The IFM E21164 is a fibre optic through-beam sensor designed for reliable object detection in demanding industrial automation applications. It features a 5 m fibre assembly with an M6 sensing head and a small 30 mm minimum bending radius. The fibre can be routed through restricted machine spaces where conventional photoelectric sensors may be difficult to install. It offers long sensing ranges with compatible IFM fibre optic amplifiers. The design also allows the fibre to be cut to the required installation length.
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The E21164 uses a through-beam sensing principle in which the transmitter and receiver arrangement detects interruption of the optical beam. This provides reliable object detection and is suitable for applications requiring dependable presence sensing. With compatible OBF and OOF amplifiers, the fibre optics can provide long detection ranges. The through-beam arrangement is particularly useful for detecting objects with varying surface characteristics. It is suitable for automated production and material-handling systems.
The 5 m fibre length provides flexible installation in large machinery and production systems. The fibre optic assembly allows the sensing point to be positioned in areas where electrical sensor bodies cannot easily be installed. The 30 mm minimum bending radius supports routing through relatively restricted machine spaces. The fibre can also be cut to the required length using suitable fibre cutting equipment. This provides greater flexibility during machine integration.
The sensing head uses an M6 thread for mechanical installation and positioning. The fibre uses PMMA material with an aluminium fibre head and PE sheath. Supplied M6 hexagon nuts and tooth lock washers support installation. The design is intended for demanding industrial environments with an ambient temperature range of -40 to 70 °C. This makes the sensor suitable for general industrial automation and machine-building applications.
Fibre optic through-beam sensing
5 m total fibre length
M6 sensing-head thread
30 mm minimum bending radius
Long detection range
Cut-to-length fibre design
PMMA fibre material
Aluminium fibre head
PE fibre sheath
Supplied M6 mounting hardware
Object presence detection
Production-line automation
Machine automation
Material handling
Packaging machinery
Parts counting
Restricted-space sensing
Industrial conveyor systems
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | IFM |
| Product Code | E21164 |
| Model | FE-11-EPA-M6/F1x1/5M |
| Product Type | Fibre optic through-beam sensor |
| Function Principle | Through-beam sensor |
| Compatible Amplifiers | OBF / OOF |
| Range with OBF | Approx. 950 mm |
| Range with OOF | Approx. 3000 mm |
| Ambient Temperature | -40 to +70 °C |
| Sensing Head Version | Straight |
| Sensing Head Thread | M6 |
| Total Length | 5000 mm |
| Minimum Bending Radius | 30 mm |
| Fibre Arrangement | 1 |
| Core Diameter | 1 mm |
| Fibre Material | PMMA |
| Fibre Head Material | Aluminium |
| Fibre Sheath Material | PE |
| Weight | Approx. 78.5 g |
| Mounting Hardware | 4 × M6 stainless-steel hexagon nuts |
| Lock Washers | 4 × tooth lock washers |
| Fibre Cutter | E20600 compatible |
| Fibre Type | Cut-to-size |
| Application | Industrial object detection |
| Pack Quantity | 1 piece |
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