Balluff Photoelectric Distance Sensors

Balluff Photoelectric Distance Sensors


Specifications
Model
BOD00
Details

Product family Optical sensors
Tip: Use the series table below to match measurement range, technology (triangulation/TOF), light type, and interface to your application.

Balluff photoelectric distance sensors

Optical distance sensors

Non-contact distance measurement 20 mm to 20 m ranges Analog, serial & IO-Link options

Photoelectric distance sensors from Balluff support reliable positioning, material flow control, and level detection— across applications such as automotive, factory automation, logistics, and steel/construction environments. With precise distance measurement, you can increase productivity and reduce faults in a targeted manner.

Choose from semi-adjustable measurement ranges from 20 mm to 20 m, including variants with or without background suppression. Balluff optical distance sensors operate using triangulation or time-of-flight (TOF) technology with red light or laser. Housings are available in durable plastic or metal, with protection ratings up to IP65/67 and IP69K for harsh environments.

Need help choosing a distance sensor?
Compare series by range, light type, interface, and optical principle.

What special features are available for Balluff photoelectric distance sensors?

Balluff distance sensors combine robust design with flexible outputs and intuitive setup for fast commissioning and stable measurement.

The special features of our distance sensors

  • Ideal for distance measurements and distance monitoring for short, medium, and long ranges
  • Additional switching outputs with adjustable switchpoints available for almost all products
  • Teach-in directly on the sensor via teach-in input or button
  • Optional IO-Link interface for easy parameterization and additional functions

Technology & ruggedness options

  • Triangulation or time-of-flight (TOF) principles
  • Red light or laser light types
  • Plastic or metal housings
  • Protection ratings up to IP65/67 and IP69K (washdown-capable variants)
  • Analog current/voltage plus digital serial or IO-Link interfaces (depending on series)
Tip: For stable results, align the sensor axis and choose the optical principle (triangulation/TOF) that best fits the surface, distance, and environmental conditions.

Which series are available (and how do I compare them)?

Below is a practical overview of Balluff photoelectric distance sensor series, including maximum range, light type, connection, interface, and optical principle.

Technical features
Measurement range
Short range Mid range Long range (TOF)
Light type
Laser red light LED / red light
Interface
Analog (V / mA) IO-Link Serial (e.g., RS485)
Housing / environment
Metal housing Plastic housing Washdown (IP69K)
Definition: Triangulation is ideal for precise short-to-mid range measurement; TOF (time-of-flight) supports longer ranges by measuring light travel time.
7 Series Grouped by series View all
Series Range max. Light type Connection Interface Optical principle
S-BOD 21M
Metal housing • Laser red light • Glass sensing surface
500 mm Laser red light Connector
M12x1
IO-Link, analog V, analog mA, PNP/NPN Triangulation
S-BOD 23K
Plastic housing • Laser red light • Washdown variant
5000 mm Laser red light Connector
M12x1
IO-Link, analog V, analog mA, PNP/NPN/Auto-Detect Time-of-flight
S-BOD 24K
Plastic housing • Laser red light • Glass sensing surface
650 mm Laser red light Connector
M12x1
Analog V / analog mA selectable, IO-Link, PNP/NPN Triangulation
S-BOD 26K
Plastic housing • Laser red light • PMMA sensing surface
300 mm Laser red light Cable or connector
M12x1
Analog V, analog mA, RS485, PNP Triangulation
S-BOD 37M
Metal housing • Laser red light • PMMA sensing surface
20000 mm Laser red light Connector
M12x1
PNP/NPN/push-pull, analog V, analog mA, RS485 Time-of-flight
S-BOD 66M
Metal housing • Multiple light variants
2000 mm Laser red light, LED, red light Connector
M12x1
Analog V, analog mA, PNP/NPN Triangulation
S-BOD 6K
Narrow design • Plastic housing • Washdown variant
1500 mm Laser red light, LED, red light Cable or connector
M8x1
IO-Link device, analog V, PNP/NPN/Auto-Detect, PNP Triangulation / TOF

Selection guidance: start with range and optical principle, then confirm light type, interface (analog/IO-Link/serial), and housing/IP rating for your environment.

Where are photoelectric distance sensors used?

Photoelectric distance sensors are used wherever reliable, non-contact distance measurement improves quality, speed, and availability—especially for positioning, monitoring, and level tasks.

Typical applications

  • Positioning and distance monitoring in factory automation
  • Material flow control and object spacing in conveyors and intralogistics
  • Level detection for bins, tanks, and process containers
  • Use in automotive, logistics, and construction/steelwork environments

Why teams standardize on Balluff distance sensors

  • Broad measurement range portfolio from 20 mm to 20 m
  • Flexible outputs (analog V/mA, switching, serial, IO-Link)
  • Fast commissioning via teach-in input or button
  • Rugged options with IP65/67 and IP69K variants
Short definition: A photoelectric distance sensor measures distance without contact using light—ideal for reliable positioning and monitoring in automation.

FAQ: Balluff photoelectric distance sensors

Clear answers that help engineers and maintenance teams choose the right optical distance sensor configuration.

Triangulation sensors calculate distance based on the reflected light angle—typically used for precise short-to-mid ranges. TOF sensors measure the travel time of light—well suited for longer ranges and robust monitoring.

Depending on the series, Balluff distance sensors can provide analog current (mA) and analog voltage (V) outputs, plus digital serial interfaces and IO-Link. Many models also offer switching outputs with adjustable switchpoints.

Most series support teach-in directly on the sensor via a teach-in input or a button. If equipped, IO-Link enables quick parameterization and additional diagnostic/functional options.

Yes. Balluff offers durable plastic and metal housings with protection ratings up to IP65/67 and IP69K, making selected variants suitable for harsh and washdown environments.

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