Universal photoelectric sensor with MultiMode from SICK

June 28, 2023

Today, many manufacturing processes are customized to individual requirements, so that a single production line or machine can perform multiple tasks and process different products. The photoelectric sensor W12 from the manufacturer SICK, thanks to the MultiMode mode, is a universal helper in changing and flexible production conditions. It can be used in many industrial applications and industries to reliably detect objects in demanding and changing work environments.

The photoelectric sensor with MultiMode mode includes seven different functions in one device. Such as background or foreground suppression, providing reliable detection of complex or very dark objects. MultiMode functions can be easily switched on the photoelectric sensor housing. This allows you to quickly and easily adapt from one application to another.

Universal applications with several modes in one device:

Background suppression: detection of objects independent from the background;
Foreground suppression: Detection of (flat) objects with a stable background;
Two-point teach-in: Additional teach-in procedure to improve detection accuracy;
Two independent switching points: Detection of objects in two independent sensing ranges with only one device;
Window mode: Detection of all objects in a defined window between two sensing ranges;
Application Select: Application-specific setup to choose between speed or detection of challenging and tilted objects;
Manual/Measuring: Distance value available via IO-Link to determine, for example, trends in declining objects.

See a video tutorial on how to turn on each of the 7 MultiMode functions.

Adjusting and configuring the photoelectric sensor

Precise and quick sensor adjustment with the BluePilot sensor visual indication panel.
IO-Link communication - configuration of sensor parameters and Smart Task functions in the SICK SOPAS software interface.

SICK photoelectric sensor technical data

Shocks and vibrations resistant metal body,
Protection class: IP66/IP69;
Operating range from the object according to the selected mode, two sensor versions: 15..420 mm, max 650 mm or 80..850 mm, max 1200 mm;
Electrical connection 3 types: M12, 4-pin connector, Cable 2 m or Cable 31.5 cm with M12, 4-pin connector.