The Datasensing BX04-BX10 series comprises crossed-beam area sensors for object presence and passage detection on conveyors, packaging machines and assembly equipment. Both models monitor a 90 mm sensing height, with BX10 offering finer detection resolution for smaller parts and standard IP67 housings suited to industrial installations.
BX04 and BX10 use separate emitter and receiver units mounted opposite each other. Crossed infrared beams monitor the space between them, allowing these industrial sensors to detect parts whose position or shape varies within the sensing area.
When an object interrupts the beam pattern, the receiver changes its switching output. This provides a presence or passage signal for machine controls, without identifying the object or measuring its dimensions.
Both models cover the same 90 mm height. BX10 has more closely spaced optics, making it the stronger candidate for smaller objects. Beam pitch means the distance between adjacent optical elements; it is not the same as the minimum detectable object size.
| Specification | BX04 | BX10 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical elements | 4 | 10 |
| Beam pitch | 30 mm | 10 mm |
| Controlled height | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Minimum object diameter across the whole detection area | 35 mm | 15 mm |
| Minimum object diameter in the central area, excluding end zones | 25 mm | 7.5 mm |
| Minimum object diameter in the central area with sensitivity adjustment | 15 mm | 5 mm |
| Standard emitter-to-receiver distance | 0.3–2 m | 0.3–2 m |
The finer central-area limits exclude zones beside the emitter and receiver. Each excluded zone extends approximately 17% of the separation distance for BX04 and 6% for BX10. Flat or irregular parts need assessment using their smallest beam-blocking profile and orientation, rather than their overall length.
Illustrative installation example: with the units 1 m apart, the finer-resolution region excludes approximately 170 mm beside each BX04 unit or 60 mm beside each BX10 unit. If small parts can travel through those end zones, select against the whole-area limit and test the actual part path.
Selected BX10 6X and 6A versions extend the operating distance to 4 m and 6 m respectively. Specify matching emitter and receiver versions; extended range is not a setting available on every model.
Standard models use a 10–26 VDC supply. Receivers provide NPN and PNP transistor outputs with a maximum load current of 100 mA. Match the output to the PLC input and specify the required normally open or normally closed behaviour when selecting the receiver.
Connection options include M12 four-pin connectors and 2 m cables, depending on the order code. A working installation requires both an emitter and a matching receiver; kit codes include both units. Check the mounting arrangement, connector clearance and cable requirements before ordering.
BX04-BX10 sensors suit tasks where the machine needs to detect an object across a defined height and the target does not follow one exact point.
Counting requires a detectable gap between successive objects. Touching products may produce one continuous presence signal, so check product spacing as well as conveyor speed.
Standard versions specify a 0.5 ms response when the light is interrupted and 5 ms when it is restored. For 6X and 6A versions, these figures are 0.8 ms and 8 ms respectively.
Both transitions matter when detecting separate items. Account for the time each object blocks the sensing area, the clear interval between objects and the PLC input filtering; the interruption response alone does not establish a usable counting rate.
The Datalogic AS1 area sensor is a relevant alternative when a 100 mm controlled height better matches the application. The standard AS1 specification uses an aluminium housing, IP65 protection and a PNP output, compared with the BX series’ 90 mm height, standard PBT housing, IP67 protection and NPN plus PNP outputs.
Choose between them using the actual target geometry, operating distance and mounting conditions. Resolution figures for flat and cylindrical objects describe different detection conditions and should not be compared as interchangeable measurements.
Standard BX units are approximately 45 × 145 × 20 mm and operate from 0°C to +50°C without freezing. Their IP67 protection rating does not establish suitability for high-pressure cleaning or exposure to aggressive chemicals.
Selected special versions offer IP69K protection, ATEX certification, glass optical windows or aluminium enclosures. These features depend on the complete order code. For washdown or hazardous-area applications, confirm the exact model’s rating, certificate and installation conditions before selection.
Mount the emitter and receiver securely, align their optical faces and keep the sensing path clear of fixtures. Check detection with representative parts at the extremes of their permitted position and orientation, including the smallest target.
They detect interruption of the sensing area. A presence signal can trigger an inspection, but it does not establish whether a component has the correct shape, orientation or surface finish. Applications requiring those checks may need machine vision systems.
BX04-BX10 are object-detection sensors, not personnel-protection light curtains. Applications requiring operator protection need a suitably specified safety-rated device and safety control system.
MarvelTech can review your object-detection task, mounting layout and control requirements to help select the appropriate sensor configuration. The quotation should identify the emitter and receiver or complete kit, connection accessories, mounting requirements and any agreed installation or support work.
Send the smallest object dimensions, material and shape, emitter-to-receiver distance, object speed and spacing, available mounting space, PLC input type and environmental conditions. Include the quantity, delivery location and any existing part numbers; photographs or a short video help explain the application.
Request confirmation of the selected configuration, availability, lead time, warranty terms and support scope with your quotation.
BX04-BX10 sensors detect object presence or passage across a 90 mm controlled height, supporting conveyor monitoring, part-release checks and assembly sequencing. Their crossed infrared beams suit applications where the target position varies. The switching signal confirms an interruption; it does not identify the component or verify its shape. Consider machine vision systems for part identification and defect inspection when those checks are required.
BX04 has four optical elements at 30 mm pitch, while BX10 has ten at 10 mm pitch. Both monitor the same 90 mm height, but BX10 supports smaller-object detection. Choose using the smallest target profile and its permitted path through the field. Beam pitch describes optical spacing; it is neither a dimensional measurement accuracy nor the minimum detectable object size.
No. Datasensing specifies minimum object diameters of 15 mm for BX10 and 35 mm for BX04 across the complete detection area. The finer limits of 5 mm and 15 mm respectively require sensitivity adjustment and a central object path. These exclude zones beside each unit extending 6% of the emitter-to-receiver distance for BX10 and 17% for BX04. Select against the whole-area limit if objects can enter those zones.
Flat and irregular objects are candidates when their profile interrupts enough of the beam pattern throughout the expected movement. Assess the smallest profile presented to the sensor, including rotation or an edge-on orientation, rather than overall part length. Transparent or translucent targets need application testing; the published diameter limits do not establish clear-material detection capability. Supply representative samples covering material, shape and position variations.
Standard models operate with 0.3–2 m between the emitter and receiver. Selected BX10 versions extend this to 0.3–4 m with the 6X suffix or 0.3–6 m with 6A. Specify a matching pair for the required range. Greater separation does not increase the 90 mm controlled height, and it increases the physical width of the end zones excluded from the finest detection limits.
Compare the Datalogic AS1 area sensor when a 100 mm controlled height or its flat-object detection specifications better match the application. Standard AS1 models use an aluminium housing, IP65 protection and a PNP output; standard BX models use PBT housings, IP67 protection and NPN plus PNP outputs. Compare target geometry, response time and mounting requirements together, since flat-object thickness and cylindrical-object diameter describe different detection conditions.
They can provide counting signals to a PLC or counter when successive products create separate interruptions. Standard versions specify 0.5 ms for light interruption and 5 ms for light restoration; 6X and 6A versions specify 0.8 ms and 8 ms. Check both the blocked interval and the clear gap, together with controller input filtering. Touching products may produce one continuous signal, while irregular outlines may require filtering of multiple transitions.
Standard BX04-BX10 models require 10–26 VDC, and receivers provide NPN and PNP transistor outputs rated for a maximum load of 100 mA. Match the wiring to the PLC input type and specify the required Dark-ON or Light-ON receiver version. Dark-ON switches on when the light is interrupted. Counting, reject timing and machine sequencing require suitable controller logic; they are not configured by selecting the sensor output alone.
A working installation needs a compatible emitter and receiver, power connections, receiver output wiring and secure mounting. Kit order codes include both units; individual emitter or receiver codes do not. Choose the specified M12 connector or cable version and confirm included brackets and required cordsets. Align the optical faces, keep fixtures outside the sensing path and verify detection with the smallest part at the extremes of its permitted position.
Standard models have IP67 protection and a 0°C to +50°C operating range without freezing. IP69K and ATEX versions are separate configurations, so specify the complete order code for the installation. For washdown, confirm cleaning temperature, pressure and chemical compatibility. For hazardous areas, provide the zone and gas or dust classification so the selected model’s certificate and installation conditions can be checked.
No. BX04-BX10 are object-detection area sensors and should not perform personnel-protection functions. Detecting a hand or body does not establish the safety capability required to stop hazardous machinery. Operator safeguarding needs a suitably selected safety-rated device and safety control system, based on the machine’s risk assessment. Keep process detection and personnel protection separate when specifying the installation.
Send the smallest object dimensions, material, orientation, travel path, speed and spacing, plus the emitter-to-receiver distance, mounting space, PLC input type and environmental conditions. Include quantities and existing part numbers for replacements. Request an itemised quotation covering the pair or kit, connection accessories and delivery terms. If you need installation or maintenance support, describe the required work so its scope can be agreed separately.
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