Space Saving

Saves Space and has High Power

Space saving

The sensor and case form a flat surface, so there are no openings where dust and other foreign matter can enter.

The hex shape and flat bracket types both use core fibres with a bend radius of 2 mm.
The tips of these fibres are bent like a periscope. To bend light 90°, there is also the method of cutting the tip of the fibre at a 45° angle.
Compared to this method, the periscope type has smaller light attenuation and higher power.

Internal structure

45° cut type
Light attenuation due to bending is large.

Periscope type
Light attenuation due to bending is small.

Hex Shape

  • IP67

FU-77TZ

FU-77TG
Uses a tough, stainless-steel jacket

Reduces the cable routing space

This hex-shape sensor can be used in the following way to neatly arrange the cable.
This also prevents problems such as items catching on the cable.

  • Reduces the risk of cable breakage

Conventional model
Cable breakage due to items snagging on cables was a concern.

Hex shape
The cable is neatly arranged. This reduces the risk of cable breakage.

Flat Bracket Type

  • IP67

FU-52TZ / FU-44TZ

Image of cable routing within the sensor case

Can be installed in locations where space is limited

This sensor can be attached directly to equipment, which reduces the space in which brackets would be installed.

Easy cable routing (FU-51TZ/52TZ)

The cable direction is changed within the case, so the cable is neatly arranged.

Integrated Bracket Type

  • IP67*

*Excluding the FU-L50Z.

FU-L51Z

This sensor reduces installation space even further.

Simple installation

Integrating the bracket and the sensor eliminates the need for troublesome assembly work.

Conventionally, there were a large amount of components, which was a problem.

Reduces installation work
The sensor is integrated with the bracket, which eliminates this problem.

High Power [Thrubeam Type]

When used at the same distance, the thrubeam type fibre unit that has a longer detecting distance will be able to attain a larger received light intensity, which will provide a higher degree of detection stability.
Also, because these fibre units have higher thrubeam strength, it is difficult for them to be affected by harsh environments.

Focused-beam Lens Attachment

  • F-4
  • F-5
  • 3600 mm : Detecting distance in FINE mode (the default setting)

F-4 / F-5
Lens attachments with an aperture angle of approximately 8°

Special coating

Not only is the aperture angle narrowed, but a special coating is used on the inner surface of the lens, which reduces the attenuation of specular light caused by the inner surface of the lens.*
This enables these fibre units to efficiently project light, which is what gives them their high power.

*The aperture angle indicates the angle at which the light spreads when emitting from the sensor.

Square Type with Built-in Lens

  • FU-50
  • 3600 mm : Detecting distance in FINE mode (the default setting)

FU-50
Built-in micro lens with an aperture angle of approximately 6°

Miniaturisation

Fibre unit miniaturisation is made possible by way of the fibre unit’s built-in lens.
This eliminates concerns of the lens becoming loose or coming free due to vibrations.

Simple installation

This fibre unit uses a square case and can be installed easily through the use of a dedicated mounting bracket.

Integrated Bracket type with Built-in Lens

  • FU-L50Z
  • 3100 mm : Detecting distance in FINE mode (the default setting)

FU-L50Z
Built-in lens with an aperture angle of approximately 15°

Resilient to vibrations

The built-in lens eliminates concerns of the lens becoming loose or coming free due to vibrations.
Also, because the bracket is integrated, there are no concerns of nuts and washers becoming loose due to vibrations.

M4 Hex Type with High-flex Fibre and Built-in Lens

  • FU-70TU
  • IP67
  • 3500 mm : Detecting distance in MEGA mode

FU-70TU
Bendable 50 million times

Resilient to movement, ToughFlex

The built-in ball lens enables this high-flex type fibre unit to achieve high power and perform stable detections even in harsh environments.

Wide Area

  • FU-E40
  • 3600 mm : Detecting distance in FINE mode (the default setting)

FU-E40
Uniform light intensity distribution by way of lens-narrowed aperture angle

A fibre unit that is not easily affected by dirt

This fibre unit is designed to have a wide detecting surface of 40 mm, which means it is difficult for the fibre unit to be affected by dirt affixing to a part of the lens surface.

Teflon Case with Built-in Lens

  • FU-96T
  • FU-98
  • IP67
  • 3600 mm : Detecting distance in FINE mode (the default setting)

FU-96T

FU-98

Fluorocarbon resin cover

Because the lens is built in, these fibre units achieve high power.
The fluorocarbon resin cover makes these fibre units effective when high power is required in harsh environments.

High Power [Reflective Type]

High Power Reflective Types

  • FU-40
  • FU-40G
  • FU-61

The top two detecting distances

When used at the same distance, the reflective type fibre unit that has a longer detecting distance will be able to attain a larger received light intensity. This improves the stability of detections of black workpieces, which have low reflectivity, and of lustrous metal workpieces.

  • No.1

FU-40/FU-40G
Detecting distance 2300 mm*

  • No.2

FU-61
Detecting distance 1300 mm*

*When the FS-N10 Series MEGA power mode is selected. The detecting distances are values measured with a piece of white paper (the standard detection target).

Uses a stainless-steel jacket, FU-40G

High-power reflective type unaffected by dust

This high-power fibre unit offers a detecting distance of 2.3 m. The dual lens structure ensures stable detection even when some dust adheres to the lens surface.

Narrow beam focused onto workpieces

The aperture angle has been narrowed to approximately 8°, which eliminates unnecessary light dispersion.

Focused Beam with Built-in Lens

  • FU-40
  • FU-40G

Focus point (Beam spot) targeting possible from a distance

These sensors are equipped with lenses that have an aperture angle of approximately 8°.
Compared to the standard reflective type, these sensors have a structure that reduces beam spot diameter widening even when the detecting distance is increased.

  • Beam spot diameter comparison

Standard reflective type: FU-6F
Beam spot diameter = 1.155 × setting distance + core fibre diameter

FU-40/FU-40G
Beam spot diameter = 0.14 × setting distance + 3.7

(Example) When the detecting distance is 100 mm

  • FU-6F

1.155 × 100 + 1 = Approximately ø117 mm

  • FU-40

0.14 × 100 + 3.7 = Approximately ø18 mm

The difference is clear!

Using differences in the light exposure angle to obtain large sensitivity differences

If light strikes a glossy target object at a right angle, a large amount of light is received because the specularly reflected light returns to the receiver without loss.
On the contrary, if light strikes the object at an angle, the majority of the light is not received because the specularly reflected light bounces off in a direction away from the receiver.
By making use of this characteristic, it is possible to obtain large sensitivity differences between a background and workpiece that have different degrees of lustre by changing the sensor's installation angle.

  • Differences in specular light due to the angle

FU-40/FU-40G

Specularly reflected light is efficiently received.

Hardly any light is received.

Hex-shaped, High-power

  • FU-61
  • FU-61Z
  • IP67

Standard reflective type: FU-6F

FU-61/61Z

1.5 times the core fibre diameter

The core fibre diameter is 1.5 times that of the conventional product.
This makes it easier for light to pass through the fibre, which makes high-power modes possible.
What's more, the thicker core fibre makes the cable more resistant to pulling.

Tough installations possible

SUS303 has been used as the case material.
The tightening torque is 3.0 Nm (approximately 30 kgf•cm), which is approximately 3 times the conventional value. This lowers the risk of damage caused by the application of excessive torque when installing the sensor.

Wide Range

The wide-range types are useful in situations such as when the position of the workpiece varies and when detecting the presence of workpieces that have complicated shapes.
The advantages of the area types and of the array types are different.

FU-A100/A40
100 mm/40 mm type

  • IP67

FU-E40
40 mm type

Area types

  • FU-E11
  • FU-E40

Uniform light intensity distribution

The built-in lens makes uniform light intensity distribution possible. The thrubeam type can detect minute changes in light intensity better than an array type.

Metal slit (sold separately) available (FU-E40)

It is possible to detect small workpieces and to implement countermeasures against light wraparound by narrowing the detection width and thickness of the transmitted light.
Compared to conventional slit labels, it is more difficult for this slit to come loose yet it is easier to attach and remove this slit.

Relationship between the amount of blocked light and the amount of received light (typical example)

[Measurement conditions]
Amplifier: FS-N11N (HSP mode, APC-OFF)
Distance between transmitter and receiver: 100 mm
Workpiece: Opaque object

Array Types

  • FU-A100
  • FU-A40
  • FU-A05
  • FU-A10
  • FU-A05D
  • FU-A10D
  • IP67

Easy optical-axis alignment

Core fibres have been arranged in a line to provide a wide optical axis.
This wide optical axis makes it easy to align optical axes and thus simplifies setup.

High environmental resistance

The case is filled with resin. This prevents the intrusion of dust and mist from outside the sensor.

IP67 enclosure rating

FU-A10 parallel movement characteristics (typical example)

[Measurement conditions]
Amplifier: FS-N11N (FINE mode, APC-OFF)
Maximum sensitivity settings are configured, and then a measurement of the position at which detection is possible with all light blocked/all light unblocked is performed.

Easy Optical-axis Alignment Makes It Possible to Install Sensors with the Optimum Sensitivity

The screw holes have been changed to slots, which makes it easy to perform optical-axis alignment.
It is possible to search for the position that gives the highest value while using an amplifier to check the received light intensity.

FU-A05 (D)/A10 (D)
The cable can be pulled out of the array type in nearly any direction.

Small Beam Spot

Adjustable Beam Spot at Fixed Working Distance (lens) Varying by Insertion of Fibre Unit Into the Lens Casing

FU-10: Built-in lens fibre unit

Fixing the lens in place eliminates concerns of the lens coming free due to vibrations

The lens screw hole and the sensor screw are used to fix these components in place. This eliminates the concern of losing lenses that have come free due to vibration without anyone noticing it.

Vibrations cause the lens to come free.

Variable beam spot diameter

The transmitter beam spot size can be adjusted (ø0.9 to 3.5 mm) to match the size of the workpiece without changing the fixed position of the sensor. No tools are needed to change the beam spot diameter, simply adjust the amount of fibre that is inserted in the case.

Variable beam spot image

The beam spot diameter is adjustable.

F-5HA: Side-view, variable beam spot diameter lens

[Supported fibres] FU-35FZ R2 ToughFlex / FU-35FG R10 Stainless
                                                steel / FU-35FA R25

Fibre insertion amount and beam spot diameter

Fixing the lens in place eliminates concerns of the lens coming free due to vibrations

The lens is fixed in place with its screw hole (ø3.2 mm).
This eliminates concerns regarding vibrations making the lens come free.

Variable beam spot diameter

The amount of fibre that is inserted in the lens changes the beam spot diameter from 0.5 to 3 mm.

Space saving

The side-view shape makes it possible to install this sensor even in locations where space is limited.

Takes up approximately 1/7 the space of conventional products

Advantage

  • The variable beam spot diameter enables these sensors to support a variety of workpieces, which makes these sensors effective with equipment that is used to pass multiple kinds of workpieces.
  • Assembly errors that occur when assembling equipment can also be managed by way of beam spot adjustments after the sensor has been attached.

Ultra-small Beam Spot

  • FU-20
  • No.1

FU-20

  • Focal distance: 5 mm
    Beam spot diameter: Approximately 0.1 mm

Achieving a beam spot diameter of approximately 0.1 mm with a space-saving case diameter of 3 mm

The ultra small Len’s Case is merely 3 mm in diameter. FU-20 can be mounter closer to target comparing to focusing type fibre sensor.

Reducing lens interior reflections increases detection stability

Len’s Case interior coating

Applying to the interior of the case a coating that reduces diffuse reflections has decreased the lens interior reflections.

Glass lens

Glass lens in resistance to scratch and with non-reflective coating it minimised the reflected lights quantity due to reflection within the lens itself.

These factors stabilize and ensure the received light intensity difference differentiate between absent or present of microscopic workpiece (target) detection.

High Flex

High-flex fibres are resilient to consecutive bends, which makes them suited to installations with moving parts.
Also, the FU-U Series has not only high-flex properties but a bending radius of 2 mm, which makes routing easy.
The cable can also be freely cut, which improves its ease of use.
We recommend this fibre for use with moving parts and in locations where space is limited.

Application Examples

Resilient to movement
Installation on moving objects such as robot arms

Toughflex
Installation in limited spaces to match different shapes

Resilient to Movement; Bendable 50 Million Times

  • FU-U Series*

*FU-48U, FU-49U, FU-58U, FU-59U, FU-69U, FU-70TU, FU-70U, FU79U

Bend resistance of more than 50 million bends!

  • Reductions in the number of times maintenance is performed
  • Reductions in costs by way of long service life

Thanks to its application of nylon fibre, a new material, this sensor has achieved a service life that is approximately 50 times that of conventional products.
The improved strength of the coating has reduced the force that is applied to the internal fibre cores.

Detections from moving parts such as robot arms

Space-saving installation that fits different shapes

Bend conditions
Angle 90° to the left and right
Bend radius R = 30 mm
Weight W = 20 g
Speed 30 times/minute (1 time indicates a round trip from left to right)
Test body FU-U Series fibre

ToughFlex

  • FU-U Series*

*FU-48U, FU-49U, FU-58U, FU-59U, FU-69U, FU-70TU, FU-70U, FU79U

Bend radius of 2 mm achieved

  • Space saving
  • Improves routing flexibility

This fibre can be installed in any shape without having to worry about the fibre breaking due to bends.

Conventional high-flex fibre
Four fibre cores were used. This fibre had a bend radius of 4 mm.

New high-flex fibre
A multi-core fibee is used. This fibre has achieved a bend radius of 2 mm.

Ultra Compact Type

  • FU-58U

Diameter of 1 mm achieved

This fibre cable can be cut freely and has achieved a diameter of 1 mm.
Even though this is an ultra superfine type, it has achieved a long distance of 590 mm (in MEGA mode).
It also bends easily, with a bend radius of 2 mm, which makes it possible to install this sensor in a variety of spaces.

Built-in Lens Type

  • FU-70TU
  • FU-70U

High power and resilient to the vibrations of moving parts

With this sensor, long-distance detections of 3500 mm (FU-70TU) are possible thanks to the built-in ball lens.
This sensor has high power, which makes it resilient to dirt, and has a structure that makes it difficult for light wraparound to occur because of the narrow aperture angle of approximately 24° achieved by the lens.
In addition, conventional sensors used lens units, and vibrations would cause these lens units to become loose and come free.
These sensors can even be used without worry in locations where high-flex properties are required and where vibrations occur.

Oil/ Chemical Resistant

The fluorocarbon resin coating of the oil/chemical-resistant types provides protection from the intrusion of liquids.

Detection of drill breakage in environments where coolant is used

Checking the passage of workpieces in washing lines

Fluorocarbon Resin Coated Sensors Can be Used in a Variety of Environments

Compared to other materials, coating sensors in fluorocarbon resin makes these sensors more resistant to a variety of chemicals.

Good: Good Possible under certain conditions: Possible under certain conditions Not possible: Not possible

Material Chemical name
Acetone Methylethyl ketone Benzene Methyl alcohol Toluene Hydrochloric acid Sulphuric acid (98%)
Fluorocarbon resin

Good

Good

Good

Good

Good

Good

Good

ABS

Not possible

Not possible

Possible under certain conditions

Possible under certain conditions

Not possible

Possible under certain conditions

Not possible

Polycarbonate

Not possible

Not possible

Not possible

Not possible

Not possible

Possible under certain conditions

Not possible

Spherical Surface Prevents the Attachment of Water Drops

  • FU-96T
  • FU-98
  • IP67

FU-96T

FU-98

Because the detecting surfaces are curved, it is easy for drops of water, which interfere with detections, to run off of the surface.

High Power Provided by the Built-in Lens

  • FU-92
  • FU-96
  • FU-96T
  • FU-98
  • IP67

The FU-92, FU-96, FU-96T, and FU-98 all have built-in lenses.
The detecting distance is 3600 mm in FINE mode, which is the default mode. For workpieces that block the light, these sensors can obtain a large difference in light intensity between when workpieces are present and when they are not.
Therefore, it is difficult for these sensors to malfunction due to dirt or dust contamination.

Simple Installation

  • FU-96T
  • FU-98
  • IP67

FU-96T
The main unit's mounting holes make it possible to install the sensor as-is. The side-view shape makes it possible to install this sensor even in locations where space is limited.

FU-98
A dedicated mounting bracket (OP-87095, material: SUS316) is available. The main unit has protrusions, so the mounting bracket can be affixed to the main unit securely and without slippage.

Definite-reflective Types Also Included in the Lineup

  • FU-97P
  • FU-97S
  • IP67

Angled design prevents liquid pooling

The transmitter and receiver are separated in an angled design.
This reduces malfunctions caused by liquid pooling, which is a problem with conventional reflective types.
Also, because the tips are curved surfaces, it is difficult for drops of water to pool on the detecting surface.

An SUS type is also available. / [FU-97P] PVC securing bracket type / 9.6 mm thin type / [FU-97S] SUS316L securing bracket type

Small Diameter [Thrubeam Type]

Small diameter refers to our fibre units that have narrow optical axis diameters. Narrow optical axis diameters are useful in detecting microscopic workpieces.
These sensors are suited to applications such as insertion confirmation and bend detection of fine-pitch connector pins, minuscule chip detection, and workpiece positioning.
The optical axis diameter and the core fibre diameter (lens diameter) are the same.
The aperture angle indicates the amount that the light spreads in relation to the optical axis.

No.1ø0.125 mm

  • FU-55
  • FU-56

FU-55

FU-56

*The sleeve cannot be bent.

These sensors are small, with a case diameter of 2.5 mm. This makes them optimal for installations in locations where space is limited.

No.2ø0.265 mm

  • FU-58
  • FU-76F

FU-58

The FU-58 case diameter is the smallest in the whole lineup at 1.0 mm.

No.3ø0.5 mm

  • FU-51TZ
  • FU-53TZ
  • FU-57TZ

FU-51TZ

  • IP67

FU-53TZ

  • IP67

FU-57TZ

  • IP67

The flat bracket types can be installed directly.

ADVANTAGES OF SMALL DIAMETER FIBRES Advantageous in detections of microscopic workpieces

(Example) Detecting a ø0.5 mm wire

The FU-58 (ø0.265 mm) completely blocks the optical axis.
The FU-7F (ø1 mm) only blocks half of the optical axis.

The fibre that has an optical axis diameter narrower than the workpiece makes it easier to obtain the sensitivity difference!

No.3ø0.5 mm

  • FU-58U
  • FU-59U
  • FU-79U

FU-58U

FU-59U

FU-79U

These sensors have both bend resistance, with a bend radius of 2 mm, and high-flex properties, with the capability of being bent 50 million times. We recommend the use of these sensors in locations where cable routing is difficult and with moving parts such as transfer chucks.

No.3ø0.5 mm

  • FU-75F

FU-75F

*The sleeve cannot be bent.

The sleeve is narrow, with a diameter of 0.82 mm, and has a length of 15 mm.
Even in locations with limited space, such as locations where the passage of microscopic electronic components is checked, these sensors can be installed so long as there is enough of a gap through which to pass the sleeve.

Focused Beam [Thrubeam Type]

The standard fibre unit aperture angle is approximately 60°.
In cases where sensors have to be installed in a narrow space or where light wraparound is expected to occur, we recommend focused-beam fibre units, which have narrow aperture angles.

No.1Aperture Angle: Approximately 2°

  • FU-18

FU-18

The slit inserted in front of the micro lens (which focuses the light) and close to the point light source provides this fibre unit with an aperture angle of approximately 2°.

No.2Aperture Angle: Approximately 3°

  • FU-18M

FU-18M

The integrated reflector, which bends the optical axis by 90°, and condenser lens, which narrows the aperture angle, improve the stability of the projected light.

Lens and reflector construction

Separate construction

Integrated construction (FU-18M)

Because the FU-18M has a prismatic case, optical-axis alignment only needs to be performed in directions perpendicular to the optical axis.

No.3Aperture Angle: Approximately 6°

  • FU-16
  • FU-16Z
  • FU-50

FU-16/16Z

FU-50

Installing the FU-16/16Z/18/50

Position the fibre unit so that the side with the carved seal faces up and the side without the carved seal is the reference surface.

Insert a coin or similar object into the groove of the mounting bracket. Twist this object to the left and right to align the optical axis.

No.4Aperture angle: approximately 8°

  • F-4
  • F-5
  • FU-96T

F-4

F-5

FU-96T

  • IP67

Focused-beam fibre units reduce light spreading by way of their lenses, which also makes it possible for these units to reduce the effect of stray lights.

Stray lights

The smaller the aperture angle, the more stray lights can be prevented. Preventing stray lights is effective in detections such as those shown below.

  • Detections in which the light passes through narrow gaps
  • Detections in which an actuator is located nearby

Incorrect detection caused by stray lights

Even though the workpiece blocks the optical axis, the stray lights leads to an incorrect detection.

If the aperture angle is small...

The effect of stray lights is eliminated!

Definite- reflective

Aspherical Lenses Make Long-distance Detections Possible

  • FU-40S

FU-40S
Detecting distance
MEGA: 15 to 70 mm, FINE: 15 to 30 mm

What are aspherical lenses?

These are lenses that are made from curved surfaces, not from spheres or planes.
The largest characteristic of these lenses is their small aberration, which is generated by spherical lenses (which means, aspherical lenses receive light efficiently.) Even if the lens aperture is made larger in order to increase the amount of light that is handled, the aberration becomes small.

Spherical lens
The focal points are misaligned; aberration is present.

Aspherical lens
The focal points are aligned; no aberration is present.

Aberration means that the focal points of the light that enters from the centre of the lens and of the light that enters from the edges of the lens are misaligned. This is useful in detections of black, lustrous, and transparent workpieces at long distances.

Resilient to Workpiece Tilting; Excellent Positioning Accuracy

  • FU-38L

FU-38L
Detecting distance
MEGA: 8 to 38 mm, FINE: 8 to 32 mm

Minimally influenced by workpiece tilting

Thanks to KEYENCE’s proprietary optical design, it is difficult for this sensor to be affected by the tilting of workpieces.

Horizontal direction

Vertical direction

Excellent positioning accuracy

This sensor has achieved a positioning accuracy of 0.2 mm or less at a distance of 8 to 30 mm.*

*Data from detections of glass substrate (investigation performed by KEYENCE)

POINT : Mechanisms aimed at improving the positioning accuracy

1. Transmitter
The aperture angle is small not only because the light is bent 90° by a prism but also because lenses are used to focus the light.
2. Case
Making the transmitter and receiver cases narrow limits the field of vision, which improves the positioning accuracy from a fixed direction.

Past definite-reflective (image)

FU-38L (image)
Narrowing the aperture width to limit the field of vision

Twin-lens Structure Provides a Wide Range of Detection Starting at 0 mm (Short Distance)

  • FU-38S

FU-38S
Detecting distance
MEGA: 0 to 25 mm, FINE: 0 to 25 mm

Wide detection range (0 to 25 mm)

Two pairs of transmitters and receivers are installed within the sensor.
One set is used for long distances and the other for short distances.
This structure makes it possible for this sensor to perform detections at distances ranging from 0 mm all the way up to a long distance of 25 mm. Even if there are variations in the distance from the sensor to the workpiece, stable detections can be performed.

Internal structure diagram

Transmitters and receivers are installed on the outside (for long distances) and on the inside (for short distances).
The structure in which light is reflected by the prisms makes it possible to achieve the thin design.

Images of the transmitter beam spot and detection

Images of detection when the workpiece is tilted

The transmitter and receiver for long distances are used to support the case when there is a long distance to the workpiece, and the transmitter and receiver for short distances are used to support the case when there is a short distance to the workpiece.

Liquid Level

Transparent Tube-mountable Type

  • FU-95S

FU-95S
Even if there are bubbles, it's OK.

The series of 16 optical axes

Because detection is performed with a series of 16 optical axes, even if some of the optical axes are affected by factors such as bubbles and drops of water, detection can still be performed with the remaining optical axes.
This sensor can be mounted on a tube with a diameter of 4 to 26 mm. The bend radius of the free-cut fibre is R5, which improves routing freedom.

Lock function makes installation easy

Position adjustment Easy locking

  1. Use the cable tie to attach the sensor.
  2. Pull one lock up and the other down to slightly loosen the cable tie, which makes it possible to adjust the sensor position.
  3. Press in the locks to fix the position.

Equipped with a scale for easy alignment

The scale has a width of 12 mm, which makes it easy to check the desired detection position. In addition, it is possible to perform detections at an arbitrary position within the range of the scale by making minute adjustments to the sensitivity.

Transparent Tube-mountable Type

  • FU-95W

FU-95W
For use with tubes that have a diameter of 26 mm or more

The bend radius of the free-cut fibre is R5, which makes routing easy.

When the tube diameter is 26 mm or more

[OP-82177, dedicated option for the FU-95W; sold separately] Cable tie × 2,
nonslip rubber × 2 Tube diameters from 26 to 80 mm are supported.

Detection principle of the tube-mountable type

When there is no liquid in the tube, the difference between the refractive indexes of the tube and of air is large, so light is reflected by the inside of the tube and returns to the receiver.
In contrast, when liquid is present, the difference between the refractive indexes of the tube and of the liquid is small, so the majority of the light is radiated into the liquid and does not return to the receiver.
This characteristic is used to detect the presence of liquid.

No liquid present

Liquid present

Bubbles present

Immersible Type

  • FU-93Z
  • FU-93

FU-93Z / FU-93

Model Heat resistant temperature Fluorocarbon resin Fibre part
FU-93Z -40 to +50°C R40* R0.5
FU-93 -40 to +70°C R25

*The fibre cannot be bent for a length of 80 mm from its tip.

Detection principle of the immersible type

When the tip is in air, the difference between the refractive indexes of the fluorocarbon resin and of air is large, so all the light is reflected back in the direction from whence it came (to the receiver).
In contrast, the difference between the refractive indexes of the fluorocarbon resin in liquid and of the liquid itself is small, so the majority of the light is radiated into the liquid and does not return to the receiver.
This characteristic is used to detect the presence of liquid.