Contents Photoelectric

Sensors
Introduction
& Contents
Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric
Photoelectric sensors are ideal for non-contact detection
of targets at a distance regardless of material.
Photoelectric sensors emit invisible infra-red or visible
red light to detect the presence of an object. The target
either breaks a beam of light or reflects it back to the
detector to activate the sensor output. Advantages of
photoelectric sensors include longer standoff distances
than inductive proximity sensors, ability to detect virtually
any target material, ability to differentiate between
targets of different color or surface characteristics, and
the ability to operate in different sensing modes such as
thru-beam, retro-reflective, or diffuse. Balluff
photoelectric sensors are available in a variety of tubular
and block-style housings, with special functionalities such
as laser distance measurement, luminescence detection,
and color recognition.
2
Contents
Distance Measurement (Analog) Sensors 2.93
Selection
BOD 18KF 18mm Combination Plastic ................................... 2.94 Guide
BOD 6K 32x20mm Plastic .................................................... 2.95
BOD 26K 50x50mm Plastic Precision Class II Laser ........... 2.96 Applications
BOL 27K 50x50mm Plastic Retroreflective Line Sensor .... 2.99
Tubular
BOD 63M 70x90mm Rugged Metal T.O.F. Class II Laser .... 2.101
BOD 66M 90x73mm Rugged Metal & Class II Laser .......... 2.104 Block

Distance
Slot & Angle Thru-Beam Sensors 2.105 Measurement
BGL Slot Sensors 5, 10, 20, 30mm .............................. 2.106 (Analog)
BGL Slot Sensors 50, 80, 120, 180, 220mm ............... 2.108 Slot & Angle
BWL Angle Heavy Duty .................................................. 2.110
BWL Angle Standard Duty ............................................. 2.112 Fiber Optics

Full Color
Fiber Optic Sensors 2.113 Detection
BFO Plastic Thru-beam Fiber Optic Cables ................. 2.116
Color Mark
BFO Plastic Diffuse Fiber Optic Cables ....................... 2.120 (Contrast)
BFO Plastic Fiber Optic Accessories ........................... 2.123 Detection
Photoelectric Overview 2.2 BFO Glass Fiber Optic Cables ...................................... 2.124
Selection Guides .......................................................................... 2.2 BOS 18KF 18mm Combination Plastic-Fiber Optic Amp ..... 2.127 Luminescence
(UV) Detection
Applications ................................................................................ 2.10 BOS 6K Fiber Optic Amplifier .............................................. 2.128
BOS 16K 31x12mm Combination Plastic-Fiber Optic Amp .. 2.129 Optical
BOS 72K Fiber Optic Amplifier .............................................. 2.133 Windows
Tubular Photoelectric Sensors 2.13
BFB 75K Fiber Optic Amplifier .............................................. 2.135
BMOA 5mm, 6mm Miniature Metal .............................. 2.14 Dimensional
BFO Specialty Fiber Optic Cables ................................. 2.139 Light Grids
BOS 08M 8mm Rugged Metal ............................................ 2.15 BMOA Miniature Remote Amplifier Sensors ................... 2.144
BOS 12M 12mm Rugged Metal .......................................... 2.17
BOS 12M 12mm Rugged Metal Class I Laser ................... 2.19 Full Color Detection 2.149
BOS 18K 18mm Plastic (Economical, Universal) ............. 2.21
BOS 18K 18mm Plastic Class I Laser .............................. 2.25 BFS 26K 50x50 3 Output ...................................................... 2.150
BOS 18KF/KW 18mm Combination Plastic ............................... 2.28 BFS 27K 50x50 3 Output, RS 485, RGB .............................. 2.151
BOS 18KF/KW 18mm Combination Plastic Class I Laser ........ 2.32 BFS 30M 30mm 7 or 15 Output ............................................ 2.153
BOS 18M 18mm Rugged Metal .......................................... 2.36
BOS 18E 18mm Rugged Extreme Stainless Steel .......... 2.44 Color Mark (Contrast) Sensors 2.155
BOS 18M 18mm Rugged Metal Class I & II Laser ............. 2.45 BKT 18KF 18mm Combination Plastic .................................. 2.156
BOS 30M 30mm Rugged Metal .......................................... 2.53 BKT 6K 32x20mm Plastic Adv. Contrast Class II Laser ..... 2.157

6
BKT 21M 50x43mm Advanced Universal Rugged Metal .... 2.158
Block Style Photoelectric Sensors 2.55 BKT M 81x68mm Advanced Rugged Metal ..................... 2.159
BGL 21 2mm Advanced Contrast Slot Sensor ................ 2.162 Connectors
BOS 2K 25x13mm Miniature Plastic ............................... 2.56

7
BOS Q08M 8x8mm Rugged Metal ........................................ 2.59
BMOA 8x8mm & 8x14mm Rugged Metal Adjustable .... 2.60 Luminescence (UV) Sensors 2.163
BOS 5K 32x20mm Economical Plastic ........................... 2.61 BLT 18KF 18mm Combination Plastic .................................. 2.164 Accessories
BOS 6K 32x20mm Plastic Advanced Universal ............ 2.64 BLT 21M 50x43mm Advanced Universal Rugged Metal ....... 2.165
BOS 6K
BOS 11K
BOS 15K
32x20mm Plastic Adv. Universal Class II Laser .
18mm Combination Plastic ...............................
29x44 Plastic .......................................................
2.66
2.69
2.71
BLT M
BLT 31M
81x68mm Advanced Rugged Metal .....................
58x73mm Advanced Rugged Metal .....................
2.166
2.167 o Product
Overview

Optical Windows 2.169

t
BOS 16K 31x12mm Combination Plastic ......................... 2.73
BOS 21M 50x43mm Adv. Universal Rugged Metal .......... 2.79 Technical
BOWA 40x80mm, 80x80mm, 120x80mm Dynamic ...... 2.170 Reference
BOS 21M 50x43mm Adv. Uni. Rugged Metal Class I Laser ... 2.81
BOWA 40x40mm, 400x400mm Dynamic & Static ......... 2.172

p
BOS 25K 50x50mm Economical Plastic ........................... 2.85
Part
BOS 26K 50x50mm Plastic Precision ............................... 2.87 Number
BOS 26K 50x50mm Plastic Precision Class II Laser ....... 2.88 Dimensional Light Grids 2.175 Index
BOS 65K 85x73mm Universal High Power Plastic ........... 2.91 BLG 100mm, 150mm, 300mm Light Grids .................. 2.176

www.balluff.com/photoelectric 2.1
 Photoelectric
Sensors
Tubular Photoelectric
Sensors Selection Guide

Series BMOA BMOA 08M 12M

Housing Size 5 mm 6 mm 8 mm 12 mm
Smooth or Threaded Smooth Threaded Threaded Threaded
Housing Material Metal Metal Metal Metal
Straight or 90° Optics Straight Straight Straight Straight

Thru-beam 1.1 m 5m
Laser Class I Laser - 3 m, 30m

Non-polarized Retroreflective
Polarized Retroreflective 550 mm 1.5 m
Laser
Transparent Retroreflective
Diffuse 50 mm 50 mm 55 mm 100 mm, 200 mm,
400 mm
Laser
Background Suppression 10-60 mm
Laser
Foreground & Background Supp.
Fixed Focus 23 mm

Fiber Optic Compatible

Supply Voltage DC DC DC DC
Pages 2.14 2.14 2.15 2.17

BOS 12M Thru-beam

Laser Sensor
– Two versions optimized for small
part and feature detection or long
range detection

– Precise, highly visible laser beam

provides range up to 30 meters

– Extremely small light spot detects

objects or features down to 50 µm

– Class I Laser technology

– Metal housing combines inductive

sensor durability with laser
photoelectric accuracy

2.2
Selection Guide Photoelectric
Sensors
Tubular Phototelectric
Sensors

Photoelectric
18K 18KF/18KW 18M/18E 30M
18 mm 18 mm 18 mm 30 mm
Threaded Combination Threaded Threaded Threaded
Plastic Plastic Metal Metal
Straight or 90° Straight or 90° Straight or 90° Straight

8 m, 10 m, 12 m 10 m, 15 m 16 m

2
Class I Laser - 60 m Class I Laser - 50 m, 60 m Class I Laser - 50 m, 60 m
Class II Laser - 50 m
2m 5m 2 m, 4 m Contents
1.5 m, 2 m, 3 m 3 m, 4.5 m 3 m, 4.5 m Selection
Class I Laser - 12 m Class I Laser - 9 m, 16 m Class I Laser - 9 m, 16 m Guide

1.7 m Applications

250 mm, 300 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, 100 mm, 200 mm, 400 mm 2m Tubular

350 mm 400 mm, 700 mm 1000 mm Block

Class I Laser - 350 mm Class I Laser - 250 mm, 350 mm Class I Laser - 250 mm, 350 mm Distance
Measurement
50-100 mm 10-120 mm, 40-120 mm (Analog)
Class II Laser - 30-150 mm Slot & Angle
40-100 mm Fiber Optics
80 mm Full Color
Detection

Color Mark
Yes Yes Yes (Contrast)
Detection
DC or AC DC DC or AC DC
Luminescence
2.21 2.28 2.36 2.53 (UV) Detection

Optical
Windows

Dimensional
BOS 18M Background Suppression Light Grids

Sensor
– Uses laser technology for accurate small part and
feature detection to 100 µm

– 10-turn potentiometer for precise background

supression adjustment

– Visible laser simplifies application set-up

– Built in LED confirms best set up for each application

6 Connectors

– Metal housing combines inductive sensor durability

with laser photoelectric accuracy
7 Accessories

o Product
Overview

t Technical
Reference

p Part
Number
Index

www.balluff.com/photoelectric 2.3
 Photoelectric
Sensors
Block Photoelectric
Sensors Selection Guide

Series 2K Q08M/BMOA 5K 6K 11K

Housing Size Small block Small block Small block Small block Combination
18mm threaded
Housing Material Plastic Metal Plastic Plastic Plastic
Straight or 90° Optics 90° 90° 90° 90° 90°

Thru-beam 1.2 m 1.1 m 10 m 6m 20 m

Laser
Non-polarized Retroreflective 6.5 m
Polarized Retroreflective 3m 550 mm 4m 2.5 m 3.5 m
Laser Class II - 1 m
Transparent Retroreflective 0.5 m
Diffuse 50 mm 50 mm, 55 mm 200 mm, 900 mm 300 mm 450 mm
Laser
Wide Angle Diffuse
Background Supression 1-15 mm 50-200 mm 30-100 mm
1-30 mm
Laser Class II -
20-60 mm,
30-110 mm
Foreground & Background Supp.
Fixed Focus

Fiber Optic Compatible Yes

Supply Voltage DC DC DC DC DC
Pages 2.56 2.59 2.61 2.64 2.69

BOS 2K Sub-Miniature 8 mm Tubular & Block Style Photoelectric

Photoelectric Family Sensor Families
– Sub-miniature housing 25x7.5x10 mm

– Sensing modes include:

- 1.2 m Thru-beam
- 3 m Retroreflective
- 50 mm Diffuse
- 15 mm, 30 mm Precision
Background Suppression BOS 08M and BOS Q08M
– Sensing modes include:
– Laser-like, visible light source for - 1.1 m Thru-Beam
precision parts detection - 550 mm Polarized Retroreflective
- 55 mm Diffuse
– M8 pigtail connector or cable out
– The 08M tubular sensor can be used to replace bulky glass
fiber optic cables with a 5/16" sensing tip

– The Q08M block style sensor's right angle design allows it

to be easily integrated into machines where others won't fit
2.4
Selection Guide Photoelectric
Sensors
Block Phototelectric
Sensors

Photoelectric
15K 16K 21M 25K 26K 65K
Mid-size block Combination Mid-size block Mid-size block Mid-size block Large block
18 mm threaded
Plastic Plastic Metal Plastic Plastic Plastic
Straight or 90° Straight 90° 90° 90° 90°

5m 10 m, 30 m 20 m 20 m 70 m

2
Class I - 60 m
2.5 m, 5 m
2m 1 m, 2 m 4 m, 8 m 5m 5.5 m 8m Contents
Class I - 20 m Class II - 20 m Selection
2m 1m Guide

100 mm, 500 mm 190 mm, 380 mm 1 m, 2 m 2m 2m Applications

Class I - 600 mm Tubular

90 mm, 180 mm Block

70-200 mm 50-250 mm 30-300 mm, 200 mm - 1.1 m Distance

Measurement
150-600 mm (Analog)
Class I - 50-100 mm Class II - 40-60 mm, Slot & Angle
30-150 mm, Fiber Optics
50-300 mm Full Color
Detection
70-200 mm
Color Mark
12 mm 16 mm, 43 mm (Contrast)
Detection

Yes Luminescence
Yes (UV) Detection
DC DC or AC/DC DC DC or AC/DC DC DC or AC/DC Optical
2.71 2.73 2.79 2.85 2.87 2.91 Windows

Dimensional
Light Grids

BOS 11K - The Photelectric

Standard in Conveyor Control
– Compact size facilitates machine footprint
reduction
– Innovative T-Block body style streamlines
machine build
– 18 mm Snout mounting cuts assembly time
– Quick change-out minimizes unplanned
6 Connectors

downtime
– Application flexibility helps to decrease
7 Accessories

inventory
o Product
Overview

t Technical
Reference

p Part
Number
Index

www.balluff.com/photoelectric 2.5
 Photoelectric
Sensors
Specialty
Photoelectric Sensors Selection Guide

Series BOD 18KF BOD 26K BOL 27 K BOD 63M BOD 66M
BOD 6K
Sensing Technology Distance Distance Distance Distance Distance
Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement Measurement
Body Style 18KF = Combination Mid-size block Mid-size block Large block Large block
18 mm threaded
6K = Small block
Housing Material Plastic Plastic Plastic Metal Metal

Straight or 90° Optics 18KF = Straight 90° 90° 90° 90°

6K = 90°
Sensing Range 18KF = 100 mm 85 mm, 100 mm, 200 mm 2 m, 6 m 600 mm, 2 m
6K = 80 mm 300 mm

Resolution 18KF = 1 mm 20 µm, 70 µm, 0.15 mm 1 mm 0.5 mm, 5 mm

6K = 0.5 mm 80 µm, 220 µm
Outputs 18KF = 0-10 Vdc 2 PNP max. 2 PNP or NPN 3 PNP or NPN 1 PNP
6K = 0-10 Vdc, 0-10 Vdc, 4-20 mA 4-20 mA 0-10 Vdc, 4-20 mA 0-10 Vdc, 4-20 mA
1PNP

Fiber Optic Compatible

Supply Voltage DC DC DC DC DC
Pages 2.94 2.96 2.99 2.101 2.104

BOD 63M Distance Sensor

Designed for the most demanding applications, the Balluff BOD
63M combines precision measurement and discrete sensing in
one unit using time of flight technology.

Features
– Measuring the propagation time of light
allows for greater ranges than with sensors using
triangulation or energetic diffuse technologies

– Small laser spot for detecting small objects

over large distances

– Virtually unaffected by the reflective properties of

the object within a particular sensing range

– Background suppression is adjustable over

the entire working range

– Discrete sensing and alarm outputs

2.6
 Selection Guide Photoelectric
Sensors
Specialty
Phototelectric Sensors

Photoelectric
BGL BWL Heavy Duty BWL Standard BFO Fiber Optic BOS Fiber Optic BMOA Remote
Cables Amplifiers Miniature Sensors
Self-contained Self-contained Self-contained Diffuse Diffuse Diffuse
Thru-beam Thru-beam Thru-beam Thru-beam Thru-beam Thru-beam
Fork/slot Fork/slot Fork/slot Many sizes Headsize to 2mm

2
Metal Metal Metal Plastic, Metal Plastic Plastic, Metal

Straight Straight Straight Straight or 90° Straight Straight or 90° Contents

Selection
5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 22 x 22 mm, 40 x 40, 54 x 54, Thru-beam (max) = Depends on cable Thru-beam (max) = Guide

80, 120, 180, 42 x 41 mm, 68 x 68, 90 x 90, 825 mm 800 mm Applications

220 mm 42 x 60 mm 110 x 110 mm Diffuse (max) = 205 mm Diffuse (max) = 63 mm Tubular

Block

Distance
Measurement
(Analog)
1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN Slot & Angle

Fiber Optics

Full Color
Detection

Color Mark
Yes Yes Yes (Contrast)
Detection
DC DC DC DC DC
Luminescence
2.106 2.110 2.112 2.116 2.127 2.144 (UV) Detection

Optical
Windows

Dimensional
BGL Advanced Slot Sensors Light Grids

Balluff‘s BGL series of photoelectric slot/fork sensors offer

pinpoint accuracy with highly visible red LED or Class II laser
emission for resolutions down to 0.3mm. These self-contained
thru-beam sensors, configured in a simple “U” shaped housing,
save mounting and machine setup time.

Features
– Rugged metal housing

– Replaces thru-beam fiber optics cables and amplifiers 6 Connectors

– No alignment necessary
7 Accessories

o
– Simple mounting, no hardware required
Product
Overview

t Technical
Reference

p Part
Number
Index

www.balluff.com/photoelectric 2.7
 Photoelectric
Sensors
Specialty
Photoelectric Sensors Selection Guide

Series BFS 26K BFS 27K BFS 30M BKT 18KF BKT 6K
BKT 21M
Sensing Technology Full color Full color Full color Color mark Color mark
(contrast) (contrast)
Body Style Mid-size block Mid-size block 30 mm threaded Combination 6K = Small block
18 mm threaded 21M = Mid-size block

Housing Material Plastic Plastic Metal Plastic 6K = Plastic

21M = Metal
Straight or 90° Optics 90° 90° Straight Straight 90°

Sensing Range 22 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 45 mm 100 mm 10 mm 6K = 150 mm

35 mm 21M = 19 mm

Resolution

Outputs 3 PNP 3 PNP or NPN 7 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN
15 PNP or NPN
(multiplexed)

Fiber Optic Compatible

Supply Voltage DC DC DC DC DC
Pages 2.150 2.151 2.153 2.156 2.157

BFS 30M - Long Range Color Detection

The BFS 30M color sensors are designed to verify the
presence of targets that can be differentiated by color.
These sensors project a modulated high intensity white light
onto a target and analyze the reflected light for its
constituent RGB (red, green, blue) values. If the readings of
all of the three colors fall within the preprogrammed
parameters, the sensor issues a discrete signal that
indicates a color match.

Two models are available to solve a variety of the most

demanding applications, a 7-discrete output unit and a
binary (4-bit) hexadecimal output unit.

2.8
 Selection Guide Photoelectric
Sensors
Specialty
Phototelectric Sensors

Photoelectric
BKT M BGL 21 BLT 18KF BLT M BOWA BLG
BLT 21M BLT 31M
Color mark Color mark Luminescence Luminescence Optical window Light grid
(contrast) (contrast)
Large block Slot 18KF = Combination M = Large block Window Light grid
18 mm threaded 31M = Mid-size block
21M = Mid-size block

2
Metal Metal 18KF = Plastic Metal Metal Metal
21M = Metal
Configurable Straight 18KF = Straight M = Configurable Straight Straight Contents
21M = 90° 31M = Straight Selection
9 mm, 18 mm, 2 mm 18KF = 20 mm M = 9 mm, 18 mm, 40 x 40 mm to 150 mm - 2.1 m Guide

28 mm, 50 mm 21M = 40 mm 28 mm, 50 mm 400 x 400 mm separation Applications

31M = 100 mm, 100, 150, 300 mm Tubular

300 mm sensing height Block

Distance
Measurement
(Analog)
1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN 1 PNP or NPN Slot & Angle
0-7 Vdc 0-7 Vdc 0-10 Vdc Fiber Optics
0-5 Vdc Full Color
Detection

Color Mark
Yes Yes (Contrast)
Detection
DC DC DC DC DC DC
Luminescence
2.159 2.162 2.164 2.166 2.170 2.176 (UV) Detection

Optical
Windows

BLT 31M - Long Range Luminescence Detection Dimensional

Light Grids

Balluff BLT 31M sensors effectively detect the presence or absence of UV

luminescent materials and markers. When the pulsed UV light source of the
BLT 31M is directed towards a target, visible light is reflected back to the
BLT 31M. The intensity of the returned light is measured and indicated on
the sensors seven-segment display.

Features:

6
– Long range detection (up to 300 mm)
Connectors
– High speed detection (6 kHz switching frequency)

– One discrete (auto-sensing PNP/NPN) output 7 Accessories

– One analog (0…5 V) output

– Auto-teach or manual programming

o Product
Overview

– Numerical display indicates intensity of reading t Technical

Reference

– Adjustable UV LED intensity p Part

Number
Index

www.balluff.com/photoelectric 2.9