SensoPart has added new versions of its FT 55 time-of-flight sensors to the DTECT® Distance series. The laser distance sensors measure up to 15 metres and are designed to deliver repeatable values even when object surfaces, orientation or ambient conditions change, while keeping the compact FT 55 housing already used in existing installations.
Stable measurements on difficult targets
Dark surfaces, changing colours, objects presented at an angle and harsh surroundings are the classic reasons why an optical distance measurement drifts on the shop floor. According to SensoPart, the new FT 55 versions keep their readings consistent in these situations, both at the maximum range of 15 m and at short distances.
The sensors work in scanning (diffuse) mode, so no reflector has to be mounted on the opposite side. For the machine builder this means one mounting point instead of two, less mechanical alignment and fewer parts that can be knocked out of position. The manufacturer positions the series for continuous process monitoring, where a stable signal helps to avoid unplanned stops.
Three models, analogue or switching outputs
The extension comprises two DTECT® Distance measuring sensors and one DTECT® Presence variant for pure detection tasks. Every model also offers IO-Link, so the measured value can be read digitally instead of, or in addition to, the analogue signal.
| Model | Series | Outputs / inputs |
|---|---|---|
| FT 55-RLAP-15-PNSIL-L5 | DTECT® Distance | Analogue current output, switching output, input, IO-Link |
| FT 55-RLAP-15-PNSUL-L5 | DTECT® Distance | Analogue voltage output, switching output, input, IO-Link |
| FT 55-RLHP-15-2PNSL-L5 | DTECT® Presence | Two independently configurable switching outputs, input, IO-Link |
Key technical data
- Measuring principle: laser time-of-flight, scanning operation without reflector
- Range: up to 15 m
- Light source: laser class 1, no additional protective measures required
- Communication: IO-Link according to specification 1.1.4 on all versions
- Housing: compact FT 55 design
- Availability: on the market now
Support for the IO-Link Interface and System Specification 1.1.4 gives access to remote parameter setting and extended diagnostics from the controller, which simplifies commissioning and device replacement in IO-Link-based machine architectures.
Typical applications
SensoPart names four main use cases for the new sensors:
- Position detection of moving machine parts or products
- Loop control in material feeding processes
- Coil unwinding, following the change in coil diameter by distance
- Presence detection, for example with the DTECT® Presence variant and its two switching outputs
Why it matters for engineers
For designers of handling, intralogistics and coil-processing machines, the combination of a 15 m range, reflector-free operation and a class 1 laser removes several typical constraints at once: no reflector to install and maintain, no additional laser safety measures, and a housing small enough to retrofit in existing frames. Choosing between current output, voltage output or a dual switching-output version lets the same sensor family fit both analogue control loops and simple presence checks, while IO-Link keeps parameter data and diagnostics available to the PLC.
The FT 55 extension follows other recent long-range time-of-flight launches from the company, such as the compact FT 25-RLAP long-range sensor. Further data sheets and configuration details are available on the official SensoPart DTECT® Distance product page. More news from the manufacturer can be found in our SensoPart section and in the Detection & Sensors category.