This section provides an overview for through-beam sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 32 through-beam sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked through-beam sensor companies as of November, 2024: 1.Transducer Techniques, LLC, 2.Accent Controls Pvt. Ltd., 3.Photon Controls India PVT. LTD..
Table of Contents
A through-beam sensor is a type of sensor that detects objects by emitting a beam of light.
These sensors utilize visible light, infrared light, and laser light as their light beams. They are capable of detecting the intrusion or movement of people, objects, the location of objects, steps, and more.
Through-beam sensors are widely used in various industries such as factories, residences, parking lots, offices, hospitals, and solar power plants. In the semiconductor and electronics industries, ultra-compact sensors are typically used for detecting bumps and lifts, positioning, detecting the presence or absence of machined holes, component positioning, tip detection, and confirming the arrival of boards.
In hospitals, they are used to signal nurses when a patient leaves the bed. In garages, the sensors can activate patrolling lights or similar systems to notify when someone passes through an entrance or exit. They also play a role in safety, such as reversing and opening doors that are about to close.
For night surveillance of premises, the system triggers a warning alarm when someone enters a specific area. These sensors are also used for detecting intruders in material storage areas and in alarm systems when a vehicle exceeds a specified height limit.
A through-beam sensor comprises a light emitter that emits a light beam, a light receiver, a power supply, and an amplifier. The light beam is either blocked, transmitted, or reflected by an object, causing a change in the amount of light detected by the receiver. This change is then converted into an output signal.
The light sources can be of various colors, including infrared, red, green, blue, and a combination of red, green, and blue. Output circuits may include NPN transistor open collector, PNP transistor open collector, DC 2-wire, NPN transistor universal, relay contact, and other contact outputs. Another common type is the analog output via analog voltage.
Through-beam sensors enable non-contact detection from a distance, meaning they are not affected by the mounting of the sensor. This allows for long-term, consistent detection.
The sensors provide a high-speed response due to their optical beam and fully electronic circuit composition, making them suitable for high-speed production lines.
Transmissive sensors are capable of detecting objects from several tens of meters away.
These sensors can detect various colors as differences in light intensity, due to the varying reflection/absorption ratios of specific light wavelengths. They offer high-precision detection, with optics and electronic circuit technology enabling an accuracy of up to 20 µm.
However, a drawback of beam sensors is that dust and dirt accumulation on the lens surface may hinder proper light emission or reception, leading to malfunctions.
Through-beam sensors come in various types, depending on their detection method and configuration.
Transmissive, mirror-reflective, and reflective types are common methods for projecting and receiving light. Additionally, there are compact, fiber-type sensors that utilize optical fibers.
Transmissive Type
In this type, the light emitter and receiver are installed separately. Detection occurs when an object interrupts the light beam. Both components require a power supply. This type offers a long detection distance.
Mirror-Reflective Type
Here, the light emitter and receiver are integrated into a single unit, while a separate reflective mirror is used to detect changes in light reflected due to an object or person. This type is less expensive than the transmissive type and can be used over long distances.
Reflective Type
In the reflective type, the light emitter and receiver are integrated. It captures light reflected off an object or person. However, this type has a shorter detection distance and is more susceptible to interference from colors.
Through-beam sensors are classified into built-in or separate electronic circuit configurations. Available types include amplifier built-in, power supply built-in, amplifier separate, fiber type, and more. The choice depends on installation space, power supply, and noise immunity considerations.
Amplifier built-in and power supply built-in types can provide non-contact output or relay contact output. In the amplifier separate type, the light-emitting and receiving elements are distinct from the amplifier, allowing for a smaller sensor section. Adding a DC power supply enables non-contact output.
The fiber type connects an optical fiber to the light-emitting and receiving elements in the amplifier body, with the detection end being separate. Light is projected and received through the optical fiber, offering excellent environmental resistance.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Banner Engineering Corporation, established in 1966 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial automation products. They offer an extensive range of sensors, including proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, and limit switches, for detecting object presence, position, and speed. Additionally, Banner provides a different types of switches, such as pushbuttons, toggle switches, and rotary switches, to control electricity flow and offer system feedback. Their wide array of controls includes PLCs, HMIs, and motion controllers, enabling automation of industrial processes.
Sick AG, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, is a manufacturer of sensor and sensor solutions that aid in in production, logistics, and processes automation. The company’s expansive product portfolio includes industrial sensors, encoders, and analyzers. It has over 50 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as several agencies worldwide, and in the 2022 fiscal year, it generated around €2.2 billion. The company established the first subsidiary in France in 1972 and opened another subsidiary in USA in 1975. It changed to a joint stock company in 1996 and the first employee shares were issued in 1999.
Transducer Techniques was established in 1979 and is headquartered in Temecula, California. Transducer Techniques designs and manufactures a complete line of load cells, torque sensors, special purpose transducers and related instrumentation that are often used in industries such as process control and factory automation as well as other fields of science and industry. Transducer Techniques product segments include load cells such as button and beam load cells, torque sensors such as reaction and rotary torque sensors, instrumentation with load cell displays and signal condition, accessories, and software.
Omron Automation was originally established in 1933. Omron Automation is a producer and manufacturer for industrial automation solutions including robotics, sensing, motion, logic, and safety. Industries include automotive automation, electric vehicle manufacturing, food and beverage packaging, semiconductor and manufacturing electronics, life sciences automation, logistics & warehouse automation, machine tool, oil and gas, water and wastewater, entertainment, security and detention, and other industries. Some of Omron Automation’s product categories include machine automated controllers, RFID solutions, safety laser scanners, safety outputs, smart cameras, vision sensors, machine vision software, servo systems, articulated robots, parallel robots, SCARA robots, photoelectric sensors, and rotary encoders along with many software-based solutions.
ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
Kinequip, Inc. was founded in 1946 in Buffalo, NY as a distributor of industrial parts, accessories, and kits. Today these offerings have grown to include motors, compressors, blower systems, clams, pumps, various fittings, gauges, and sensors, as well as pneumatic and high-pressure devices. Kinequip also serves as a distributor for individual device and parts manufacturers. Kinequip additionally offers custom-designed solutions ranging from R&D to unique components and special-made parts, as well as value added designs on demand.
Twittlebit.com is located in Lexington, Kentucky. Twittlebit is a distributor of industrial equipment and components divided into 8 sub-stores including: sensors, HMI & PLC, visual & audio , panel components, and pneumatic & vacuum. The company offers next day delivery to Kentucky and neighboring states, and 2-to-3-day delivery to most other states of in-stock products. The company offers in-stock selection of many top brands such as Autonics, EEControls, Panasonic, and Cembre. The company can also in-source many hard to find products directly from Japan from companies such as IDEC, Canon, Omron, and Fuji Electric in 7-to-10-days.
Highly Electric Co., Ltd. was established in 1974 in New Taipei City, Taiwan, as a manufacturer of industrial switches. The company provides a diverse range of products, including safety door limit switches, snap-action switches, toggle switches, rocker switches, foot switches, and sensors, among others. These components have diverse applications: safety door limit switches enhance machinery safety; snap-action switches offer swift switching; toggle and rocker switches control functions; foot switches enable hands-free operation; and sensors detect and transmit crucial data for automation and robotics. The industrial sectors where these components find applications include manufacturing, electronics, machinery, appliances, automotive, medical, and automation.
Optex Fee Co., Ltd., was established in 2002 and based in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of factory automation sensors and solutions. The company offers an extensive and diversified product portfolio including photoelectric sensors, fiber-optic sensors, displacement sensors, non-contact thermometers, vision sensors, and other industrial automation products. These sensors and solutions play a pivotal role in enhancing manufacturing processes across a spectrum of industries, including automotive, electronics, and packaging.
Pilz is headquartered in Ostfildern, Germany. Pilz designs components, systems, and services to assist industrial plant and machinery customers globally. Customers include many industries such as metals, pharmaceutical, food, presses, and robotics. Pilz serves customers through 4 venues: products and industries, services, support, and training. Products and services include everything from sensor technology and small controllers to robotics to software and operation monitoring. Services include machinery and workplace safety and international compliance. Support is offered 24/7. Training is available through courses and qualification programs.
Nanjing KJT Electric Co., Ltd., headquartered in Nanjing, China, is a manufacturer specializing in sensor switches for industrial applications. Offering a diverse range of products, including proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, speed sensors, and wireless sensors. These sensors find widespread use in industrial machinery, automatic assembly lines, and various sectors like transportation, metallurgy, and food processing. The company holds certifications such as European CE safety certification, EU ROHS certification, ISO9001 quality supervision system certification, CCC, CQC, and explosion-proof certification.
Accent Controls Pvt. Ltd. is a manufacturer and supplier of proximity sensors and switches established in 1986 and headquartered in Mumbai City, Maharashtra, India. It specializes in production and exporting, and its product lineup includes fiber optic sensors, photo sensors with built-in amplifiers, and background suppression photo sensors. These products are designed to detect objects without physical contact in diverse settings, including industrial automation, manufacturing, and security. The company has earned the IndiaMART Trust Seal Verified certification.
Guangzhou Heyi Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2013 and headquartered in the Science City of Guangzhou, is a manufacturer of various sensors, instruments, and meters for industrial automation. Its product line includes photoelectric sensors for object detection using light, fiber optic sensors for measuring quantities via transmitted light changes, proximity sensors for non-contact object detection, and laser displacement sensors for non-contact distance sensing. The company has more than 30 national patents and over 1,000 kinds of products, which are used in various industries such as printing, packing, oil, and plastics.
Photon Controls India PVT. LTD., established in 1992 and headquartered in Nashik, Maharashtra, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial automation sensors & products. Its offerings include inductive proximity sensors, through beam sensors, retro-reflective sensors, diffuse scan sensors, and fork / slot sensors. These products are used for non-contact sensing, switching and controlling several automatic processes, to improve product quality and production. Through its nationwide dealer network, the company offers local service and support, provided by factory-trained technicians who cater to the specific needs of customers.
Zhejiang Hugong Automation Technology Co., Ltd., founded in Zhejiang Province, China, is a manufacturer of inductive proximity switches since 1986. The company's product portfolio includes Long Distance Proximity Sensors used to detect the presence of metallic objects without physical contact, Din Rail Switching Power Supply, Terminal Block, Digital Temperature Controllers, and Pressure Transmitters. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation.
SENSATEC Co. Ltd., established in 1988 and based in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of OEM sensors. The company specializes in crafting electronic detection and control devices, medical tools, and beauty equipment, including various sensors, A/D/D/A converters, and optical fiber data systems. Its diverse product range also includes cable and coil winding processing, and it provides support for metal mask manufacturing. The company also offers tailored designs emphasizing miniaturization and handles everything from standard strips to soldering and assembly.
IPF Electronic GmbH, established in 1982 and located in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, is a manufacturer that specializes in electronic components and sensors. The company offers a range of products, including accessories and fastening elements, amplifiers, camera systems, capacitive sensors, and more. It also provides accessories for cylinder sensors, additional lights for camera systems, color sensors, and connections. Its product has a company pension scheme, which provides a worry-free future. The company serves clients in the industrial automation industry in Europe.
Autonics Corporation, established in 1977 and based in Busan, South Korea, is a developer and manufacturer of automation products, which are marketed worldwide. Some of its products include sensors, peripheral connection equipment, motion devices, control devices, and process automation instruments. The automation products are used in various industries, including automotive, packaging, machine tools, metal, and marine. The company has 12 international offices spanning over 100 countries, a fully automated warehouse system, and various international quality certifications, including RoHS, CE, UL, and EAC. Its safety products meet the functional safety standards IEC 61508 and mechanical safety standards ISO 13849.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
SensoPart, Inc. was founded in 1994 and headquartered in Germany with US operations based out of Bingham Farms, Michigan. The ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing company serves the automotive, robotics, plastics, solar, and other industries with photoelectric sensors and image processing products. The company’s products include optical sensors, vision sensors, ultrasonic sensors, inductive sensors, and accessories. Together they are used in manufacturing detection & inspection, product identification, a diverse array of measuring tasks, product positioning, and color detection.
Baumer Electric AG was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in the city of Frauenfeld, Switzerland. The ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified company provides sensor solutions for digitalization, packaging, railway, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. A sample of the company’s sensor product listings includes object detection, distance measurement, force sensors, accessories, and connectivity devices. The company offers product support for setup and installation, product functionality, and optimized product usage.
Telco Sensors, established in 1975 and headquartered in Brovst, Jammerbugt, is a designer, developer, and manufacturer of industrial automation and sensing products. Some of its products include photoelectric sensors, photoelectric amplifiers, light curtains, and optical fork sensors. These products find application in various industrial processes and machinery for object detection, safety, and automation. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and all of its products carry a 3-year warranty. The company's network spans six continents and provides around-the-clock service.
Balluff was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Neuhausen, near Stuttgart, Germany. Balluff is a manufacturer of sensor and automation solutions for customers globally. Balluff serves many industries including life sciences, semiconductors, metalworking, fluid power, and mobile equipment. Balluff’s product line consists of sensors and connectivity components, accessories, complete systems, and software. Balluff offers services to assist customers across the range of finding solutions, deploying solutions, training, as well as support.
Innovatec Systems, established in 2018 and headquartered in Tamil Nadu, India, operates as a manufacturer, supplier, and distributor of automation products. This sole proprietorship firm specializes in wholesale and trading activities, offering a range of products such as digital multimeters, pressure instruments, level instruments, window friction stays, and digital infrared thermometers. These products cater to various industrial needs and are utilized for tasks related to measurement, control, and automation for improved efficiency and precision in industrial processes.
Leelavati Automation Pvt. Ltd., established in 1990 and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, is a distributor and manufacturer of automation products. Its product line includes inductive proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, Carlo Gavazzi proximity sensors, as well as cable suspended float sensors, and microwave motion sensors. These sensors are vital for automating machinery, optimizing processes, and maintaining quality in industrial applications. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for its effective quality management system to deliver products and services.
Dolphin Device, founded in the year 1998, is a manufacturer, supplier, and distributor of industrial sensors and automation equipment. The company is headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi. The company manufactures a range of sensors and utilizes SMD (Surface Mount Device) technology, which plays a vital role in electronic devices. Dolphin Device produces 1000 types of AC and DC inductive proximity switches, capacitive proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, solid-state relays (SSR), and magnetic sensors to meet various applications in industries. Its products enable machines and processes to operate efficiently, improve productivity, and enhance safety by automating tasks and providing real-time feedback to control systems.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Milwakee, WI. Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions around the world. Rockwell Automation operates through their intelligent devices, software & control, and lifecycle services segments with both hardware and software products and services. The Intelligent Devices segment offers drives, motion, safety, sensing, industrial components, and configured-to-order products. The Software & Control segment provides control and visualization software and hardware, information software, and network and security infrastructure solutions. The Lifecycle Services segment provides consulting, professional services and solutions, and connected and maintenance services through independent distributors.
Saddle Brook Controls is a division of Ribble Engineering, which was founded in 1933 in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. Saddle Brook Controls is a manufacture as well as a designer, distributor, and support service provider of automation solutions for factory automation. Product groups include PLCs, controllers, Remote IO devices, HMIs, industrial computers, machine vision and inspection machines, motion devices, drives, motor controls, enclosures, circuit breakers, safety products, sensing and control products, power supplies, and UPS.
Auburn Armature was founded in 1946 and headquartered in Auburn, New York. Auburn Armature is a distributor of electrical products and was recently purchased by Power-Flo Technologies of New Hyde Park, New York. Services that Auburn Armature provide include training, testing, rebuilding, repair, troubleshooting, and training. Parts that Auburn Armature specialize in include automation systems, AC and DC drives, motor controls, motors, motion controls, connectors, wire, boxes, cables, sensors, relays, transformers, panels, struts, terminal blocks, lighting supplies, and conduits.
Unlimited Electro Group was originally established in 1988 in Chula Vista, California. Unlimited Electro is a distributor of motion control parts for production and manufacturing industries. United Electro has 5 primary product categories: robotics, bowl feeders, industrial control panels, laser marking machines, and wireless solutions kits. Robotics include ABB single and multi-arm robots, packers, and collaborative robots known as cobots, as well as accessories including extruders, pumps, supply systems, grippers, and safety equipment. Industrial control panels can be custom-designed and built. Laser marking machines can be custom built for compatibility with several metals and plastics including copper, aluminum, brass, polycarbonate, PET, and polyethylene.
AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Transducer Techniques, LLC |
10.8%
|
2 | Photon Controls India PVT. LTD. |
8.1%
|
3 | Unlimited Electro |
8.1%
|
4 | Auburn Armature, Inc. |
8.1%
|
5 | Accent Controls Pvt. Ltd. |
5.4%
|
6 | Leelavati Automation Pvt. Ltd. |
5.4%
|
7 | Dolphin Device |
5.4%
|
8 | Telco |
5.4%
|
9 | Saddle Brook Controls |
5.4%
|
10 | SICK AG |
5.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the through-beam sensor page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 8 | 42.1% |
India | 5 | 26.3% |
China | 3 | 15.8% |
Taiwan | 1 | 5.3% |
Japan | 1 | 5.3% |
Germany | 1 | 5.3% |
32 products are listed.
OPTEX CO., LTD.
50+ people viewing
It is an infrared beam sensor for the dating warning system that prevents accidents from the outdoor parking lot or factory entrance. The infrared ...
BEAJAPAN Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
A small infrared beam composed of emitter and receiver contained in a cylindrical head fits in one or two door frames. ・ At high waterproof level...
OPTEX CO., LTD.
40+ people viewing
It is an infrared beam sensor for the dating warning system that prevents the encounter when participating from the factory or parking lot. The inf...
Hans Turck GmbH & Co.
50+ people viewing
The optical sensor and system use visible or infrared light, regardless of the material, quality, etc., to detect many different types of objects i...
Hans Turck GmbH & Co.
50+ people viewing
The optical sensor and system use visible or infrared light, regardless of the material, quality, etc., to detect many different types of objects i...
Optex Fee
60+ people viewing
C-MOS laser displacement sensor with organic EL Class high -performance all -in -one displacement sensor Class's best repetition: 0.1 μm (CD2H-30 ...