Ultrasonic Label & Splice Sensors
Ultrasonic Sensors for Label, Splice, Gap & Web Material Detection
Ultrasonic label and splice sensors detect changes in ultrasonic transmission through labels, backing materials, and continuous web materials. Because detection does not depend primarily on colour or optical contrast, ultrasonic sensing is well suited to transparent, reflective, metallised, and other difficult-to-detect materials.
Available models include Microsonic esf+1, esf-1, and esp-4 sensors, along with selected di-soric ultrasonic label sensors. Depending on the model, features include IO-Link, Push-Pull switching outputs, Teach-in, different fork dimensions, and configurations for label, splice, gap, and web-break monitoring. On applicable IO-Link models, recipe management allows saved sensor settings for different label and backing-material combinations to be recalled during production changeovers without repeating the Teach-in process.
- Material: nickel-plated brass
- Temperature: -40°C ... +200°C
Select an Ultrasonic Label & Splice Sensor
Image | Brand | Part Number | Resolution | Fork Length | Switching Output | Interface | Sensor Type | Connection | Quantity | Product Details | Add to Cart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | di-soric | 2 mm | 70 mm | 2 x Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
 | di-soric | 2 mm | 70 mm | 2 x Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
 | Microsonic | 2 mm | 165 mm | 2 x Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
 | Microsonic | 2 mm | 86 mm | 2 x Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
 | Microsonic | 2 mm | 70 mm | 2 x Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
 | Microsonic | 2 mm | 70 mm | Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M8 | 4-pin | | |||
 | Microsonic | 0 | 70 mm | 2 x Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
| | Microsonic | 0 | 70 mm | 2 x Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
| | Microsonic | 0 | N/A | 2 x PNP | 200 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
| | Microsonic | 0 | N/A | Receiver only 2 x PNP 200 mA | NO/NC | Teach-in | Ultrasonic | 2 m PUR Cable | M8 Connector | | |||
| | Microsonic | 0 | N/A | Receiver only 2 x PNP 200 mA | NO/NC | Teach-in | Ultrasonic | 2 m PUR Cable | M8 Connector | | |||
| | Microsonic | 0 | N/A | 2 x PNP | 200 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | |
How the Ultrasonic Label & Splice Families Differ
Microsonic esf+1
esf+1 is a flat fork-style ultrasonic label sensor designed for high-speed labelling applications and close positioning near the dispensing edge.
Two versions are available:
- Pro — the faster version, with a 150 µs measurement cycle and up to 500 kHz switching frequency, making it the preferred choice for standard labels and high-speed applications.
- Expert (Exp) — operates at up to 200 kHz and is intended for labels that are more difficult to detect reliably.
The Pro and Expert versions use the same mechanical design and can be exchanged without changing the mounting arrangement. For most applications, the Pro version is the first choice; the Expert version is better suited where challenging label materials are not reliably detected by the Pro model.
Microsonic esf-1
esf-1 is a compact ultrasonic fork-sensor family available with three different fork depths, allowing the sensing point to be positioned farther into the web where required.
The family includes both single- and dual-output configurations. Three of the four models provide two switching outputs, while one 70 mm fork version provides a single switching output. The dual-output versions can support separate functions such as label/splice detection and web-break monitoring.
The different fork depths and output configurations allow the esf-1 family to be selected around both the required sensing position and control-system needs. Multiple Teach-in methods, QuickTeach, and IO-Link on applicable versions provide additional setup flexibility.
Microsonic esp-4
esp-4 is designed for applications where compact sensing components, flexible mounting, or increased capability for thicker materials and splices is important.
Versions are available with compact M12 sensing heads for restricted mounting spaces, and the family provides two switching outputs so one output can be used for label/splice detection while the other can be used for web-break monitoring.
esp-4 also supports multiple Teach-in methods, QuickTeach, and LinkControl, making it well suited to thicker web materials, splice detection, and applications where the sensing heads need to be positioned independently.
di-soric Ultrasonic Label Sensors
Selected di-soric ultrasonic label sensors provide additional fork-style options for label and gap detection. These can be compared with the Microsonic models based on fork dimensions, outputs, interface, mounting requirements, and application conditions.
Why Choose Ultrasonic Label & Splice Sensors?
Ultrasonic sensing is useful where transparent, reflective, glossy, metallised, or low-contrast materials can make optical detection difficult.
The sensor evaluates the difference in ultrasonic transmission between the backing or web material and the label or splice. This allows detection to remain largely independent of colour and optical appearance.
Typical Applications
- Label detection
- Gap detection
- Label counting
- Transparent label detection
- Reflective and metallised label detection
- Splice and seam detection
- Web-break monitoring
- Labelling machines
- Print-and-apply systems
- Packaging machinery
- Converting equipment
- Paper, plastic-film, and metal web processing
How to Choose an Ultrasonic Label & Splice Sensor
Start with the material and sensing task.
Choose esf+1 when high web speed, close positioning to the dispensing edge, IO-Link, and recipe management are important.
Choose esf-1 when a conventional fork-style sensor with different fork depths and flexible Teach-in options is preferred.
Choose esp-4 when the application requires flexible transmitter/receiver positioning, compact M12 sensing heads, or reliable splice detection in thicker web materials.
Selected di-soric ultrasonic label sensors provide additional alternatives where fork dimensions, mounting style, or interface requirements better match the application.
Then compare:
- material type and thickness
- label spacing and web speed
- available fork depth
- mounting space
- output requirements
- IO-Link availability
- Teach-in method
- recipe or changeover requirements
Need Help Selecting an Ultrasonic Label & Splice Sensor?
IBIS Electro-Products can help compare Microsonic and di-soric ultrasonic label sensors, fork dimensions, sensing configurations, outputs, IO-Link availability, Teach-in options, and material requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrasonic Label & Splice Sensors
What materials can ultrasonic label sensors detect?
Ultrasonic label sensors can detect many paper, plastic-film, transparent, reflective, and metallised labels because detection is based on differences in ultrasonic transmission rather than primarily on colour or optical contrast.
What is the difference between esf+1 and esf-1?
esf+1 uses a flat fork design intended for positioning close to the dispensing edge and supports very fast measurement cycles. esf-1 uses a more conventional fork-style design with several fork depths and flexible Teach-in options. Both current families include IO-Link-capable versions.
When should I consider esp-4?
esp-4 is useful when the application requires flexible transmitter/receiver positioning, compact M12 sensing heads, or splice detection in thicker web materials.
Do all ultrasonic label and splice sensors support IO-Link?
No. IO-Link availability depends on the family and model. Current esf+1 and esf-1 versions include IO-Link-capable models, while esp-4 uses conventional switching outputs with Teach-in and LinkControl. Selected di-soric ultrasonic models also support IO-Link.
Can ultrasonic sensors detect both labels and splices?
Yes, many ultrasonic label/splice sensors can be configured for either task. The sensor learns the signal level of the backing or web material and evaluates the change caused by a label or splice.
Why use ultrasonic sensing instead of an optical label sensor?
Ultrasonic sensing is especially useful when colour, transparency, reflectivity, or surface appearance makes optical contrast unreliable.