The S8 Compact Photoelectric Sensor series detects objects, registration marks and fluorescent materials on packaging, processing and electronics assembly lines. Available configurations include laser sensing, transparent-object detection, IO-Link communication and AISI 316L stainless-steel housings, allowing the sensor to be matched to the target, machine controls and cleaning conditions.
The Datasensing S8 range, also known as Datalogic S8, includes separate models for presence detection, background suppression, contrast and luminescence. These functions are model-specific: selecting an S8 requires the complete order code, rather than the series name alone.
Diffuse models detect light reflected directly from the target. Background-suppression models distinguish the target from surfaces farther away, making them useful when a conveyor, machine frame or another object sits behind the detection point. Laser versions provide a smaller light spot for detecting small components or edges.
Transparent-object models use a reflector opposite the sensor to detect changes in the returning light as a clear object passes. Select the dedicated transparent-object version for bottles, vials or clear packaging; a standard polarised retro-reflective model does not provide equivalent sensitivity.
Target curvature, film thickness, surface reflections and reflector choice affect detection. Test representative samples at the intended distance and orientation before confirming the configuration.
Contrast models detect differences between a printed mark and its background for label registration or packaging-film positioning. Luminescence models use ultraviolet light to detect fluorescent marks or materials; they require a suitable fluorescent response from the target.
| Sensing function | Range | Selection requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Through-beam | Up to 25 m | Separate emitter and receiver on opposite sides of the detection path. |
| Diffuse proximity | Up to 500 mm | Usable distance depends on target reflectivity. |
| Background suppression | LED: 50–300 mm; laser: 20–200 mm | Check the selected model’s target and background separation requirements. |
| Polarised retro-reflective | LED: 0.1–5 m; coaxial laser: up to 10 m | Requires an appropriate reflector and alignment. |
| Transparent-object retro-reflective | T51: up to 0.8 m; T50 and T53-OZ: up to 2 m | Range depends on the model, reflector and object. |
| Contrast | Approximately 10 mm; S8-MR W13: 9 mm nominal, ±3 mm depth of field | Maintain the specified working distance and align the spot with the mark. |
| Luminescence | 10–30 mm | Confirm performance with the actual fluorescent material. |
These ranges describe different models and optical arrangements. They are not interchangeable performance ratings for every material.
IO-Link versions include B53-OZ laser retro-reflective, T53-OZ transparent-object, W03-OZ contrast and U03-OZ luminescence models. They support configurable PNP, NPN or push-pull outputs, counter functions and remote parameter adjustment.
Communication uses IO-Link COM2, version 1.1.2, with a published 2.3 ms cycle time. Connect through a compatible IO-Link master and use the model’s IODD, the device-description file used by configuration software. The communication cycle is separate from the sensor’s switching response; check the complete sensor, input and controller timing for fast registration tasks.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 12–30 V DC. |
| Outputs | PNP or NPN on conventional models; configurable PNP/NPN/push-pull on IO-Link versions. Published output-current limit: 100 mA. |
| Connections | M8 4-pin connector or 150 mm pigtail with M12 4-pin connector, depending on model. IO-Link versions use M8. |
| Dimensions | Approximately 14 × 42 × 25 mm for the compact plastic format. Stainless-steel housings and connector arrangements differ; use the exact model drawing for mounting. |
| Housing and protection | ABS plastic or AISI 316L stainless steel. IP67 protection; stainless-steel S8-M versions also carry IP69K. |
| Operating temperature | The series catalogue specifies −10 to +55 °C. Confirm the selected order code’s limits for colder installations. |
| Contrast detection speed | W00/W03, including W03-OZ: 50 µs response and 10 kHz switching. W13: 20 µs response and 25 kHz switching. |
IP69K addresses resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets under specified test conditions. For washdown installations, also check cleaning chemicals, optical-window material, connector sealing and mounting arrangements.
For S8-MR W13 contrast models, teach the printed mark and background separately. The sensor compares its red, green and blue illumination and selects the appropriate emission. The manufacturer recommends an angle of 5–20° from the surface normal when reading marks on reflective material.
For retro-reflective transparent-object detection, align the sensor and reflector before teaching sensitivity, then pass the actual object through the beam. Excessive returned light can saturate the receiver and reduce sensitivity to clear objects. Check operation with both clean optics and the contamination expected during production.
The S8 places its optics and electronics together at the detection point. If that housing cannot fit, the S7 fiber optic amplifier allows a separate fibre-optic sensing head to reach a confined position while the amplifier mounts elsewhere.
Choose between them according to available space, target size and the required sensing function. For the S7, working distance and environmental suitability depend on the selected fibre assembly; its performance should be assessed as an amplifier-and-fibre combination.
MarvelTech’s published Sofprint Group PLC case study documents an S8 laser sensor installed alongside a Matrix 320 2MP industrial barcode reader and a PowerScan PD9630 on a pharmaceutical-packaging inspection project in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The installation included testing and integration with production-machine controls. It demonstrates an application involving sensing and barcode inspection; the S8 itself does not read or verify barcode content.
Compare the sensing principle, working distance, mounting holes, connector pin assignments, output logic and response time. A matching connector or similar housing does not establish electrical or functional compatibility. Include the existing sensor’s complete part number when requesting a replacement.
The S8 is a process-detection sensor and is not intended for machine safety control. Personnel-protection functions require an appropriate safety-rated device and control system.
MarvelTech can review the detection task and machine requirements to help select an S8 configuration. Send the target material, colour or transparency, smallest feature, sensing distance, line speed, mounting space, output type and IO-Link requirement. Include cleaning conditions, quantities and application photos or drawings where available.
Ask for a quotation covering the sensor order code, required reflector or emitter, cables, brackets and any requested installation or configuration support. Confirm availability, delivery timing, warranty terms and support scope for the selected configuration before ordering.
Select the S8, also known as Datalogic S8, according to the target and available mounting positions. Through-beam detection requires an emitter and receiver on opposite sides; retro-reflective detection requires a reflector. Diffuse models receive light directly from the object, while background-suppression models help separate it from surfaces farther away. Printed registration marks and fluorescent materials require their respective specialist versions.
The T-series retro-reflective models are designed for transparent-object detection. Published ranges include up to 0.8 m for T51 and up to 2 m for T50 and T53-OZ, depending on the reflector and application. T53-OZ provides IO-Link connectivity. Evaluate the actual bottle or film at its intended orientation: curvature, thickness and contamination can change the light reduction available for detection.
Choose background suppression when the sensor must distinguish an object from a conveyor, machine frame or another surface behind it. Unlike basic diffuse sensing, selection involves both the target distance and its separation from the background. Shiny or curved targets still require application testing because their reflections change with orientation. Check the least favourable target position and background condition before setting the switching point.
A small laser spot supports detection of small components or narrow edges, but it does not establish dimensional measurement accuracy. Spot size describes the illuminated area; minimum detectable object size and switching repeatability depend on the model and setup. For a small-part application, assess working distance, target movement and surface finish rather than selecting solely from the advertised spot diameter.
W03 models, including W03-OZ IO-Link versions, have a published 50 µs response time and 10 kHz switching frequency. W13 models provide 20 µs response and 25 kHz switching. Choose using the shortest registration mark and gap at maximum web speed, together with controller input timing. The faster specification does not compensate for poor mark contrast, incorrect working distance or unstable material positioning.
Use an S8 luminescence model when the required feature fluoresces under ultraviolet illumination. Contrast models distinguish a visible mark from its background, while luminescence models detect the fluorescent response of the material. The published luminescence sensing range is 10–30 mm. Test both the intended feature and surrounding material, since background fluorescence can affect discrimination even when the mark appears distinct to the eye.
Consider an ultrasonic label sensor when the task is to distinguish a clear label from its clear backing before dispensing. The SRX3 ultrasonic fork sensor detects changes through the label and liner without relying on optical contrast. S8 transparent-object detection addresses a different optical arrangement. Compare label stock, gap size, web speed and available clearance through the fork before choosing.
IO-Link is available on B53-OZ, T53-OZ, W03-OZ and U03-OZ versions, rather than across every S8 model. These provide configurable PNP, NPN or push-pull outputs and remote parameter adjustment. Configuration requires a compatible IO-Link master and the appropriate IODD, the device-description file used by the configuration software. The published 2.3 ms communication cycle is separate from optical switching response, so assess both when designing machine timing.
Only if the electrical connections and sensing behaviour match the existing installation. Check the 12–30 V DC supply requirement, PNP or NPN output, connector pin assignments, light/dark switching logic and response time. S8 connections include M8 and M12 pigtail arrangements, depending on model. Compare mounting drawings and working distances as well; a matching connector alone does not establish interchangeability.
AISI 316L stainless-steel S8-M versions carry IP69K protection in addition to IP67, making them relevant to washdown installations. IP69K concerns resistance to specified high-pressure, high-temperature water-jet tests; it does not establish compatibility with every cleaning chemical. Check the optical window, connector sealing, detergent exposure and mounting arrangement. Use the selected order code’s operating-temperature limits when assessing hot or cold environments.
Send the target material, colour or transparency, smallest feature, sensing distance, line speed, mounting space and controller input requirements. Include the existing part number for replacements, IO-Link needs, cleaning conditions, quantities and application photos. Request an itemised quotation covering the sensor, any reflector or separate emitter, cables and brackets. If assistance is required, define the installation or configuration scope when discussing Marveltech’s industrial automation services.
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See DetailsThe Datalogic SRF Fork Sensor is a photoelectric fork sensor for small-part detection, edge positioning and object counting in packaging machinery, automotive assembly and automated production lines. Four fork widths, from 30 to 120 mm, and separate LED and laser models allow selection according to the available clearance, target size and switching-speed requirement.
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