The Datalogic SR23 is a compact fork/label photoelectric sensor for precise label and gap detection in labelling machines, packaging lines and print-and-apply systems. With a 5 mm slot width, 50 mm slot depth, 12 kHz switching frequency and reliable detection of booklet and multilayer labels, SR23 is designed for fast, accurate and cost-effective label positioning in food, pharmaceutical, packaging and industrial automation applications.
The SR23 Fork Sensor is designed for applications where labels, gaps and label edges need to be detected accurately at high speed. Its compact housing and universal mounting format make it suitable for integration into labelling machines, packaging equipment and automated print-and-apply systems.
Unlike general-purpose photoelectric sensors, the SR23 uses a fork-style sensing geometry. The label or web passes through the slot, allowing the sensor to detect label edges, spaces and changes in material with greater positional consistency.
This makes the SR23 especially useful where machine timing, label placement and repeatable edge detection are critical.
The SR23 is built for reliable label detection in fast-moving label-feed and packaging environments. It can detect small labels and gaps down to 0.5 mm, helping machines maintain accurate label positioning even when working with compact labels or narrow spaces between labels.
Typical detection tasks include:
The 5 mm slot width and 50 mm slot depth make the sensor suitable for standard labels as well as thicker booklet and multilayer label formats.
Booklet labels and multilayer labels are increasingly used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and regulated packaging applications where more information must fit within limited packaging space. These labels can be harder to detect than standard single-layer labels because their thickness and structure differ from ordinary label stock.
The SR23 is designed to detect both standard labels and more complex booklet or multilayer labels. This makes it useful where the production line must handle:
The SR23 supports dynamic or static setting through a single push-button. This simplifies setup during installation, changeover and maintenance.
Static setting is useful when the operator can position the label or backing material manually during setup. Dynamic setting is useful when the material is moving and the sensor needs to learn the label and gap condition during machine operation or controlled setup movement.
This helps reduce configuration time and makes the SR23 easier to maintain on production lines where operators need fast adjustment without complex sensor programming.
| Specification | SR23 Details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Fork/label photoelectric sensor |
| Brand | Datalogic / Datasensing |
| Series | SR23 |
| Main function | Label, gap, booklet label and multilayer label detection |
| Function principle | Fork sensor for label detection |
| Slot width | 5 mm |
| Slot depth | 50 mm |
| Minimum label/gap detection | Down to 0.5 mm |
| Minimum detectable object | 0.5 mm |
| Nominal sensing distance | 5 mm |
| Emission | Infrared LED |
| Setting method | Static or dynamic teach-in |
| Sensitivity adjustment | Teach-in |
| Setup control | Single push-button and external teach option, depending on model |
| Switching frequency | 12 kHz |
| Response time | 40 µs |
| Output options | PNP or NPN models |
| Connection options | M8 4-pole connector or 2 m cable models |
| Operating voltage | 10–30 VDC |
| No-load supply current | ≤ 30 mA |
| Output voltage drop | ≤ 2 V |
| Protection functions | Short-circuit protection and reverse-polarity protection |
| Mechanical protection | IP65 |
| Housing material | Metal / Zamak with PBT cover |
| Active head material | PMMA |
| Dimensions | 11 × 25 × 64 mm |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to +55°C |
| Storage temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Approvals | CE and cULus |
| Typical applications | Labelling machines, print-and-apply systems, packaging machinery, food packaging and pharmaceutical labelling |
The SR23 is available in multiple model variants to suit different machine wiring and control requirements.
Available configuration options include:
This allows machine builders, system integrators and maintenance teams to select the version that fits the machine control architecture and installation preference.
The SR23 is especially relevant for automated machines where label position, label presence and gap detection directly affect production quality.
Common applications include:
Used to detect label gaps and trigger accurate label application.
Used to synchronise label feed, printing and label application.
Used for label detection in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and packaged-goods production.
Used where multilayer labels or folded booklet labels need to be detected reliably.
Used where fast switching and repeatable edge detection are required.
Used where precise label placement and reliable detection are important for compliance, product information and packaging accuracy.
A standard photoelectric sensor can detect objects, but label detection on a moving web often requires greater positional accuracy and repeatability. Fork sensors are better suited to label-feed applications because the material passes through a fixed slot, giving the sensor a consistent sensing geometry.
The SR23 is a strong fit when:
The SR23 can be integrated into labelling, packaging and print-and-apply systems using its PNP or NPN output models and M8 connector or cable versions. The sensor can provide fast switching signals to the machine controller for label-feed timing, label application, print synchronisation or product handling.
Integration options may include:
MarvelTech can help review the machine layout, label format, gap size, controller input type and mounting requirements before recommending the correct SR23 variant.
Used for label detection on bottles, containers, trays, cartons and packaged products.
Used for booklet labels, multilayer labels, product information labels and regulated packaging workflows.
Used for accurate label placement and detection on containers, jars, tubes and cartons.
Used in labelling machines, packaging lines and print-and-apply systems.
Used by OEMs and system integrators building compact, high-speed labelling and packaging equipment.
Used to support label-feed control and accurate print-and-apply timing.
MarvelTech supports industrial automation, sensors, machine safety, barcode systems and production-line integration projects. For SR23 applications, MarvelTech can help determine the correct model, connection type and setup approach for the target machine.
MarvelTech can support:
The SR23 is a strong choice when the application requires compact, high-speed and accurate label detection.
It is especially relevant when:
To recommend the correct SR23 model, MarvelTech can review your label material, machine type and connection requirements.
Before enquiry, prepare the following details where possible:
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See DetailsPlease contact us if you have any questions or comments.
