Optical Label & Splice Sensors
Optical Fork Sensors for Paper, Film & Label Detection
di-soric optical label sensors provide non-contact detection for labels and backing materials where a reliable difference in optical contrast or light transmission can be detected between the label, gap, or web material.
The current di-soric optical range includes compact fork-style sensors with 2 mm or 5 mm fork openings, 40 mm, 50 mm, or 100 mm internal leg lengths, and several connection and Teach-in configurations. These options allow the sensor to be selected around label thickness, insertion depth, mounting space, machine connection, and setup requirements.
- Material: nickel-plated brass
- Temperature: -40°C ... +200°C
Select an Optical Label & Splice Sensor
Image | Brand | Part Number | Resolution | Fork Length | Switching Output | Interface | Sensor Type | Connection | Quantity | Product Details | Add to Cart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | di-soric | 0.5 mm | 100 mm | Push-pull | 200 mA | NO/NC | Remote Teach-in | Optical | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | di-soric | 0.5 mm | 50 mm | Push-pull | 200 mA | NO/NC | Remote Teach-in | Optical | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | di-soric | 0.5 mm | 50 mm | Push-pull | 200 mA | NO/NC | Teach-in | Optical | M8 | 3-pin | | |||
 | di-soric | 0.5 mm | 40 mm | PNP | 200 mA | NO/NC | Remote Teach-in | Optical | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | di-soric | 0.5 mm | 40 mm | PNP | 200 mA | NO/NC | Teach-in | Optical | M8 | 3-pin | |
Why Choose Optical Label & Splice Sensors?
Optical label sensors detect differences in light transmission or optical contrast between the label, backing material, and gap.
They are well suited to applications where the material provides a consistent optical difference that can be detected quickly and repeatedly. This makes optical fork sensors useful for paper labels, film labels, label gaps, web monitoring, and other applications where the label or backing material can be distinguished optically.
Key Features & Advantages
- Optical label and gap detection
- Fork-style sensing for controlled material positioning
- 2 mm and 5 mm fork-opening options
- 40 mm, 50 mm, and 100 mm internal leg lengths
- Compact sensor formats
- M8 connector options
- 3-pin and 4-pin configurations
- Teach-in and Remote Teach-in depending on model
- Suitable for fast-moving label and web applications
- Useful where reliable optical contrast or transmission differences are present
Typical Applications
Optical label and splice sensors are well suited to:
- Label presence and gap detection
- Paper label detection
- Film label detection
- Label counting
- Label-web monitoring
- Labelling machines
- Packaging machinery
- Print-and-apply systems
- Converting equipment
- Product identification and labelling systems
- Automated material-feed applications
- Applications where label and backing materials provide a consistent optical difference
How to Choose an Optical Label & Splice Sensor
Start with the label material, required fork opening, and sensing depth.
Fork Opening
Choose the fork opening according to the thickness and mechanical arrangement of the label web:
- 2 mm fork opening — suited to thinner label and backing-material combinations where a narrower sensing gap is appropriate
- 5 mm fork opening — provides additional clearance for thicker label webs or applications requiring more space through the sensing fork
Internal Leg Length
The internal leg length determines how far the sensing point can reach into the web:
- 40 mm internal leg length — compact option for applications where the sensing position is close to the material edge
- 50 mm internal leg length — provides additional reach while maintaining a compact sensor format
- 100 mm internal leg length — allows the sensing point to be positioned farther into the web
Connection and Teach-in
Current models include different connection and setup arrangements:
- M8 3-pin
- M8 4-pin
- Teach-in
- Remote Teach-in on selected models
Choose the connection and setup style based on available cable space, machine wiring standards, mounting orientation, and how the sensor will be adjusted during setup or production changes.
Then compare:
- label and backing-material type
- optical contrast or transmission difference
- material thickness
- required fork opening
- required sensing depth
- mounting space
- connector type
- Teach-in method
- machine speed
- application environment
Optical vs. Ultrasonic or Capacitive Label Detection
No single sensing technology is ideal for every label application.
Optical label sensors are well suited where the label, gap, or backing material provides a reliable optical contrast or light-transmission difference.
Ultrasonic label sensors are useful for transparent, reflective, metallised, and other difficult optical targets where colour or optical appearance may not provide a dependable signal.
Capacitive label sensors are useful where differences in dielectric properties between the label and backing material can be used for reliable detection.
The most suitable sensing method depends on the label material, backing material, machine speed, mounting space, and the physical difference available for detection.
Need Help Selecting an Optical Label & Splice Sensor?
IBIS Electro-Products can help compare di-soric optical label sensors based on fork opening, internal leg length, connection, Teach-in method, label material, mounting space, and application requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Optical Label & Splice Sensors
What materials can optical label sensors detect?
Optical label sensors can detect paper, film, and other label materials where the label, gap, or backing material produces a reliable optical contrast or light-transmission difference.
What is the difference between a 2 mm and 5 mm fork opening?
The fork opening determines the available clearance for the label web. A 2 mm opening is suited to thinner material combinations, while a 5 mm opening provides more clearance for thicker labels, backing materials, or applications requiring additional space through the fork.
When should I choose a 40 mm, 50 mm, or 100 mm internal leg length?
Choose the leg length according to how far the sensing point must reach into the web. 40 mm is the most compact option, 50 mm provides additional reach, and 100 mm allows the sensor to detect farther inward from the material edge.
What is the difference between Teach-in and Remote Teach-in?
Teach-in allows the sensor to be adjusted directly during setup. Remote Teach-in allows the setup function to be triggered externally, which can be useful where the sensor is difficult to access or where adjustments are controlled from the machine.
When should I use an optical label sensor instead of an ultrasonic sensor?
An optical sensor is a good choice when the label and backing material provide a consistent optical difference. Ultrasonic sensing may be preferable where transparency, reflectivity, metallisation, or low optical contrast makes optical detection less dependable.
When should I consider a capacitive label sensor instead of an optical sensor?
A capacitive sensor may be preferable when the label and backing material provide a useful dielectric difference but do not provide a reliable optical contrast or transmission difference.