Leuze PRK 18/4 DL.4 (50080153) Overview
The Leuze PRK 18/4 DL.4 (50080153) is a polarized retro-reflective photoelectric sensor engineered for transparent object detection in high speed packaging, logistics, and automated assembly. It detects foils greater than 5 µm, glass, and PET containers with a 0.333 ms response time and 1500 Hz switching frequency. This performance makes the sensor a strong fit for 2026 industrial automation lines that require deterministic PNP outputs into PLC and remote I/O systems.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part number |
50080153 |
| Operating principle |
Polarized retro reflective photoelectric sensor |
| Light source |
LED, 660 nm visible red, polarized |
| Operating range |
0 to 2.4 m with TK(S) 100x100 reflector; typical limit up to 3 m |
| Recommended reflector |
MTKS 50x50.1 |
| Switching frequency |
1500 Hz |
| Response time |
0.333 ms |
| Start up delay |
100 ms or less |
| Operating voltage |
10 to 30 VDC, Class 2 for UL applications |
| Switching output |
PNP transistor, light or dark switching |
| Sensitivity adjustment |
12 turn potentiometer |
| Connection |
M12 connector |
| Housing |
Compact 18 series, stainless steel option available |
| Weight |
Approximately 0.075 kg |
| Key application |
Transparent media detection, foils greater than 5 µm, glass, PET |
Performance Advantages for 2026 Lines
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Transparent object detection: Built in polarization filter eliminates the need for separate emitter and receiver pairs.
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High speed switching: 1500 Hz enables reliable counting and gap detection on fast conveyors.
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Fast response: 0.333 ms response reduces false rejects and improves trigger accuracy for vision systems.
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PLC ready integration: M12 connector and PNP output connect cleanly to modern I/O blocks and remote I/O modules.
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Low TCO: Single housing plus reflector reduces wiring, alignment time, and spare parts inventory.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Pro Tips
Clean the optical window and reflector weekly with a dry, lint free microfiber cloth in dusty or humid environments. Avoid solvents or abrasive cleaners because they degrade the polarization filter and reduce detection margin on transparent films. Verify reflector alignment using the rear LED indicator; a marginal alignment can cause intermittent false triggers at high line speeds. Supply clean 10 to 30 VDC power within Class 2 limits. Voltage sag below 10 VDC can cause sporadic output dropout at 1500 Hz. Log switching events in the PLC or SCADA so that a gradual increase in missed detections or response latency can be used as a predictive maintenance signal.
Troubleshooting Quick Answers
Sensor does not detect transparent film: Confirm the correct polarized retro reflective model and MTKS 50x50.1 reflector are installed. Verify film thickness is above the roughly 5 µm detection threshold, clean the optics, and re tune sensitivity with the 12 turn potentiometer. Check that the PNP output is wired to a sinking PLC input.
Output is intermittent at high speed: Re align the reflector perpendicular to the optical axis, verify stable switching across the full conveyor width, and check for supply voltage ripple or sag below 10 VDC.
False triggers occur near reflective surfaces: Use the sensor's polarized filter and adjust sensitivity to ignore reflected light from shiny machine parts while still detecting the transparent target.
ROI and Integration Outlook
In 2026, automation buyers are prioritizing edge ready sensors that feed real time production KPIs into OEE dashboards. The PRK 18/4 DL.4 supports this trend through deterministic PNP output, fast response, and robust optical performance on difficult transparent applications. Replacing legacy through beam or diffuse sensors with this single housing retro reflective solution typically reduces setup time, false rejects, and unplanned downtime, delivering a measurable return on investment within months on high volume packaging lines.
