Panasonic EX-L212 Ultra-compact Laser Thru-beam Sensor

Technical Overview

Ultra-compact Class 1 laser thru-beam sensor with 3m sensing range. Detects ø3mm opaque objects, 0.02mm repeatability, 12-24VDC NPN output, IP67 rated.

Key Features

Amplifier built-in, ultra-compact design
Class 1 Red Semiconductor Laser (655 nm, 1 mW max output)
3-meter (9.843 ft) thru-beam sensing range
Detects opaque objects of ø3 mm (0.118 in) or more
High repeatability of 0.01 mm (0.0004 in) (typical at 100-200mm)
Supply voltage: 12 to 24 V DC ±10% (Ripple P-P 10% or less)
NPN open-collector output (Max. 50 mA sink current)
Selectable Light-ON / Dark-ON output operation
IP67 protection structure for water and dust resistance
Operating temperature range: -10 to +55 °C (+14 to +131 °F)
Incorporated short-circuit protection and inverse polarity protection
Response time of 0.5 ms or less
Visual beam-axis alignment with red spot and green stability indicator
M3 screw mounting with metal sleeves for secure tightening (0.5 N·m torque)
0.15 mm² 4-core cabtyre cable (2 m length)

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Sensor Type	Amplifier Built-in Ultra-compact Laser Sensor (Thru-beam)
Sensing Method	Thru-beam
Sensing Range	3 m (9.843 ft)
Detection Object	Opaque object of ø3 mm (0.118 in) or more
Light Source	Red semiconductor laser (Class 1 IEC / EN / JIS / GB / KS / FDA)
Max. Laser Output	1 mW
Peak Emission Wavelength	655 nm
Emission Spot Size (Typical)	8 x 5.5 mm (0.315 x 0.217 in) at 1 m (3.281 ft) sensing distance
Supply Voltage	12 to 24 V DC ±10% (Ripple P-P 10% or less)
Current Consumption (Emitter)	10 mA or less
Current Consumption (Receiver)	10 mA or less
Output Type	NPN open-collector transistor
Max. Sink Current	50 mA
Residual Voltage	2 V or less (at 50 mA sink current), 1 V or less (at 16 mA sink current)
Output Operation	Light-ON / Dark-ON selectable
Response Time	0.5 ms or less
Protection Structure	IP67 (IEC)
Ambient Temperature	-10 to +55 °C (+14 to +131 °F)
Ambient Humidity	35 to 85% RH
Ambient Illuminance	Incandescent light: 3,000 lx or less
Vibration Resistance	10 to 500 Hz, 1.5 mm (0.059 in) double amplitude (10 G max.) for 2 hours
Shock Resistance	500 m/s² acceleration (50 G approx.) 3 times each
Material (Enclosure)	Polybutylene terephthalate
Material (Front Cover)	Acylic
Material (Lens)	Glass
Material (Indicator Part)	Polyarylate
Cable Type	0.15 mm² 4-core cabtyre cable
Cable Length	2 m (6.562 ft)
Repeatability	0.01 mm (0.0004 in) (Typical, at 100-200 mm sensing distance)
Hysteresis	20% or less of operation distance
Short-circuit Protection	Incorporated
Inverse Polarity Protection	Incorporated
Automatic Interference Prevention	Incorporated
Mounting Screw	M3
Tightening Torque	0.5 N·m
Physical Weight (kg)	0.08
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	1.2 x 0.82 x 2.34

Industrial Applications

1. High-Speed Part Presence Detection on Conveyors

In automated assembly lines, precisely detecting the presence or absence of small components on a conveyor belt moving at high speed is critical to prevent errors and ensure product quality. The EX-L212's 0.5 ms response time and ability to detect objects as small as ø3 mm, combined with its 3-meter thru-beam range, make it ideal for confirming part presence without contact, even across wider conveyor systems.

Problem Solved

Prevents manufacturing defects and machine jams by reliably detecting small parts at rapid intervals on fast-moving production lines, improving throughput and reducing waste.

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2. Robotic Arm Pick-and-Place Positioning Verification

Robotic pick-and-place operations require accurate confirmation that an object has been successfully picked up or placed. The EX-L212, with its ultra-compact form factor (W8.2 x H23.4 x D12 mm) and 0.01 mm typical repeatability, can be integrated near robotic grippers to confirm the presence of small objects during transfers. Its Class 1 laser is safe for close human interaction zones, and the IP67 rating ensures durability in various industrial settings.

Problem Solved

Enhances the precision and reliability of robotic operations by providing immediate feedback on object transfer status, reducing errors and improving the efficiency of automated handling tasks.

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3. Small Component Ejection Verification in Stamping Processes

After a stamping or molding process, it is crucial to verify that small, newly formed components have been successfully ejected from the die to prevent damage to the tooling during the next cycle. The EX-L212's minute object detection capability (ø3 mm) and robust IP67 construction allow it to be positioned to confirm the clean exit of components, with its 3-meter range providing flexibility in sensor placement away from the immediate hazard zone.

Problem Solved

Protects expensive stamping dies and machinery from damage by verifying the complete ejection of small components, ensuring continuous and safe operation in metalworking and plastics manufacturing.

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