically demanding applications.
Fork sensors in miniature design
Miniature fork sensors are photoelectronic sensors. The minimal construction volume, the flexible connection cable and the integrated mounting holes enable use in confined installation situations, such as shuttles, AGVs or robot grippers.
The use of visible red light and the beam marking on the fork legs make it easier to align the fork sensor
Ideal for detecting small holes, grooves and notches and for capturing small parts
Fork Widths at a Glance
10 mm
20 mm
30 mm
Precise Position and End Position Detection in the Tightest of Spaces
Comparison of Miniature Fork Sensors and Inductive Sensors
Criteria | Inductive sensors | Optical fork sensors |
|---|---|---|
Functional principle | Electromagnetic field, therefore only metal is detected | Evaluation of light intensity, even non-metallic objects are detected |
Mechanical errors | Bent or incorrectly mounted flag: Sensor is triggered too early, too late or not at all | Same precision over the entire fork width, misalignments are better tolerated |
Reproducibility | Decreases with increasing switching distance | Constant over the entire fork width – the light beam is either interrupted or not |
Switching point dependency | Depending on switching distance, material, material thickness, temperature and installation situation (flush/not flush) | Switching point is independent of the distance within the fork and is always where the beam interruption starts |
Susceptibility to contamination | Robust against dust, oil and coolant on the sensor surface | Sensitive to contamination of the optics, but protected in the fork |
Advantages of Fork Sensors in Miniature Design
- Compact format for tight installation spaces
- Different fork widths for different objects and requirements
- Flexible integration into machines, conveyor technology and robotics
- Visible beam marking facilitates positioning and reduces setup effort.
- Versions with a thread allow for quick and easy installation.
- Reduced installation effort saves time and simplifies integration.
- Precise detection ensures reliable switching operations and stable processes.
- The integrated display facilitates initial startup and diagnostics.
Product Overview of Fork Sensors in Miniature Design
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Fork width |
Pin function |
Product |
|
|---|---|---|---|
 |
10 mm | 1 × switching output NC contact 1 × antivalent |
P1HJ101-010-020 |
 |
20 mm | 1 × switching output NC contact 1 × antivalent |
P1HJ101-020-020 |
 |
30 mm | 1 × switching output NC contact 1 × antivalent |
P1HJ101-030-020 |
|
|
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|
Fork width
10 mm
|
Pin function
1 × switching output NC contact
1 × antivalent |
Product |
|
|
||
|
Fork width
20 mm
|
Pin function
1 × switching output NC contact
1 × antivalent |
Product |
|
|
||
|
Fork width
30 mm
|
Pin function
1 × switching output NC contact
1 × antivalent |
Product |
Typical Applications of Fork Sensors
Reliably Detect Small and Fast Objects
Objects can be detected precisely and at high process speeds regardless of their material properties with the fork sensors. Due to their precise light beam, they are ideally suited for detecting small parts in the millimeter range and enable reliable scanning on shiny or reflective surfaces.
Precise Position and End Position Detection
Fork sensors are used in conveyor and storage technology to reliably monitor positions and end positions on machines and robots. They detect objects, switching flags, holes or grooves regardless of material, color or surface finish.
Object Detection in Narrow Installation Spaces
When used on robots and driverless transport systems, there is often limited space for sensors. Due to their small size, miniature fork sensors require significantly less mounting space than conventional fork sensors, making them ideal for applications with limited space.
Reliably Detect Labels and Transparent Materials
In applications in the packaging, food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries, ultrasonic label forks are used to reliably detect labels on any carrier material regardless of color, transparency or surface finish. Low contrast differences between label and carrier material, as well as highly glossy or highly transparent films are not a challenge.
