Autonics BWP20-12 Slim Plastic Area Sensor NPN 12-Beam

Technical Overview

Ultra-slim 13mm PC/ABS through-beam array with 12 optical axes and 20mm pitch. Delivers 7ms response, NPN output, and 5m sensing range. Rated IP40.

Key Features

Ultra-slim 13mm flat PC/ABS housing for space-saving installation
12 optical axes with a 20mm pitch, yielding a 220mm protective sensing height
Reliable through-beam sensing distance from 0.1m up to 5.0m
Selectable transmission frequencies (A/B) to prevent mutual light interference
User-selectable Light ON / Dark ON operation modes via switch
High-speed 7ms maximum response time for high-throughput lines
Job indicator LED (flashing or solid) for easy visual alignment and status verification
NPN open collector output (Max 150mA load capacity)

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Sensing Method	Through-beam
Number of Optical Axes	12
Optical Axis Pitch	20 mm
Sensing Height	220 mm
Sensing Distance	0.1 to 5.0 m
Supply Voltage	12-24 VDC ±10%
Current Consumption	Max. 80 mA
Output Type	NPN Open Collector (Max. 30VDC, 150mA)
Response Time	Max. 7 ms
Light Source	Infrared LED (850nm modulated)
Housing Material	Polycarbonate / ABS (PC/ABS)
IP Rating	IP40 (IEC standard)
Physical Weight (kg)	0.32
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	27 x 3 x 1.3

Industrial Applications

1. Automated Conveyor Part Ejection Detection

Mounted at the discharge chute of an injection molding machine, the 220mm sensing height array instantly triggers a confirmation signal when a dropped part breaks the beam.

Problem Solved

Single-point sensors often miss irregularly shaped or tumbling objects; the 12-axis array ensures reliable detection across a wide dropping zone without blind spots.

220mm Sensing Height7ms Response TimeNPN Open CollectorThrough-beam

2. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Obstacle Sensing

Integrated into the chassis of indoor AGVs, the slim 13mm profile array provides wide-area proximity detection for navigating tightly packed warehouse aisles.

Problem Solved

Bulky sensors restrict AGV design and clearance. The ultra-flat form factor fits seamlessly into the vehicle frame while preventing crosstalk via selectable transmission frequencies.

13mm Slim HousingInterference Prevention12-24VDC0.1 to 5.0m Range

3. Packaging Line Carton Profiling

Positioned along a high-speed packaging conveyor, the sensor array continuously verifies carton heights to divert oversized or incorrectly sealed boxes.

Problem Solved

Variations in box placement lead to false readings with standard photoeyes. The 20mm pitch detects minor dimensional anomalies, alerting the PLC via the NPN output.

20mm Optical Axis Pitch12 Optical AxesLight ON/Dark ONPC/ABS Body