E3AS Series

When difficult-to-detect workpieces (curved, glossy, or casting surfaces) cannot be detected correctly, sensors need to be reselected or adjusted. The E3AS Series provides reliable detection with less effect of curved, glossy, or casting surfaces, reducing design and commissioning time.

Level differences between low-reflective thin workpieces and the background sometimes cannot be detected. E3AS-HL Sensors, hardly affected by material type or color, can detect level differences.

Detection is prone to be unstable because the sensing distance varies depending on the workpiece material and color. E3AS-HL Sensors, hardly affected by material type or color, requires no adjustment for each workpiece.

*1. “PATENT PENDING” means that we applied for a patent in Japan. (As of December 2021)

With spot beam, detection is unstable since the reflected light does not reach the sensor depending on the profile of the workpiece surface. With the large spot of the E3AS-F Sensor, detection is less affected by the surface roughness since the reflected light reaches the sensor.

Detection is prone to be unstable because. the sensing distance varies depending on the workpiece color. E3AS-F Sensors using the TOF technology is less likely to be affected by changes in color, providing stable detection for different colored containers or engine blocks without changing the set distance.

In the TOF (Time of Flight) method, the distance is measured based on the elapsed time instead of the amount of incident light received. Measurements therefore are not affected by changes in the color or material of the workpiece.
This means that low-reflective workpieces, such as black rubber, can be detected from the same set distances.

Sensor space limitations make equipment design and retrofit work complicated, resulting in time-consuming work. The E3AS Series can be installed in challenging locations, which reduces design and commissioning time.

Curved surfaces of metal workpieces tend to affect detection, and it is time consuming to design the mounting angle. E3AS-HL Sensors can be mounted at a wide angle, making setup easy.

Curved surfaces of low-reflective workpieces tend to affect detection, and it is time consuming to design the mounting angle. E3AS-HL Sensors can be mounted at a wide angle, making setup easy.

Interference with other sensors must be considered during design. E3AS-HL Sensors prevent mutual interference between up to 4 sensors, allowing close installation for applications like item identification from hole positions.

Effects of lights for cameras and sunlight must be considered during design. E3AS-HL Sensors can be operated under ambient illumination of 20,000 lx, which reaches the best in class level *2. This allows you to install the sensors in the vicinity of lights.

The E3AS-HL Sensor is the industry-first laser Class 1 CMOS laser sensor that comes equipped with an FPGA.
It performs high-speed sampling of received light waveforms at 10,000 times per second and OMRON’s unique accumulation processing, significantly increasing its sensitivity. It amplifies the slightest amount of light to reliably detect workpieces with glossy surfaces, complex shaped workpieces, black rubber, or other workpieces from which it is difficult to receive reflected light.

Reflective E3AS-F Sensors for long-distance sensing can be installed outside the working area, which is difficult with through-beam sensors. They use the TOF method to detect workpieces only and ignore workers.

Optical axis can be easily adjusted in three directions: vertical, horizontal, and angular. This bracket can be mounted to any photoelectric sensor with a 25.4 mm mounting hole pitch as well as the E3AS Sensors.

The E3AS Series is classified as Class 1, so laser safety measures are not required.

*1. The reference values were measured using the OMRON standard sensing object.
*2. Based on OMRON investigation in September 2019.
*3. “PATENT PENDING” means that we applied for a patent in Japan, and “PATENTED” means that we obtained a patent in Japan. (As of December 2021)

When a sensor malfunction or breakage due to the environment causes a line stoppage during mass production, it can take a long time to restart. With the protected sensing surface, the E3AS Series helps minimize line downtime and maximize uptime.

A dirty sensing surface can cause false detection due to the principle of photoelectric sensors. The E3AS Series has an industry-first antifouling coating on the sensing surface which prevents oil mist and dust from sticking to the sensing surface and keeps the lens from fogging as well. This reduces false detection and sensing surface cleaning frequency.

Using an air blow unit greatly reduces the frequency of false detections since it prevents the sensing surface of sensors installed in confined, difficult to clean locations from becoming contaminated. It can be mounted to any photoelectric sensor with a 25.4 mm mounting hole pitch as well as the E3AS Sensors.

Welding spatter on the sensing surface or collision during operation can cause a sensor failure, and the sensor sometimes need to be replaced. Mounting the front protection cover prevents sensor failures. When any problems occur with the front protection cover, just replace it. There is no need to replace the sensor and rewire it.

The sensor case is made of stainless steel (SUS316L). OMRON’s unique laser welding technology for different materials enhances the sealing and adhesion between the stainless steel and resin. The laser welding technology for metals are used to weld the case and cover of the E3AS-F Sensor for secure sealing and adhesion between the stainless steel.

It is a technology to weld different materials, resin and metal, using laser beams. Tiny holes are bored into the metal case, then the resin part is melted in by a laser for secure sealing and adhesion.

The metal case and cover are welded by a laser beam to seal the gaps. This ensures higher airtightness compared to adhesives, keeping out water and oil to reduce failures.

E3AS Sensors allow virtually anyone to set optimal settings on the easy-to-read OLED display using the teaching method. Moreover, easy-to-standardize operability makes remote instructions simple.

Displaying the threshold level and detected value on the same screen makes threshold level setting easy. In addition, wide viewing angle and display inverting allow on-site workers to easily see the display.

Easily and consistently set the optimal threshold level using the teach button.

Object teaching allows you to easily set upper and lower threshold levels just by holding the button. This teaching is ideal for presence detection of workpieces without the background or within the specified distance range.

Just hold the button to set the threshold levels on the near and far sides of the workpiece position (reference position) at the same time. This teaching is used for presence detection of workpieces in the predetermined position.

When manufactures set up local production lines, the setup of sensors sometimes requires the experience and finesse of skilled workers and on-site instruction. The teaching method common to the E3AS Series enables you to standardize the operation procedures, facilitating remote instruction easier.

With IO-Link, reduce commissioning time by batch-setting the sensors and cut troubleshooting time during mass production by utilizing field data.

Setting information can be batch-written to thousands of sensors on a line, effectively reducing commissioning time and inconsistent settings.

The monitor shows light intensity decrease due to sensing surface contamination or other reason, allowing users to take proactive actions to prevent potential false detections. This reduces the frequency of unexpected failures.

*1. E3AS-HL and E3AS-F only

Conventional sensors have to be selected each time the shape, color, pattern, or reflectivity of the workpiece changes, so the equipment sometimes need to be redesigned. The E3AS Series can detect workpieces without being significantly affected by variable shapes, colors, and materials, saving redesign time.

*1. “Patent pending” means that we applied for a patent in Japan. (As of December 2021)

The E3AS-L Sensor is equipped with an emitter 6 times more powerful than those of conventional models *2, and delivers stable detection due to its ability of receiving light reflected by low-reflective workpieces.
*2. Comparison with E3Z-LS products.

Retro-reflective sensors are used to detect difficult workpieces or where long sensing distance is needed. Designing with retro-reflective sensors is time consuming due to installation space constraints as the equipment gets sophisticated and complex. On the other hand, the E3AS Series allows for designing without reflectors.

E3AS-HL Sensors equipped with FPGA use the industry-first sensing algorithm to perform high-speed sampling of received light waveforms at 10,000 times per second and OMRON’s unique accumulation processing, significantly increasing its sensitivity. They amplify the slightest amount of light to stably detect workpieces with glossy or uneven surfaces, complex shaped workpieces, or other workpieces from which it is difficult to receive reflected light.
Note: Not applicable to transparent objects.

*1. Based on OMRON investigation in September 2019.
*2. “PATENTED” means that we obtained a patent in Japan. (As of December 2021)

In the TOF (Time of Flight) method, the distance is measured based on the elapsed time instead of the amount of incident light received. Measurements therefore are not affected by changes in the color or material of the workpiece. This means that low-reflective workpieces, such as black rubber, can be detected from longer distances.

E3AS Sensors allow virtually anyone to easily set optimal settings using the teaching method, eliminating rework due to problems during commissioning. Moreover, easy-to-standardize operability makes remote work instructions simple.

Easily and consistently set the optimal threshold level using the teach button

Sensitivity adjustment using the conventional adjuster method requires experience, finesse as well as time since the threshold level must be adjusted one unit at a time.
With the E3AS Series, just press the teach button to automatically set the threshold level, enabling fast and easy setting.

Previously, the setup of sensors for transparent objects required the experience and finesse of skilled workers, but it can now be done with just the press of a button. The E3AS-HL Sensor detects presence of workpieces from the variation (correlation) of background distance information and incident light level information.

*1. “Patent pending” means that we applied for a patent in Japan. (As of December 2021)

Threshold level and detected value display on the same screen makes threshold level setting easy. Moreover, wide viewing angle and display inverting allow on-site workers to easily see the display.

When a sensor malfunction due to the environment causes a line stoppage during mass production, it can take a long time to restart. With enhanced environmental resistance, the E3AS Series will be realized minimize line downtime and maximize uptime.

A dirty sensing surface can cause false detection due to the principle of photoelectric sensors. The E3AS Series has an industry-first antifouling coating on the sensing surface which prevents water droplets and paper dust from sticking to the sensing surface and keeps the lens from fogging as well. This reduces false detections.

Using an air blow unit greatly reduces the frequency of false detections since it prevents the sensing surface of sensors installed in confined, difficult to clean locations from becoming contaminated. It can be mounted to any photoelectric sensor with a 25.4 mm mounting hole pitch as well as the E3AS Sensors.

The sensor case is made of stainless steel (SUS316L). OMRON’s unique laser welding technology for different materials enhances the sealing and adhesion between the stainless steel and resin.

False detection may occur due to the effects of lights for vision sensors or nearby sensors after the production line layout is changed.
E3AS-HL Sensors can be operated in high ambient illumination conditions and have the mutual interference prevention function, reducing the frequency of false detections.

With IO-Link, reduce commissioning time by batch-setting the sensors and cut troubleshooting time during mass production by utilizing field data.

Setting information can be batch-written to thousands of sensors on a line, effectively reducing commissioning time and inconsistent settings.

The monitor shows light intensity decrease due to sensing surface contamination or other reason, allowing users to take proactive actions to prevent potential false detections. This reduces the frequency of unexpected failures.

*1. E3AS-HL and E3AS-F only