Laser Sensor Explained | Types and Working Principles

▶ You can read the full post here

⌚Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - How does a laser sensor work?
02:07 - Laser sensor output
03:17 - Why use a laser sensor?
03:55 - How laser sensors are used?
04:24 - Examples

=============================

In this video, I will be talking about laser sensors. I will explain what laser sensors are, the basics of how they work, and the different types of laser sensors, and I will give some examples of how laser sensors are used with automation.

A laser sensor is an electric device that uses a focused light beam to detect the presence, absence, or distance of an object.

The light that a laser sensor emits is a small bright dot, similar to a laser pointer. This dot is bright enough to be easily seen even in direct sunlight. And being able to see this dot easily, makes it easier to set up and troubleshoot the laser sensor.

On some laser sensors, the light can be turned off when the sensor is not being used.

Now let’s talk about how the laser sensor works. First, the light travels from the sensor to the object. The light then bounces off the object back to the sensor.

The sensor then calculates how long it took for the light to travel to and from the object to determine the distance.
- If the object was within the sensor’s range, the output of the sensor will turn on.
- If the object was not in the sensor’s range the output will stay off.

To set up when the laser sensor output turns on depends on what type of laser sensor you have.

- If it is just a basic laser sensor, you just turn a dial or a ring on the laser sensor to adjust it from its minimum setting to its maximum setting.

- Other laser sensors have a display and buttons on them that are used to configure the sensor’s min/max settings.

- Other laser sensors require a computer to be connected to them to configure the min/max settings.

Depending on what laser sensor you have, the sensor outputs can be normally open, normally closed, NPN, PNP, or analog.

Also depending on the laser sensor, the analog outputs can be zero to ten volts or four to twenty milliamps.

Typically if you are using the sensor’s analog output, the sensor is connected to a PLC analog input card.

An example of when a laser sensor analog output might get used is to check the position of a part before it enters a robot cell.

The sensor’s analog signal is read by the PLC and the PLC displays this number on an HMI screen, along with the range that is considered good.

If the part is in the correct position, it will get released into the robot cell automatically.

But if the part is out of position, an alarm will sound and the part will not release until the part is in the correct position and the reset button on the HMI is pressed. This is an example of when a laser sensor would be used to check distance.

Now let’s talk about some of the reasons why you would use a laser sensor.

- They work very well in dusty conditions.
The brighter light of a laser sensor has fewer issues in dusty environments compared to other styles of sensors.

- The bright light of the laser sensor is not affected by other light sources. Laser sensors can even be used in direct sunlight.

- With the size of the laser sensor light dot, it works great at detecting small objects.

- Laser sensors can also be used for precise positioning. Laser sensors can also have a very long working range if needed.

A lot of the laser sensors made today use twenty-four volt DC power.
Depending on your needs one or both of these wires will get connected to a PLC input card. With these wires connected the sensor is ready to be set up.

=============================

=============================

Missed our most recent videos? Watch them here:

=============================

To stay up to date with our last videos, make sure to subscribe to this YouTube channel:

=============================

=============================

#RealPars #sensor #industry

[Arty_and_Crafty]

For my honest answer, the realpars channel is the best and most informative platform to gain knowledge about engineering and others, Realpars is really awesome, and I wish you to reach 1M+ faster... Thank you🤩👍

[demetriodarc]

Realpars, your video lessons are excellent.

[abramps]

I've work with IFM laser sensor and it's great. By this I can replace photocell+reflectors and replace encoder to be direct measure, no more disturbances from encoder coupling

[deniskalugin]

Great explanation with supportive visualization! Thanks, RealPars.

[DwinTechnologyOfficial]

You guys have a passion for building great videos.

[AlexandreSantos-ggil]

RealPars is fantastic, from Brazil thanks.

[mohamedheshamsoliman]

I really want to know which software that you use to make a good video like this 💙

[biplabghosh_official]

Please discuss difficulties with laser sensor & Is there any latest technology that could challenge the proficiency of the laser sensor?

[SamMoh..]

Hey Pars! I'm a newly graduate Mechatronics Engineer. I'm interested in getting into the Industrial Automation field, looking forward to learn about both the hardware and software programming. Any tips or advices?

Thanks in advance.

[Zuwwar]

Hi. Excellent video as always. Question; By configuring the Laser Sensor's Max. and Min. Settings, do you mean configuring its sensing range?

[jaspalSingh-bybt]

Yours video are great for learning 👍..
Everything is easily explained by animation .
Sir can you explain how to make animation videos please upload video

[FirozKhan-uhib]

Very good.. I am beginner so please keep it more vedios.

[AnasAl-Dhafiri]

Thank you very much for this useful video . Good luck

[Lechugin]

Very nice and informative video Thanks! Would be possible for you to do an explanation video for Photo eye and proximity sensors used primarily on amusement and waterpark rides?

[juliocesardealmeida]

Do you have a video teaching about safety relay?

[juliocesardealmeida]

Great video! I'd like to know about magnetic sensors.

[rishithagude]

It is only used for measuring the distance of the object ? How much range it can measure

[aasmart]

Is it possible to use the laser sensor over a large area and a long distance, and to detect special materials?🤔🤔👍🙏

[venkateshsekhar]

Hi sir i need full training in Siemens dcs s7 400 like how to do programming with scada are you conducting any online classes please let me know sir thanks..

[shiock]

Hi RealPars & the community here, will you be able to share/explain swivel tool changers for robotic system? Would like to know how the orientation/angular position be controlled? Thanks!