US Fiber Optic Sensor Dimensions

Fiber optic sensors in the US come in a wide range of dimensions, with sensor heads from 2 mm to 18 mm in diameter and fiber optic cables designed for compact or harsh environments.Sensor Head SizesFiber optic sensor heads vary significantly depending on the application and manufacturer:Balluff sensors offer heads with diameters from 2 mm to 8 mm, and square heads ranging from 5 x 4 mm to 23 x 55 mm, including straight, angled, and bendable options for plastic fibers .Pepperl+Fuchs sensors provide cylindrical housings up to 18 mm and small DIN-rail mountable units, suitable for cramped or harsh environments .Keyence FU Series sensor heads are compact and designed to fit in tight spaces, with various shapes to accommodate thrubeam, reflective, retro-reflective, and definite reflective detection methods .Fiber Optic Cable DimensionsPlastic light guides are typically used for low-stress applications and are flexible, with diameters often matching the sensor head size for easy integration .Glass fiber optic tubes are designed for high-temperature and chemically harsh environments, capable of operating above 200 °C, and are available in diameters compatible with the sensor heads, generally ranging from 2 mm to 8 mm .Housing and Mounting OptionsSensors can be housed in cylindrical, square, or DIN-rail mountable units, depending on space constraints and environmental requirements .Multiple sensors can be mounted in rows without interference, allowing up to 18 sensors in a compact configuration for industrial automation .Integrated brackets and modular designs facilitate installation in tight or complex setups .SummaryUS fiber optic sensors are highly versatile in size and configuration:Head diameters: 2 mm – 18 mmSquare heads: 5 x 4 mm – 23 x 55 mmFiber types: Plastic (flexible, low-stress) and glass (high-temperature, chemical-resistant)Mounting: DIN-rail, modular, or compact row configurations These dimensions allow fiber optic sensors to be used in small part detection, robotics, harsh industrial environments, and tight mounting spaces while maintaining high accuracy and reliability .