KEYENCE FS-neo Digital Fiberoptic Sensor Training Guide
Basics: Calibration, Tips, and Troubleshooting
Operation 1: The Basics of Sensitivity Adjustment
1. Two-point Calibration
With this method, the FS-NEO Series detects two points (with and without a workpiece present) and sets the intermediate point as the setting value.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
- (1) Make sure that the display shows the setting value/current value.
- (2) Press the [SET] button once with no workpiece present.
- (3) Press the [SET] button once with a workpiece present.
Diagram Description: Shows a sensor head connected to a display unit. A workpiece is positioned in front of the sensor. Text indicates pressing the [SET] button with and without the workpiece.
2. Fully Automatic Calibration
With this method, the FS-NEO Series sets the intermediate value between the maximum and minimum received light intensity within a certain period of time. This method is useful for applications where a workpiece narrower than the optical axis diameter continuously passes through the light beam, enabling more stable detection.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
- (1) While holding down the [SET] button for 3 seconds or longer, let the workpiece(s) pass through the beam. The sensitivity is set based on the maximum and minimum light intensity received while the [SET] button is pressed down.
Diagram Description: Shows a workpiece passing through the sensor beam. Text indicates holding the [SET] button for 3 seconds or longer. A subsequent diagram shows the display flashing, then showing the setting value in green and current value in red.
Operation 2: The Basics of Sensitivity Adjustment
3. Maximum Sensitivity Setting
For thrubeam models: Used when a workpiece is larger than the fiber strand diameter (lens diameter) and completely blocks the light.
For reflective models: Used to set the maximum sensitivity while ignoring the background.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
- (1) Make sure that the display shows the setting value/current value.
- (2) For thrubeam models: Press and hold the [SET] button for 3 seconds or longer with a workpiece present between the transmitter and receiver fiber units.
- (2) For reflective models: Press and hold the [SET] button for 3 seconds or longer with no workpiece present.
Diagram Description: For thrubeam models, shows a setup with transmitter, receiver, and a workpiece blocking the light, with text indicating pressing and holding the [SET] button. For reflective models, shows a sensor head aimed at a surface, with text indicating pressing and holding the [SET] button.
4. Fine Adjustment
Set the sensitivity manually.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
- (1) Make sure that the display shows the setting value/current value.
- (2) While monitoring the current value display, press the manual buttons to perform fine adjustment of the setting value.
Diagram Description: Shows the sensor display and buttons. Text indicates that pressing the left button decrements the setting value, and the right button increments it.
Operation 3: The Basics of Sensitivity Adjustment
5. Positioning Calibration
With this method, the FS-NEO Series detects the workpiece exactly when its edge reaches the predetermined position.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
- (1) Make sure that the display shows the setting value/current value.
- (2) Briefly press the [SET] button with no workpiece present.
- (3) Place the part of the workpiece to be detected (edge). Then, press and hold the [SET] button for 3 seconds or longer.
Diagram Description: Shows a sensor head, a workpiece, and the sensor display. Text indicates briefly pressing [SET] with no workpiece, then placing the workpiece edge and pressing/holding [SET] for 3 seconds or longer. The display flashes upon completion.
Operation 4: Simplified Sensitivity Adjustment
6. Preset Function
One simple click of the button will make all the displays uniform and set the sensitivity at the same time.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
After installing the sensor, briefly press the [PRESET] button with no workpiece present (for thrubeam models) or with a workpiece present (for reflective models).
Diagram Description: Shows a sensor head and its display. Text indicates pressing the [PRESET] button once with no workpiece present (thrubeam) or with workpiece present (reflective). The PST indicator lights green. The display shows setting value "50.0" and current value "100.0".
The received light intensity is adjusted to 100.0 and the setting value is adjusted to 50.0. The setting is complete with just one click.
7. Saturation Recovery Function
When setting a reflective model, this function automatically adjusts the light intensity from a level that is too intense, which prevents light intensity differences from being detected, to a lower value that allows for proper, reliable detection.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
After installing the sensor, briefly press the [MODE] button and [SET] button at the same time.
Diagram Description: Shows a sensor head and its display. Text indicates pressing the [MODE] and [SET] buttons simultaneously. A table lists Power modes (HSP*, FINE, TURBO, SUPER, ULTRA, MEGA) and their respective setting ranges of received light intensity.
| Power mode | Setting range of received light intensity |
|---|---|
| HSP*, FINE, TURBO | 2047 ± 350 |
| SUPER | 4095 ± 500 |
| ULTRA, MEGA | 5000 ± 600 |
| * HIGH SPEED |
This function automatically adjusts the light intensity to the proper level.
Information about Thrubeam Models-1: Tips for Using Thrubeam Models
1. Target Size and Detection Range
QUESTION: Look at the figure on the right. You are going to block the optical axis of the thrubeam sensor with the workpiece. At which position of the workpiece, A, B, or C, will the sensor enter the light-ON mode?
THE ANSWER IS...
REASON
Diagram Description: Shows a thrubeam sensor with its light beam. Three positions (A, B, C) for a workpiece are indicated relative to the beam. The question asks at which position the sensor enters light-ON mode.
2. Sensitivity adjustment for thrubeam models
When using a thrubeam type sensor, the light is completely blocked if the workpiece is larger than the fiber strand diameter (lens diameter).
Diagram Description: Shows a fiber strand diameter (lens diameter) and a workpiece larger than it, blocking the light.
Therefore, the optimal sensitivity adjustment will be the maximum sensitivity setting as this is the sensitivity adjustment which is most resistant to dirt or dust.
Let's check it out
- (1) Manually perform two-point calibration.
- (2) Block the light using a translucent workpiece and set the maximum sensitivity. (This simulates dirt accumulation on the fiber.)
- (3) Make sure that the light enters the receiver with the translucent workpiece present and that the sensor turns ON and OFF by placing your hand between the sensor head and the workpiece.
Information about Thrubeam Models-2: Tips for Using Thrubeam Models
3. Position Detection
QUESTION: Look at the figure on the right. You are going to perform positioning using a thrubeam type sensor. At which position, A, B, or C, should the positioning be performed to get the optimal result?
THE ANSWER IS...
Align the detection point of the workpiece to the center of the optical axis. Because the light intensity is greatly affected at the center of the optical axis, this installation will give you a higher accuracy.
Diagram Description: Shows a thrubeam sensor beam and three positions (A, B, C) for a workpiece. The question asks where to perform positioning for optimal results. An accompanying diagram shows the optical axis with 'Area: Large' and 'Area: Small' regions.
TIPS
- (1) Accuracy is the highest at the center of the optical axis.
- (2) The thinner the optical axis, the better the result.
- (3) The result will be more accurate with higher received light intensity as long as it is not saturated.
Problems with Thrubeam Models- 1: Troubleshooting
1. Stray Light
SYMPTOM
As shown in the figure below, stray light reflected from a nearby surface may make the sensor operate as if it were in the Light ON mode.
Diagram Description: Shows a thrubeam sensor setup where light reflects off a nearby surface onto the receiver, causing it to appear ON.
COUNTERMEASURES
- (1) When there is stray light, adjust the sensitivity with the stray light present.
- (2) In case the problem cannot be solved by (1), make the following changes to the installation:
Diagram Description: Illustrates countermeasures: 1. A masking shield to block stray light. 2. Changing the mounting height. 3. Changing the surface color to one that does not reflect light.
- (3) Select a sensor with a narrow aperture angle. (The aperture angle can also be narrowed by attaching a lens, when available.)
Diagram Description: Shows an aperture angle.
Problems with Thrubeam Models- 2: Troubleshooting
2. Mutual interference
SYMPTOM
When two sensors are used side by side in close proximity, the operation may become unstable due to the influence of light from the transmitter of the other unit.
COUNTERMEASURES
- (1) Use the interference prevention function.
| FS-NEO Series | Mode | FINE | TURBO/S.TURBO/ULTRA/MEGA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interference Prevention Function | In normal operation | 4 units | 8 units |
| When the mode is set to "DOUBLE"* | 8 units | 16 units |
* Up to 16 units can be connected.
- (2) Alternate the placement of the transmitters and receivers.
Diagram Description: Shows two thrubeam sensors placed side-by-side, with light from one transmitter potentially interfering with the other receiver.
* In this case, be careful to avoid potential interference caused by the light from the other sensor head entering the receiver when reflected from the target.
[Other countermeasures]
When using a model with a built-in amplifier, a polarizing filter can be used to prevent interference.
Information about Reflective Models- 1: Tips for Using Reflective Models
1. Target size and detecting distance
QUESTION: Look at the figure on the right. Which sensor, A or B, do you think will provide more stable performance?
THE ANSWER IS...
When using a photoelectric sensor, the spot size at the detecting distance will be a key factor.
When using a fiber sensor, the aperture angle of the fiber is 60°. Remember this point to calculate the spot diameter at the detecting distance.
φ = 1.15x + (Fiber strand diameter)
Diagram Description: Diagrams show two reflective sensor setups, A and B, with different beam spreads. The question asks which provides more stable performance. A formula is given for fiber sensor spot diameter: φ = 1.15x + (Fiber strand diameter), with a diagram showing aperture angle 60°.
Information about Reflective Models- 2: Tips for Using Reflective Models
2. Position Detection
QUESTION: Look at the figures on the right. You are going to perform positioning using a reflective type sensor. Which one, A or B, do you think will give the optimal result?
THE ANSWER IS...
When using a reflective type sensor for positioning, select a model with the smallest possible spot diameter.
Diagram Description: Diagrams show two reflective sensor setups, A and B, with different spot sizes. The question asks which gives optimal positioning results.
TIPS
- (1) Make the spot as small as possible for positioning.
- (2) Unless the light is saturated, the accuracy will improve as the received light intensity increases.
Information about Reflective Models- 3: Tips for Using Reflective Models
3. Step Differentiation
Vertical direction
QUESTION: Look at the figure on the right. Which position, A, B, or C, will be optimal for performing step differentiation?
THE ANSWER IS...
Diagram Description: Shows a vertical setup with a sensor and a workpiece at different detecting distances (A: 5mm, B: 10mm, C: 15mm). The question asks which position is optimal for step differentiation.
TIPS
- (1) When using a reflective type sensor, set a short detecting distance in order to enhance the received light intensity.
- (2) Be careful not to place the sensor head too close to the target, otherwise the received light intensity may become saturated.
FU-35FZ Characteristics of Detecting distance vs. Received light intensity (Typical)
[Amplifier: FS-N11N (FINE mode, APC-OFF) Target: 300 x 300 mm (11.81" x 11.81") white Kent paper]
| Received light intensity | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4500 | ||||||||||
| 4000 | ||||||||||
| 3500 | ||||||||||
| 3000 | ||||||||||
| 2500 | ||||||||||
| 2000 | ||||||||||
| 1500 | ||||||||||
| 1000 | ||||||||||
| 500 | ||||||||||
| 0 | 0 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | |
| Setting distance (mm) |
Diagram Description: A graph showing 'FU-35FZ Characteristics of Detecting distance vs. Received light intensity (Typical)'. The X-axis is 'Setting distance (mm)' from 0 to 80. The Y-axis is 'Received light intensity' from 0 to 4500. The graph shows a steep decline from high intensity at short distances, with labels 'Saturated state' and 'Detection is enabled'.
Problems with Reflective Models- 1: Troubleshooting
1. Influence of dirt and dust
SYMPTOM
Dirt or dust accumulated on the detecting surface of the sensor may keep the sensor constantly in the light-ON mode.
Diagram Description: Diagrams show a sensor head with 'Moisture' and 'Dust' indicated on its detecting surface.
COUNTERMEASURES
- (1) Install a thrubeam type sensor with the transmitter and receiver side by side and use it as a reflective type sensor. This installation will prevent stray light from reflecting into the receiver, even when moisture or dust accumulates on the sensor head.
Diagram Description: Shows a thrubeam setup used reflectively.
- (2) Models with separate transmitter and receiver fiber strands are also available.
Diagram Description: Shows FU-40 model with separate transmitter/receiver.
- (3) You can increase the received light intensity by switching the Power Mode of the FS-NEO Series.
| Measure of the received light intensity | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEGA | |||||||||
| ULTRA | 4x | ||||||||
| SUPER | 2x | ||||||||
| TURBO | 2x | ||||||||
| FINE | |||||||||
| 0 | 5000 | 10000 | 15000 | 20000 | 30000 | 40000 | 50000 | 60000 | 65000 |
Diagram Description: A bar chart showing 'Measure of the received light intensity' for different Power Modes (MEGA, ULTRA, SUPER, TURBO, FINE), indicating increased intensity. Text notes 'Received light intensity is increased an extra 4 times (approx.) compared to the ULTRA mode.' and 'Received light intensity is increased 64 times when the mode is changed from FINE to MEGA.'
Problems with Reflective Models- 2: Troubleshooting
2. Influence of color variation
SYMPTOM
Detection may fail when the color of the workpiece changes.
CAUSE
Because a red LED is used for the light source, some colors have a higher reflectance than others.
Diagram Description: An example shows a bar chart of 'Light intensity level' for different colors (White, Red, Yellow orange, etc.) when detected at 15mm with FU-6F.
| [Example] Set the detecting distance to 15 mm (0.59") with FU-6F. | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 950 | |||||||||
| Red | 945 | |||||||||
| Yellow orange | 941 | |||||||||
| Orange | 938 | |||||||||
| Yellow | 927 | |||||||||
| Silver | 735 | |||||||||
| Gold | 720 | |||||||||
| Magenta | 540 | |||||||||
| Purple | 370 | |||||||||
| Yellow green | 305 | |||||||||
| Green | 149 | |||||||||
| Green blue | 123 | |||||||||
| Cyan | 121 | |||||||||
| Blue | 108 | |||||||||
| Mazarine | 100 | |||||||||
| Black | 90 | |||||||||
| 0 | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 | |||||
| Light intensity level |
COUNTERMEASURES
- (1) Set the sensitivity to a level at which the sensor is able to detect the color with the lowest reflectance.
- (2) Use a sensor that employs infrared LED as its light source, which is resistant to the influence of color variation.
- (3) Use a definite reflective type for detecting targets with a brightly-colored background, as seen in the image to the right. Definite reflective sensors have a fixed detection range, allowing them to be mounted with the highly reflective background out of the detecting range.
Diagram Description: Shows FU-37 sensor and a 'Glossy background' scenario. Text describes using infrared LED sensors or definite reflective types.
