OCF fibre-optic sensor

Convenient installation and operation

Wherever tiny or transparent objects need to be detected in confined installation conditions, fibre-optic sensors are the best choice. The OCF fibre-optic sensor makes this technology even easier and more reliable to use.
Two spring-loaded latching lugs enable the OCF to be mounted on a DIN rail with one hand. The fibrelock system simplifies mounting and securing of the fibre optics. After selecting one of the six operating modes and the intelligent maintenance functions, the OCF then operates reliably under all conditions, thus contributing to high performance and availability of the plant.

Detection of tiny objects

Screws in a spiral conveyor

• Task: Check whether the rail is filled for further processing.
• The challenge: Small parts and limited installation space due to guide rail.

Key advantage:

• Thanks to the focussed optical system and very small light spot diameters, every single part can be detected. In addition, the objects can be counted using IO-Link.

Detection of very fast objects

Bottling line

• Task: Check the feed of the bottles and whether bottle caps are present
• The challenge: The bottles move at a very high speed.

Essential advantage:

• Thanks to dual channel, the fast moving bottles can be detected while at the same time using diagnostic functions via IO-Link.

Detection of objects that are difficult to identify

Level control

• Task: Detect whether a minimum level in transparent containers has been reached.
• The challenge: The vessel and the liquid are transparent.

Key advantage:

• The six operating modes and other functionalities prevent faulty switching and ensure long-term functional stability, even with objects that are difficult to detect.

Use in demanding environments

Position monitoring

• Task: Check the optimum positioning of a component
• Challenges:
  Space for mounting is limited. Oil or chemicals are often used.

Essential advantages:

• Due to the resistance to a variety of aggressive media, reliable detection is possible even under difficult conditions. In addition, the “Clean me” function enables monitoring of the degree of soiling via IO-Link, supporting predictive maintenance.

The perfect choice for every application

Different sensing heads and highest transmission quality with minimum bending radii and resistance to multiple bending make the fibre optics the perfect choice for any scenario. The fibre optics also withstand the stress when used in drag chains, chemicals or high temperatures.

• Extremely small bending radii and great number of bending cycles
  Highly flexible with a minimum bending radius of 1 mm and up to 1 million bending cycles
• High resistance to temperature and chemical substances
  Resistant to temperatures up to 290 °C and demanding environments thanks to a stainless steel and/or metal-silicone sheath
• Wide range of sensing heads
  Bot only variable in material, size, operating principle and design, but also in terms of range and light emission angle

What is a fiber optic sensor and where is it used in industrial automation?

A fiber optic sensor is a sensing device that uses optical fiber to transmit light from a source to a detection point. When an object interacts with the light signal, by reflecting, blocking, or altering it, the change is analysed by the sensor electronics and converted into a switching signal for automation systems.

In industrial environments, fiber optic sensing technology is widely used for detection in limited space, especially where conventional sensors cannot be installed directly. The sensing fiber can be positioned precisely at the measurement point while the main sensor electronics remain mounted elsewhere.

We, at ifm developed the OCF fibre-optic sensor that combines compact design, advanced optics, and flexible fiber optic cables to support demanding sensing applications, including detecting small parts, verifying product presence, and monitoring fast-moving production processes.

How does an optical fiber sensor detect objects?

An optical fiber sensor works by transmitting light through a flexible fiber optic cable, typically made from glass fiber or other durable fiber material. The light travels through the core of the fiber until it reaches the sensing point.

When an object enters the sensing area, part of the light signal changes. Depending on the application, variations in light power, wavelength, or phase can occur. These changes are then detected by a receiver or detector integrated into the sensor electronics.

The ifm’s OCF fibre-optic sensor, handles this signal evaluation process using an integrated amplifier and processing unit. It allows the response teams to detect any aberrations quickly by analyzing the optical signal and converts it into switching outputs for machine control, providing high sensitivity.

Why are fiber optic sensors suitable for installations with limited space?

One of the main advantages of a fiber optic sensor is the separation between the sensing point and the electronic device. The flexible fiber optic cables carry light from the sensor unit to the detection location, allowing the sensing fiber to be routed through very small openings or around machine components.

This makes fiber optic sensors particularly suitable for applications where limited space, vibration, or difficult mounting conditions would make conventional sensors impractical. The sensing tip itself can be extremely small while still delivering highly reliable detection performance.

Our OCF fibre-optic sensor also features a tool-free fiber locking system and DIN-rail mounting, allowing quick installation and secure connection of the optical fiber helping teams operating in compact industrial setups.

What types of sensing applications use fiber optic technology?

Fiber optic sensing technology is widely utilized in industrial automation where accurate and stable detection is required. Typical sensing applications include detecting small components in conveyors, verifying the presence of bottle caps in bottling lines, or monitoring levels in transparent containers.

Because the sensing signal is transmitted through optical fiber, the system is resistant to electrical noise and can operate reliably even in environments with high temperatures, chemicals, or continuous vibration.

The OCF fibre-optic sensor developed by ifm supports these applications with six configurable operating modes and dual switching outputs. Users can adapt the sensor to different materials, detection conditions, and production speeds by selecting the appropriate operating mode, configuring detection parameters, and choosing the suitable fibre optic sensing head, enabling reliable detection across a wide range of industrial applications.

What do fiber amplifiers do in a fiber optic sensor system?

Fiber amplifiers process and evaluate the optical signal transmitted through the fiber optic sensing system. When light passes through the fiber and interacts with an object, the signal strength changes. The amplifier measures this variation and converts it into a usable electrical output for industrial controllers.

In some systems, fiber amplifiers are separate modules connected to external sensing fibers. In ifm’s OCF fibre-optic sensor, however, the amplifier and signal evaluation functions are integrated directly into the sensor device allowing your teams to detect performance stability with high sensitivity, even when working with fast processed or challenging materials.