These new additions to ifm’s O6 range use a safe class 1 laser light source built into an industry-standard miniature housing with 1in hole centres. The tactile pushbuttons make setting a simple matter, while the units also include IO-Link. Over IO-Link the user can remotely set and store parameters, or use this new standard interface to read out a real distance value to the target, turning a binary diffuse reflection laser sensor into a precise distance measurement system. 

These versions will detect targets as small as 2mm across from up to 100mm away, regardless of their composition. Other sensors in the range can detect tiny objects over distances to 8m on a reflector or 15m with separate transmitter/receiver.

IO-link offers the facility to set time delays, for example, and to monitor usage of the sensor externally, forming the basis for Industry 4.0.