Capacitive Label Sensors
Capacitive Fork Sensors for Transparent, Foil & Paper Label Detection
di-soric capacitive label sensors provide non-contact label detection for applications where differences in dielectric properties can be used to distinguish the label from its backing material. Capacitive sensing is well suited to thin transparent labels, foil labels, paper labels, and other materials where optical appearance alone may not provide a reliable detection signal.
The current di-soric range includes compact fork-style sensors with 0.4 mm or 1 mm fork openings, 50 mm or 85 mm internal leg lengths, and several connector configurations. These options allow the sensor to be selected around label thickness, available mounting space, required sensing position, and machine connection requirements.
- Material: nickel-plated brass
- Temperature: -40°C ... +200°C
Select a Capacitive Label Sensor
Why Choose Capacitive Label Sensors?
Capacitive label sensors detect changes in the electrical properties of the material passing through the sensor fork. This allows the sensor to distinguish between the backing material and the applied label without depending primarily on colour, print, or optical contrast.
This sensing principle can be particularly useful for transparent labels, foil materials, thin paper labels, and high-speed labelling applications where dependable label presence and gap detection are required.
Key Features & Advantages
- Capacitive label detection independent of colour and print
- Suitable for transparent, foil, and paper labels
- Fork-style sensing for controlled label and backing-material positioning
- 0.4 mm and 1 mm fork-opening options
- 50 mm and 85 mm internal leg lengths
- Compact configurations for space-conscious installations
- M8 and M12 connector options
- Straight and right-angle connector arrangements on selected models
- Suitable for high-speed label and web movement
- Teach-in or sensitivity adjustment depending on model configuration
Typical Applications
Capacitive label sensors are well suited to:
- Label presence and gap detection
- Transparent label detection
- Foil label detection
- Paper label detection
- Labelling machines
- Packaging equipment
- Print-and-apply systems
- Web and material-feed applications
- Product identification and labelling equipment
- Automated machinery requiring reliable label-position feedback
- Applications where optical contrast between the label and backing material is limited
How to Choose a Capacitive Label Sensor
Start with the label and backing-material combination and the available installation space.
Fork Opening
Choose the fork opening according to the thickness and mechanical arrangement of the label web:
- 0.4 mm fork opening — suited to applications requiring a narrower sensing gap and controlled material guidance
- 1 mm fork opening — provides greater clearance for the label and backing material
Internal Leg Length
The internal leg length determines how far the sensing point can reach into the label web:
- 50 mm internal leg length — compact option for applications where the label edge can pass relatively close to the machine frame or sensor mounting point
- 85 mm internal leg length — allows the sensing point to be positioned farther into the web
Connection
Current models include different connection arrangements:
- M8 3-pin
- M8 4-pin
- M12 4-pin
- straight and right-angle connector configurations on selected models
Choose the connection style based on available cable space, machine wiring standards, and sensor mounting orientation.
Then compare:
- label and backing-material type
- material thickness
- required fork opening
- required sensing depth
- available mounting space
- connector type and orientation
- machine speed
- Teach-in or sensitivity-adjustment requirements
Capacitive vs. Ultrasonic or Optical Label Detection
No single sensing technology is ideal for every label application.
Capacitive label sensors are useful when the label and backing material provide a measurable difference in their electrical or dielectric properties. They can be a strong option for transparent, foil, and paper labels without relying on colour or printed contrast.
Ultrasonic label sensors detect differences in sound transmission through the material and are particularly useful for transparent, reflective, metallised, and other difficult optical targets.
Optical label sensors are effective when the label, gap, mark, or backing material provides a consistent optical contrast or light-transmission difference.
The best sensing method depends on the label material, backing material, web speed, installation space, and required detection method.
Need Help Selecting a Capacitive Label Sensor?
IBIS Electro-Products can help compare di-soric capacitive label sensors based on fork opening, internal leg length, connector configuration, label material, installation space, and application requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Capacitive Label Sensors
What materials can capacitive label sensors detect?
Capacitive label sensors can be used with many transparent, foil, paper, and other label materials where the label produces a detectable change in electrical properties relative to the backing material.
What is the difference between a 0.4 mm and 1 mm fork opening?
The fork opening determines the available clearance for the label web. A 0.4 mm opening provides a narrower sensing gap, while a 1 mm opening provides additional clearance for the label and backing material. The appropriate choice depends on the material thickness and mechanical guidance of the web.
When should I choose a 50 mm or 85 mm internal leg length?
Choose the leg length according to how far the sensing point must reach into the web. A 50 mm leg length is suitable for more compact installations, while an 85 mm leg length allows the sensor to detect farther inward from the material edge.
Do capacitive label sensors require optical contrast?
No. Capacitive sensing does not depend primarily on colour, print, transparency, or optical contrast. Instead, the sensor detects differences in the dielectric properties of the label and backing material.
When should I use a capacitive label sensor instead of an ultrasonic sensor?
A capacitive sensor can be a good choice when the label and backing material provide a suitable dielectric difference and the application benefits from a compact fork-style sensor. Ultrasonic sensing may be preferable for difficult material combinations where sound-transmission differences provide a more reliable detection method.
Are different connector configurations available?
Yes. The current di-soric capacitive label-sensor range includes M8 and M12 connector configurations, with straight and right-angle arrangements available on selected models.