Tri-Tronics Inter-changeable Optic Blocks

Most photoelectric sensors on the market have a relatively fixed mode of operation by model number.  Specifically, models for proximity mode, convergent/fixed focal point, retro-reflective mode, and fiber-optic mode.  With these sensors, you must determine which mode is appropriate for the intended application, and hope that your determination was correct.  For example, if you initially believed that proximity mode was best, but after purchase and subsequent evaluation, you feel that fiber-optic mode or retro-reflective mode may be better, but not sure which mode is best, you would have to order one or two more sensors and evaluate them in the actual application.

Circa 1986, Tri-Tronics introduced their Smart-Eye Series of sensors. This Series featured a base model Smart-Eye sensor, with unique, interchangeable optical blocks.  This allowed a single base model to ultimately be used in any photoelectric sensor mode, via [6] different optical blocks that could be attached to the base sensor.  The [6] different optical blocks are:  Medium to long range with a polycarbonate lens (01), medium to long range with a glass lens (01G), short range proximity with a polycarbonate lens (02), focused polycarbonate lens (V1), focused glass lens (V1G), retro-reflective lens (R1), and a fiber-optic mode block to accept fibers (F1).  The sensor can either be ordered with the block attached to the base sensor that is known to be the appropriate mode for that application, or the base sensor can be ordered, and a variety of optical blocks ordered individually as needed.

There are several benefits of Tri-Tronics unique design approach.  For those who wish to evaluate applications for the optimum sensor mode, one base sensor model with a few optical blocks will facilitate that approach.  For OEM’s, or large end-users, one base model kept in inventory, with an appropriate assortment of optical blocks will easily reduce their inventory costs.

The majority of their more recent photoelectric sensor lines also use this same interchangeable optical block concept, some offering even more choices of such blocks.  These additional choices include polarized retroreflective and different focal points of fixed focus lenses.

Excel Automation/Eagle Sensors & Controls is an Authorized Distributor of Tri-Tronics products (since 1989).  Please contact us for technical, application, and sales support.