OPTEX Z2R-400N Retro-reflective Photoelectric Sensor

Z2: Z2 series economical built-in amplifier sensore fotoelettrico

R: Tipo retroriflettente (requires matching reflector)

400: Maximum sensing distance of 4 M

N: Uscita NPN, cable type (corresponding connector version: Z2R-400CN4)

Specifiche principali

Caratteristiche del prodotto

1. Red light source with visible light spot for easy alignment during commissioning; capable of detecting semi-transparent objects, ideal for blocking detection on production lines
2. Switchable light-on / dark-on operation mode (NA/NC)
3. IP67 dustproof and waterproof, vibration and shock resistant, suitable for factory automation and conveyor lines
4. Basso consumo energetico, standard square housing for universal mounting
5. Stable indicator light to judge mounting offset and signal margin

Scenari applicativi tipici

Object presence / position detection on conveyor lines

Obstacle detection for automatic doors and gates

Macchine per l'imballaggio, smistamento logistico, workpiece counting on automated lines

Detection of transparent films and plastic bottles (retro-reflective type offers obvious advantages for transparent materials)

Alternative Model Comparison

Z2R-400P: Stesse specifiche, PNP cable type

Z2R-400CN4: NPN, M8 connector type

Z2R-400CP4: PNP, M8 connector type

Descrizione del cablaggio (4-Cavo centrale)

Marrone: DC+ 10~30 V

Blu: 0 V

Nero: Uscita del segnale (NPN)

Bianco: Selezione della modalità operativa (Light-ON / Dark-ON)

OPTEX Z2R-400N Application Case Summary

Recap of key features: Tipo retroriflettente, sensing range 0.01~4 m, Uscita NPN, IP67, red light source, response ≤500 μs. Reflector V-61 is mandatory. Suitable for stations within 4 m where wiring is only required on the sensor side; compatible with solid workpieces and semi-transparent materials.

Caso 1: Box Presence / Position Detection on Logistics Conveyor (Movimentazione dei materiali)

Industria: E-commerce warehousing, packaging conveyor lines

Scopo: Box / tote position confirmation, missing material alarm, product counting on belt conveyors

Installazione: Sensor mounted on one side of the conveyor; reflector fixed on the opposite frame. When a box passes and blocks the light beam, an NPN signal is sent to PLC.

Giustificazione della selezione: 4 m sensing distance accommodates wide conveyors; wiring only needed for sensor, reflector requires no wiring to reduce installation cost; IP67 withstands dust in production environment; visible red light spot for fast on-site alignment.

Logica del processo: Dark-ON. Count is triggered when box passes; continuous light reception without workpiece triggers empty material alarm.

Caso 2: Conteggio & Position Detection on Tire Production Line (Official OPTEX Reference Case)

Industria: Rubber tire manufacturing

Scopo: Counting and position signal for tires after vulcanization, preventing stacking

Installazione: Sensor and reflector installed opposite across the belt; tire body blocks light beam. Retro-reflective principle is less affected by workpiece color variation for large rubber parts.

Vantaggi: 500 μs response time suitable for high-speed conveying; adjustable sensitivity via single-turn potentiometer to reduce false triggering in dusty production environments.

Caso 3: Packaging Machinery – Transparent PET Bottle & Film Detection

Industria: Cibo, daily chemical filling lines

Scopo: Presence detection of transparent PET bottles and plastic films (diffuse sensors often fail to detect transparent parts)

Note: Z2R-400N is standard retro-reflective sensor, supports semi-transparent material detection. Fully transparent glass requires dedicated transparent-object photoelectric sensor such as ZR-Q series. When bottle blocks light beam, return light from reflector is cut off and sensor outputs signal.

Precauzioni: Thin transparent films require fine potentiometer adjustment to lower sensitivity and avoid missing detection caused by light penetration. Reflector needs regular cleaning to prevent contamination by liquid splashes.

Caso 4: Obstacle Detection for Automatic Doors / Gates

Industria: Magazzino automatizzato, workshop rolling shutters, AGV channel barriers

Scopo: Obstacle detection as an alternative to safety light curtains, anti-pinch protection

Installazione: Sensor mounted on one side of channel, reflector on opposite column. Human / material intrusion blocks light beam to stop door movement.

Vantaggi: 4 m range meets most channel width requirements; standard square housing compatible with mounting bracket BEF-W100-B; wide temperature range -25~+55℃ adapts to hot and cold workshop environments.

Caso 5: Work Tray & Fixture Return Line Position Confirmation

Industria: 3C, automotive component assembly lines

Scopo: Position signal for circulating work trays, pre-confirmation signal for robot pick-and-place operation

Installazione: Sensor mounted on side of frame, reflector fixed on opposite bracket. Tray in position blocks light beam and sends “tray ready” signal to PLC to enable robot operation.

Vantaggi: Light-ON / Dark-ON switchable via white wire connection to match different equipment logic; NPN output compatible with Japanese PLC input modules.

Caso 6: Discharge Counting for Carton Sealing & Strapping Machines

Industria: Post-packaging equipment

Scopo: Count finished packaged products and missing package alarm

Condizioni di lavoro: Heavy vibration, paper scraps and dust on equipment; IP67 protection against vibration and impact; large light spot maintains stable detection with minor workpiece offset.

Selezione & On-site Operation Notes

1. Max effective distance is 4 M, not applicable beyond this range. Signal margin is more sensitive to dust at longer distances.
2. Retro-reflective principle: Reflector shall not be covered by oil or dust for long periods, regular maintenance required.
3. Use caution for highly reflective workpieces (polished metal): workpiece surface reflection may replace reflector and cause false triggering. For such scenarios, use diffuse or background suppression photoelectric sensors instead.
4. Not recommended for fully transparent glass. OPTEX ZR-Q series dedicated transparent-object photoelectric sensor is preferred.

OPTEX Z2R-400N BOM List + PLC Wiring Example

1. BOM List (Single Station)

Optional Replacement: If M8 connector version is required, replace sensor with Z2R-400CN4, matched with M8 4-core straight / angled cable.

2. Schema elettrico (Z2R-400N 4-core Cable)

PLC Wiring Key Points (Japanese Sink PLC, MitsubishiFX / Omron)

1. Alimentazione elettrica: DC24V power supply feeds sensor; power negative connected to PLC COM terminal
2. Circuito di segnale: Sensor black output wire → PLC input terminal X
3. Recommended mode: White wire to 0V → Dark-ON. PLC receives ON signal when workpiece blocks light, suitable for position detection and counting.
4. Load note: Sensor max output current is 100 mA. PLC input draws tiny current and can be directly connected. Do NOT drive solenoid valve directly.
5. On-site Commissioning Procedure (Dark-ON Mode, for Transparent & Ordinary Workpieces)
6. Complete wiring and power on. Align light beam to reflector until green stable indicator remains lit (good light alignment).
7. Turn potentiometer clockwise to maximum sensitivity.
8. Place test workpiece and verify change of orange operation indicator.
9. Fine-tune potentiometer: Gradually reduce sensitivity to ensure stable triggering when workpiece blocks light and avoid false triggering caused by workpiece surface reflection.

Commissioning Tip for Transparent Film / PET Bottle: Lower sensitivity to reduce missed detection caused by light penetration.

4. Program Logic Example (Mitsubishi FX Ladder Description)

Impostare: X0 connected to Z2R-400N black signal wire (Dark-ON)

1. Rilevamento della posizione: `X0 ON` → Workpiece in position, activate Y0 position indicator
2. Conteggio: Rising edge of X0 triggers counter C0, increment count by 1 for each workpiece
3. Empty Material Alarm: Trigger missing package alarm Y1 when X0 stays OFF longer than preset time
4. Note aggiuntive
5. Mount reflector V-61 with surface perpendicular to sensor beam; inclination reduces effective sensing distance.
6. For dusty working conditions, reserve maintenance access for reflector cleaning; oil contamination leads directly to light path failure.
7. Not recommended for polished metal workpieces. Workpiece reflection may mimic reflector and cause false reading. Use background suppression photoelectric sensor for this case.
8. Temperatura operativa: -25~55℃. Heat insulation protection required for high-temperature baking environment.
9. Z2R-400N VS Z4R-400N Application Comparison