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

Technical Overview

Thru-beam laser sensor with 3m range, 8x5.5mm spot, 0.02mm repeatability, PNP output, 12-24VDC, IP67 rating for precise long-distance object detection.

Key Features

Ultra-compact amplifier built-in design
Class 1 Laser Product (IEC / EN / JIS / GB / KS / FDA standards) for safe operation
Long sensing range of 3 m (9.843 ft)
High precision detection with minimal beam spread (spot size: approx. 8 x 5.5 mm)
Molded aspheric glass lens for high-definition laser spot
Small receiver aperture (ø0.5 mm) for enhanced precision detection
Easy visual beam-axis alignment via red spot and stability indicator
IP67 protection structure against water and dust
Low current consumption, approx. 5 mA lower than LED light sources
Switchable Light-ON / Dark-ON output operation for reduced ordering mistakes
M3 screw holes with metal sleeves for secure tightening (0.5 N·m)
Increased lead wire conductor thickness (0.15 mm²) for easier crimping work
PNP open-collector transistor output type with 50 mA maximum source current
Repeatability of 0.02 mm (0.0008 in) or less
Supply voltage 12 to 24 V DC ±10% (Ripple P-P 10% or less)
Response time of 0.5 ms or less

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Type	Thru-beam Laser Sensor
Sensing Range	3 m (9.843 ft)
Emission Spot Size (Typical)	Approx. 8 x 5.5 mm (0.315 x 0.217 in) (vertical x horizontal) at 1 m (3.281 ft)
Minimum Sensing Object	Opaque object of ø3 mm (ø0.118 in) or more
Repeatability (Typical)	0.02 mm (0.0008 in) or less (at 100 to 200 mm 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	PNP open-collector transistor
Maximum Source Current	50 mA
Applied Output Voltage	26.4 V DC or less (between output and +V)
Residual Output Voltage	2 V or less (at 50 mA source current), 1 V or less (at 16 mA source current)
Output Operation	Light-ON / Dark-ON selectable by output operation switching input
Short-circuit Protection	Incorporated (short-circuit protection / inverse polarity protection)
Response Time	0.5 ms or less
Operation Indicator	Orange LED (output ON, receiver for thru-beam type)
Stability Indicator	Green LED (stable light received/dark condition, receiver for thru-beam type)
Power Indicator	Green LED (power ON, emitter)
Protection Rating	IP67 (IEC)
Ambient Temperature Range	-10 to +55 °C (+14 to +131 °F) (No dew condensation or icing allowed)
Storage Temperature Range	-30 to +70 °C (-22 to +158 °F)
Ambient Humidity Range	35 to 85% RH (Storage: 35 to 85% RH)
Ambient Illuminance	Incandescent light: 3,000 lx or less at the light-receiving face
Voltage Withstandability	1,000 V AC for one min. (between all supply terminals connected together and enclosure)
Insulation Resistance	20 MΩ or more, with 250 V DC megger
Vibration Resistance	10 to 500 Hz frequency, 1.5 mm (0.059 in) double amplitude (10 G max.) in X, Y and Z directions for two hours each
Shock Resistance	500 m/s² acceleration (50 G approx.) in X, Y and Z directions three times each
Emitting Element	Red semiconductor laser Class 1 (IEC / EN / JIS / GB / KS / FDA) (Max. output: 1 mW)
Peak Emission Wavelength	655 nm (0.026 mil)
Enclosure Material	Polybutylene terephthalate
Front Cover Material	Acrylic
Lens Material	Glass
Indicator Part Material	Polyarylate
Cable Type	0.15 mm² 4-core (emitter: 2-core) cabtyre cable
Cable Length	2 m (6.562 ft)
Cable Extension	Up to total 50 m (164.042 ft) with 0.3 mm² or more cable (thru-beam type: Total 100 m (328.084 ft) both emitter and receiver)
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 Object Counting on Conveyor Systems

The EX-L212-P's 3-meter thru-beam sensing range and precise 8x5.5mm spot enable reliable detection of various objects on high-speed production lines. Its rapid 0.5ms response time is crucial for accurate counting and throughput monitoring.

Problem Solved

Ensures precise inventory tracking and production throughput measurement in fast-moving conveyor systems, even for small items, without physical contact, minimizing errors and maximizing efficiency.

High-speed countingProduction line automationConveyor systemsObject detectionLong sensing rangeFast response time

2. Material Edge Alignment in Precision Manufacturing

With its Class 1 laser and narrow beam spread, the EX-L212-P precisely detects the edges of materials like sheets or films, ensuring accurate positioning for subsequent processing stages. The 0.02mm repeatability is key for meeting tight tolerance requirements.

Problem Solved

Prevents material misalignment, reducing waste and improving product quality in continuous manufacturing processes, such as cutting, slitting, or bonding stations, by providing highly accurate edge detection.

Edge detectionMaterial alignmentPrecision positioningQuality controlSheet processingLaser sensorTight tolerances

3. Presence/Absence Verification in Harsh Industrial Environments

The IP67 protection rating and robust construction of the EX-L212-P allow it to operate reliably in challenging environments prone to water, dust, or airborne particles, providing consistent presence/absence detection over its 3-meter range.

Problem Solved

Guarantees operational reliability and safety in demanding industrial settings, such as washdown areas, dusty workshops, or outdoor applications, where conventional sensors might fail, ensuring uninterrupted process monitoring.

Harsh environmentIP67 protectionPresence sensingDust and water resistanceIndustrial reliabilityMachine safetyEnvironmental robustness