High Power Digital Ultrasonic Sensors FW Series
Introducing the Keyence FW Series, a tough, super multi-reflective sensor unaffected by a target's material, color, or luster.
Key Features & Benefits
The FW Series integrates digital technology and ultrasonic waves to produce super multi-reflective type sensors with incredible stability for any type of target.
Reason 1: Can be used for all types of targets
Easily detects metal, glass, liquid level, or other targets that are difficult for conventional reflective-type photoelectric sensors. Detections are not influenced by the color, pattern, or luster of the target surface.
Illustration: A diagram showing the Keyence FW Series ultrasonic sensor's ability to detect various materials including black rubber, glass, metal, and fluid levels.
Reason 2: High stability and reliability
Features the industry-first A.W.S. (Active Wave Stabilizer) algorithm, which stabilizes detection by avoiding the influence of target vibration or external disturbances. This function executes optimal processing according to the detecting condition and cancels fluctuations even when the receiving condition of the ultrasonic wave changes due to target vibration.
Illustration: A diagram showing an ultrasonic sensor emitting waves towards a target, and another diagram illustrating the sensor detecting multiple targets on a surface.
Reason 3: Resistant to mist and dirt
The intense ultrasonic wave penetrates dust and dirt to detect the target. The sensor body is IP67 rated and offers excellent environmental resistance. The easily detachable connector is also IP67 rated.
Illustration: A diagram showing the sensor operating in a dusty or misty environment.
Reason 4: Unaffected by the background
The N.O.D. (Nearest Object Detection) function detects only the target located nearest to the sensor, eliminating the need to consider background luster or shape. Reliable detection is ensured without measures like tilting the sensor or changing the background color.
Illustration: A diagram showing the sensor distinguishing a target from its background.
Advanced Functionality & Operation
Dual Digital Display
The digital indicator displays the distance in an easy-to-understand numerical format.
Illustration: Image of the FW-V20 digital amplifier with its dual digital display showing numerical values.
Easy Set Up with One-Button Operation
Settings can be configured by simply pressing the [SET] button, with or without the target in place.
Target Height Display
This function is convenient for differentiating target heights or detecting liquid levels. The height of the target or liquid level can be displayed numerically, making it easy for the user to understand and set preset values. This offers a clear advantage over conventional reflective sensors with unitless numerical displays or LED bar indicators.
Illustration: A diagram showing a numerical height display with preset values (e.g., 110, 100, 120) and a scale from 0.
Convenient Sensitivity Adjustment Methods
- 1-point zone tuning: Useful for detection with a background. Pressing the [SET] button once enables detection of only a target at a certain height, without detecting the background. ?
- Conveyer tuning: A preset value is tuned automatically to a level unaffected by background vibrations (e.g., on a conveyor). ?
Illustrations: Diagrams for 1-point zone tuning and Conveyer tuning, showing target and background detection.
Additional Functions
- Chatter prevention function and display averaging mode: Prevents output chattering by delaying response time, especially for liquid level detections with ripples. The display averaging mode reduces display fluctuations. ⚙️
- Power-saving function: Reduces power consumption by approximately 20% when the sensor is not being operated. ⚡
- External shift function: Effective for environments with slight sensitivity differences. Compensates for displayed values that fluctuate due to variations in temperature or background position. ?️
- Bank switching function: Enables detection of up to four types of targets by external input. ?
- Analog monitor output: Features a 4 to 20 mA analog output. ?
Detection Modes
Choose from 5 different detection modes for your application:
- F-1 mode (General purpose): Supports "two-point tuning" and "full-automatic tuning" for various sensitivity adjustments.
- F-2 mode (Detecting a target with a background): Useful for detecting a target with a background. Target height is displayed with the background as reference. "One-point zone tuning" is available to detect only targets at a certain height.
Illustration: Diagram for F-2 mode showing target detection, output signals (Output 1, Output 2) changing based on target presence.
- A-1 mode (Detecting a target on a conveyer): Optimal for detecting the presence and absence of targets on a conveyor. Target height is displayed with the conveyor as reference. "Conveyer tuning" detects only targets, ignoring conveyor vibrations. Output 2 serves as an alarm signal for unloading or abnormalities.
Illustration: Diagram for A-1 mode showing targets, hysteresis, and output signals.
- A-2 mode (Detecting the liquid level): Suitable for detecting liquid levels. Liquid level height is displayed with the tank bottom as reference. Two preset values (upper and lower limits) and two additional values for prediction enable monitoring of four statuses: normal, near upper limit, near lower limit, and abnormality.
Illustration: Diagram for A-2 mode showing preset values (P1-P4) for liquid level monitoring and corresponding output signals.
- A-3 mode (Zone control): Suitable for controlling pumps or tension by detecting liquid level or sheet height. Two preset values (upper and lower limits) control the device: output turns off when the upper limit is exceeded, and turns on when the lower limit is exceeded.
Illustration: Diagram for A-3 mode showing preset values (P1, P2) for zone control and corresponding output signals.
Applications
The FW Series is versatile and applicable across various industries:
Automotive Industry
- Detecting springs during the assembly process: Reliable detection unaffected by background luster, even with unstable spring profiles.
- Detecting mesh trays used for quenching the targets: Reliable detection of metallic luster and small holes, unaffected by workpieces on the opposite side of holes.
- Detecting automotive plate glass: Reliable detection of transparent targets, unaffected by glass colors.
- Checking target removal from a die-cast machine: Reliable detection of multi-colored targets, unaffected by mold release agents.
- Checking the presence/absence of bolts: Detects metal targets on metal boards, unaffected by the luster of the metal.
- Detecting con-rods: Reliable detection unaffected by coolant on the target surface.
- Detecting black-colored cushioning material on black resin: Reliable height differentiation of black targets, unaffected by color.
- Detecting the liquid level of hydraulic fluid for a press: Non-contact detection of dirty oil, reducing the need for costly maintenance.
Food, Chemical, and Cosmetics Industries
- Detecting the fluid level of adhesive on a roll coater: Non-contact detection of high-viscosity adhesive.
- Detecting remaining pellet quantity in a hopper: Reliable detection regardless of pellet color or shape.
- Detecting transparent bottles in the cleaning process: Reliable detection of transparent targets with rounded shapes, unaffected by water splashes.
- Detecting vinyl packages on a conveyor: Reliable detection of targets with rippled surface profiles.
- Detecting confectionery packaging on a conveyor: Reliable detection of the outside transparent package, unaffected by contents.
- Detecting transparent lids of containers: Reliable detection even if the target surface is rippled, unaffected by inner contents.
- Differentiating the presence/absence of product packaging and product varieties: Differentiates based on height, unaffected by color or pattern. Capable of differentiating product variety using two outputs.
- Detecting the presence/absence of contents in containers: Reliable detection of uneven surface profiles, unaffected by steam.
Semiconductor/Electronics/Electrical Industry
- Detecting slack in films: Reliable detection regardless of surface color, pattern, and luster.
- Detecting the level of chocolate: Reliable detection regardless of target color and luster, suitable for food products where contact sensors are not usable.
- Detecting wafers in the cleansing process: Reliable detection of sweating wafers in a vaporous atmosphere.
- Detecting slit substrates in the transfer process: Reliable detection unaffected by colors and small slits.
- Controlling web tension: Reliable detection unaffected by transparency and surface irregularities.
- Detecting wafers from an angle: Reliable detection by applying ultrasonic waves from an angle to cause slight reflections from the edge.
- Detecting wafers in a magazine rack: Detection unaffected by surface films or glossy backgrounds.
- Controlling the fluid level of a cleaning solution: Enables various controls with simple setup for liquid level detection.
Lineup & Specifications
Sensor Heads
| Model | Shape | Detecting range (inch / mm) | Size (inch / mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FW-H02 | M18 x P1 P0.04" | 1.97" to 7.87" (50 to 200mm) | Length = 2.5" (63.5) |
| FW-H07 | M18 x P1 P0.04" | 5.91" to 27.56" (150 to 700mm) | |
| FW-H10R | M18 x P1 P0.04" | 5.91" to 39.37" (150 to 1000mm) | Length = 4.1" (104) |
Digital Amplifiers
| Model | Shape | Type of output |
|---|---|---|
| FW-V20 | DIN mounting | NPN |
| FW-V20P | DIN mounting | PNP |
| FW-V25 | Panel mounting | NPN |
| FW-V25P | Panel mounting | PNP |
Specifications (Sensor Head)
| Parameter | FW-H02 | FW-H07 | FW-H10R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detecting range 1. | 2.0" to 7.9" (50 to 200 mm) | 5.9" to 27.6" (150 to 700 mm) | 5.9" to 39.4" (150 to 1000 mm) |
| Response speed | 250 ms | 300 ms | 1000 ms |
| Temperature characteristics 2. | 0.25% of F.S./°C | 0.06% of F.S./°C | |
| Indicator lamp | Operation indicator (orange) x1 (FW-H02/07: Turns on when the power is turned on. FW-H10R: Turns on when the target is within the detecting range.) | ||
| Protective construction | IP67 | ||
| Ambient temperature | -25 to +70°C (-13 to 158°F), No condensation | ||
| Relative humidity | 35 to 85%, No condensation | ||
| Resistance to vibrations | 10 to 55 Hz, Horizontal amplitude: 1.5 mm, 2 hours each in the X, Y, and Z axis | ||
| Dimensions | M18 x P1 P0.04", Length = 2.5" (63.5) | ||
| Weight (Including a 6.6' 2-m head cable) | Approx. 89 g | Approx. 106 g | |
| Material | Brass-nickel plating, PBT, Polyurethane, Polyamide resin | ||
| Accessories | M18 nut: 2, Head cable: 6.6' 2 m | ||
1. Dead zones of approx. 2% of F.S. exist at both ends of the detecting range.
2. The errors for the indicated value at 25°C (77°F).
3. The variation of sonic velocity in air generates errors in the negative direction at 25°C (77°F) and above, or in the positive direction at 25°C (77°F) and below.
Specifications (Digital Amplifier)
| Parameter | FW-V20/FW-V25 | FW-V20P/FW-V25P |
|---|---|---|
| Power-supply voltage | 24 VDC, Ripple (P-P): 10% max. | 24 VDC, Ripple (P-P): 10% max. |
| Current consumption | Normal mode: 1680 mW (70 mA) max. ECO mode: 1370 mW (57 mA) max. |
Normal mode: 2640 mW (110 mA) max. ECO mode: 2330 mW (97 mA) max. |
| Display format [inch/mm selectable] | 2-row display with signed 3-digit, 7-segment LED (Character height: Upper row: 0.32" 8 mm, red; Lower row: 0.22" 5.7 mm, green) | |
| Operation indicator | Red LED x 2 (corresponding to Control output 1 and Control output 2) | |
| Chattering prevention function | Selectable from OFF, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10s (when connected to the FW-H02/H07) | Selectable from OFF, 1, 2, 5, and 10s (when connected to the FW-H10R) |
| Bank/external shift input | Input time: 25 ms min. (This input/analog output is selectable.) | Input time: 25 ms min. (This input/analog output is selectable.) |
| Control output | NPN (PNP) open collector, 100 mA 40 V max. (30 V max. for PNP) | NPN (PNP) open collector, 100 mA 40 V max. (30 V max. for PNP) |
| Protective circuit | Reverse connection protection, over-current protection, surge absorber | |
| Analog output | 4 to 20 mA, maximum load resistance: 260 Ω (Bank/external shift input/analog output selectable) | |
| Ambient temperature | -10 to +55°C (14 to 131°F), No condensation | -25 to +70°C (-13 to 158°F), No condensation |
| Relative humidity | 35 to 85%, No condensation | 35 to 85%, No condensation |
| Resistance to vibrations | 10 to 55 Hz, Horizontal amplitude: 1.5 mm, 2 hours each in the X, Y, and Z axis | |
| Housing material | Main unit and cover: Polycarbonate, Keycaps: elastomer | |
| Weight (Including a 6.6' 2-m power cable) | Approx. 85 g | |
| Accessories | FW-V20 (P): Mounting bracket, power cable, and instruction manual | FW-V25(P): Panel mounting bracket, front protective cover, power cable, and instruction manual |
Specifications of Options
| Option | Model | Ambient temperature | Resistance to vibrations | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side-view attachment | FW-SV01 | -25 to +70°C (-13 to 158°F), No condensation | 10 to 55 Hz, Horizontal amplitude: 1.5 mm, 2 hours each in the X, Y, and Z axis | Approx. 15 g |
| Light guide attachment | FW-LG01 | 0 to 45°C (32 to 113°F), No condensation | 10 to 55 Hz, Horizontal amplitude: 1.5 mm, 2 hours each in the X, Y, and Z axis | Approx. 21 g (Including batteries) |
| L-shaped cable connector | OP-51691 | -25 to +70°C (-13 to 158°F), No condensation | 10 to 55 Hz, Horizontal amplitude: 1.5 mm, 2 hours each in the X, Y, and Z axis | Approx. 70 g |
Illustrations: Diagrams showing dimensions for sensor heads, amplifiers, and various accessories.
Graphs: Display resolution-distance characteristics for FW-H02, FW-H07, and FW-H10R sensors.
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