Why Choose the IMO AF/ER5 Optical Fibre Through-Beam Accessory?
The IMO AF/ER5 is a robust optical fibre collimator lens and through-beam fixing head designed for industrial photoelectric sensing applications. Part of the AF Series optical fibre accessory range, it provides a compact M6-format sensing head for use with compatible fibre-optic sensor amplifiers where accurate detection and flexible installation are required.
Designed for AF/1S 1 mm plastic-core optical fibre, the AF/ER5 helps extend the usable through-beam sensing distance by efficiently directing the transmitted and received light. It is compatible with SSF, FS1, FX3 and FX4 series sensing units, making it a versatile accessory for machinery, handling equipment and automated production systems.
The AF/ER5 offers an IP67 protection rating and a broad operating temperature range of -40 to +70 °C. Depending on the connected amplifier, specified operating distances range from 1,000 mm with SSF or FS1 up to 5,000 mm with FX4, providing reliable through-beam detection across a wide variety of industrial installations.
Key Advantages
- Compact M6 through-beam optical fibre fixing head for industrial sensing.
- Collimator lens design supports increased sensing distances.
- Designed for AF/1S optical fibre with a 1 mm plastic core.
- IP67 protection for reliable use in demanding industrial environments.
- Compatible with SSF, FS1, FX3 and FX4 fibre-optic sensing units.
- Wide -40 to +70 °C operating temperature range.
Key Features
- IMO AF Series optical fibre accessory.
- Through-beam sender/receiver application.
- Collimator lens configuration.
- M6 fixing head for compact installation.
- 1 mm plastic optical fibre core.
- AF/1S compatible fibre model.
- Up to 5,000 mm operating distance with FX4.
- IP67 protection degree to EN 60529.
- Construction incorporates glass, engineering material and nickel-plated brass.
Reliable Through-Beam Detection for Industrial Automation
Through-beam fibre-optic sensing uses separate transmitted and received light paths to detect an object when it interrupts the optical beam. A collimator lens such as the IMO AF/ER5 concentrates and directs the light, enabling greater sensing distances than would normally be available from the fibre end alone while retaining the compact installation advantages of fibre-optic sensing.
With its M6-format head, IP67 protection and compatibility with several fibre-optic amplifier series, the AF/ER5 is particularly useful where machinery requires a small sensing point but dependable detection over a relatively long distance. The remotely positioned electronics also allow the fibre head to operate in locations where fitting a conventional photoelectric sensor would be difficult.
Typical Applications
- Through-beam object and presence detection.
- Packaging and processing machinery.
- Conveyor and material handling systems.
- Automated assembly equipment.
- Component counting and position detection.
- Compact machine areas with restricted sensor mounting space.
- Industrial automation systems using SSF, FS1, FX3 or FX4 sensing units.
