Web Edge Control
Ultrasonic Web Edge Sensors for Paper, Film & Web-Guiding Applications
Microsonic ultrasonic web edge sensors provide contact-free edge detection for paper, film, foil, and other sound-impermeable web materials. Ultrasonic sensing is particularly useful where transparency, reflectivity, changing optical appearance, light sensitivity, or paper dust can make optical edge detection less dependable.
The current range includes newer bks+ /A models with IO-Link 1.1.3 and Smart Sensor Profile, along with bks models using conventional analogue or switching outputs. Depending on the model, available configurations include different fork sizes, working ranges, analogue outputs, Push-Pull switching, Teach-in, and LinkControl parameterisation.
- Material: nickel-plated brass
- Temperature: -40°C ... +200°C
Select a Microsonic Web Edge Sensor
Image | Part Number | Resolution | Fork Length | Switching Output | Interface | Sensor Type | Connection | Quantity | Product Details | Add to Cart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 0.025 mm | 33 mm | 2 x PNP | 500mA | NO/NC Selectable | LinkControl ⋅ Teach-in | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
 | 0.025 mm | 33 mm | Analog 4-20mA | 0-10V | LinkControl ⋅ Teach-in | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
 | 0.025 mm | 120 mm | Analog 4-20mA | 0-10V | LinkControl ⋅ Teach-in | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
 | <0.003 mm | 43 mm | Analog and Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | | |||
 | 0.01 mm | 73 mm | Analog and Push-pull | 100 mA | NO/NC | IO-Link | Ultrasonic | M12 | 5-pin | |
Why Choose Ultrasonic Web Edge Sensors?
Ultrasonic web edge sensors measure how much of the sound path between the transmitter and receiver is covered by the moving material. The resulting signal represents the web-edge position and can be used by a web-guiding or control system.
Because the sensing principle does not rely primarily on optical contrast, these sensors are well suited to highly transparent films, light-sensitive materials, materials with varying transparency, and dusty paper-processing environments.
How the Microsonic Web Edge Sensor Families Differ
Microsonic bks+
bks+ is the newer web-edge platform and is available in two current /A versions with IO-Link 1.1.3 and Smart Sensor Profile support. Both provide a Push-Pull switching output together with an analogue 4–20 mA / 0–10 V output.
Two sizes are available:
- bks+3/FIU/A — 30 mm fork width, 43 mm fork depth, and 12 mm working range
- bks+6/FIU/A — 60 mm fork width, 73 mm fork depth, and 40 mm working range
The larger bks+6 version provides more insertion depth and a wider usable measuring range where the web position can vary more substantially. Both models support Teach-in, LinkControl parameterisation, and M12 connection.
The earlier bks+3/FIU and bks+6/FIU models have been replaced by the current /A versions and are now listed by Microsonic as archive products.
Microsonic bks
bks provides conventional web-edge sensing for applications that do not require IO-Link. The family includes compact fork-style sensors with switching or analogue output configurations.
The standard bks design uses a compact 30 mm fork width and 33 mm fork depth, with an 8 mm working range. Analogue versions provide 4–20 mA and 0–10 V output, while Teach-in and LinkControl allow the sensing position and operating parameters to be adjusted.
The three current bks models provide different output and mounting configurations so the sensor can be selected around required interface, web position, and installation space.
Key Features & Advantages
- Contact-free ultrasonic web-edge detection
- Suitable for paper, film, foil, and other sound-impermeable materials
- Effective with highly transparent and optically difficult web materials
- bks+ models with IO-Link 1.1.3 and Smart Sensor Profile
- Push-Pull and analogue output options
- 4–20 mA and 0–10 V analogue output capability
- Multiple fork widths and depths
- Working ranges from compact edge-control applications to wider web-position variation
- Teach-in setup
- LinkControl parameterisation
- LED web-position indication
- Robust metal housings
- M12 5-pin connection
Typical Applications
Microsonic web edge sensors are well suited to:
- Paper web guiding
- Plastic-film web guiding
- Foil edge control
- Label-stock handling
- Printing and converting equipment
- Slitting and rewinding machinery
- Packaging machinery
- Laminating equipment
- Web alignment systems
- Material-feed control
- Applications with transparent or reflective materials
- Dusty paper-processing environments
- Light-sensitive web materials
How to Choose a Microsonic Web Edge Sensor
Start with the required interface and working range.
Choose bks+ when IO-Link, Smart Sensor Profile, combined Push-Pull and analogue outputs, or a wider working range are important.
Choose bks when a conventional switching or analogue interface is preferred and IO-Link is not required.
Then consider the available mounting space and how far the web edge must extend into the sensor fork.
bks+3/FIU/A
Choose bks+3/FIU/A for compact installations requiring IO-Link and a 12 mm working range.
bks+6/FIU/A
Choose bks+6/FIU/A where a larger fork and 40 mm working range provide more flexibility for web positioning or deeper insertion into the material path.
bks Models
Choose among the bks models when a non-IO-Link solution with conventional switching or analogue output better matches the control system.
Then compare:
- web material
- required working range
- fork width and depth
- available mounting space
- analogue vs. switching output
- IO-Link requirement
- Teach-in requirements
- control-system interface
- M12 connection requirements
- environmental conditions
bks+ vs. bks Web Edge Sensors
The primary difference is the control interface and available measuring range.
bks+ /A models provide IO-Link 1.1.3, Smart Sensor Profile, Push-Pull switching, analogue output, and 12 mm or 40 mm working ranges.
bks models provide conventional analogue or switching configurations for applications where IO-Link is unnecessary. The compact standard design provides an 8 mm working range and analogue 4–20 mA / 0–10 V capability on applicable versions.
Both families use ultrasonic transmission across the sensor fork to determine web-edge position.
Need Help Selecting a Microsonic Web Edge Sensor?
IBIS Electro-Products can help compare Microsonic bks+ and bks web-edge sensors based on working range, fork dimensions, output configuration, IO-Link requirements, mounting space, and web material.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microsonic Web Edge Sensors
What materials can Microsonic web edge sensors detect?
Microsonic bks and bks+ sensors are designed for sound-impermeable web materials such as paper, foil, and film. Ultrasonic sensing is particularly useful for transparent, light-sensitive, or optically variable materials.
What is the difference between bks+3 and bks+6?
The main differences are fork size and working range. bks+3/FIU/A uses a 30 mm fork width and provides a 12 mm working range, while bks+6/FIU/A uses a 60 mm fork width and provides a 40 mm working range.
Do all Microsonic web edge sensors support IO-Link?
No. The current bks+ /A models support IO-Link 1.1.3 and Smart Sensor Profile, while the bks family provides conventional switching or analogue configurations without IO-Link.
What outputs are available on bks+ sensors?
Current bks+ /A models provide one Push-Pull switching output plus one analogue output that can be configured for 4–20 mA or 0–10 V.
How is the web-edge position set?
The web-edge zero position can be established using the Teach-in button on the sensor. Depending on the family, additional parameterisation is available through LinkControl.
Why use ultrasonic sensing for web edge control instead of an optical sensor?
Ultrasonic sensing does not depend primarily on colour, transparency, reflectivity, or optical contrast. It can therefore be a strong choice for transparent films, optically variable materials, dusty paper environments, and light-sensitive webs.