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CF/RB3-20 IMO Optical Fibre, Plastic Through-Beam, L=2m, M4
IMO CF/RB3-20 is a 2 m plastic through-beam optical fibre with a 1 mm core, compact M4 heads and IP67 protection for reliable object detection in industrial automation applications.
£51.70
Why Choose the IMO CF/RB3-20 Plastic Optical Fibre?
The IMO CF/RB3-20 is a versatile plastic optical fibre for through-beam sensing, designed for reliable object detection in industrial automation and machinery applications. Featuring separate emitter and receiver fibres with compact M4 heads, it enables the sensing point to be positioned in confined or difficult-to-access locations while the associated fibre-optic amplifier remains remotely mounted.
As part of the CF plastic optical fibre series, the CF/RB3-20 combines a 1 mm optical fibre core with robust nickel-plated brass terminations and flexible plastic fibre construction. The through-beam operating principle provides dependable detection by positioning the emitter and receiver on opposite sides of the target path, making the fibre particularly suitable for presence, position and counting applications.
With a 2 m fibre length, IP67 protection rating and operating temperature range of -40 to +55 °C, the CF/RB3-20 is suitable for demanding industrial installations. Sensing distance depends on the connected amplifier, with distances of 120 mm with SSF or FS1 and up to 700 mm with FX3 or FX4.
Key Advantages
- Plastic optical fibre designed for reliable through-beam object detection.
- 2 m fibre length provides flexibility when positioning the sensing heads and amplifier.
- Compact M4 emitter and receiver heads suit restricted installation spaces.
- Up to 700 mm sensing distance with compatible FX3 or FX4 fibre-optic amplifiers.
- 1 mm optical fibre core for effective light transmission.
- IP67 protection rating for demanding industrial environments.
- Wide -40 to +55 °C operating temperature range.
Key Features
- CF series plastic optical fibre.
- Through-beam emitter/receiver sensing principle.
- 2 m fibre length.
- 1 mm optical fibre core diameter.
- 2.2 mm fibre outside diameter.
- M4 sensing heads.
- Nickel-plated brass head construction.
- PE plastic optical fibre construction.
- IP67 protection rating.
- CE approved.
- Compatible with SSF, FS1, FX3 and FX4 fibre-optic amplifiers.
- Compatible with the AF/ER9 90° fibre accessory.
Reliable Through-Beam Sensing for Industrial Automation
Through-beam fibre-optic sensing uses separate emitter and receiver fibres positioned on opposite sides of the detection area. An object is detected when it interrupts the light travelling between the two sensing heads, providing a reliable method of presence and position detection in automated machinery.
The CF/RB3-20 separates the compact sensing heads from the electronic amplifier, making it particularly useful where conventional photoelectric sensors are too large for the available space. Its 2 m fibre length, M4 terminations and compatibility with several fibre-optic amplifier families provide flexibility for machine builders and industrial automation engineers.
Typical Applications
- Object presence and position detection.
- Parts counting on production lines.
- Packaging and production machinery.
- Automated assembly equipment.
- Conveyor and material handling systems.
- Small-component detection.
- Confined or restricted sensing locations.
- OEM machinery and industrial automation systems.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | IMO |
|---|---|
| Series | CF Plastic Optical Fibres |
| Model | CF/RB3-20 |
| Product type | Plastic optical fibre |
| Sensing principle | Through-beam emitter / receiver |
| Fibre length | 2 m |
| Fibre length tolerance | ±100 mm |
| Optical fibre core diameter | 1 mm |
| Fibre outside diameter | 2.2 mm |
| Head size | M4 |
| Head material | Nickel-plated brass |
| Optical fibre material | PE plastic |
| Sensing distance with SSF | 120 mm |
| Sensing distance with FS1 | 120 mm |
| Sensing distance with FX3 | 700 mm |
| Sensing distance with FX4 | 700 mm |
| Sensing distance with F1R | 150 mm |
| Sensing distance with FY2 | 250 mm |
| Sensing distance with FY3 | 280 mm |
| Protection rating | IP67 |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +55 °C |
| Approval | CE |
| Compatible accessory | AF/ER9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMO CF/RB3-20 used for?
The CF/RB3-20 is a plastic optical fibre for through-beam object detection, designed for use with a compatible fibre-optic amplifier in industrial automation and machinery applications.
How long is the IMO CF/RB3-20 optical fibre?
The CF/RB3-20 has a nominal 2 m fibre length with a specified length tolerance of ±100 mm.
What sensing distance does the CF/RB3-20 provide?
The sensing distance depends on the connected amplifier. It provides 120 mm with SSF or FS1, 150 mm with F1R, 250 mm with FY2, 280 mm with FY3 and up to 700 mm with FX3 or FX4.
What type of sensing heads does the CF/RB3-20 use?
The CF/RB3-20 uses compact M4 nickel-plated brass heads with a 1 mm optical fibre core, making the fibre suitable for installation in restricted machine spaces.
Is the IMO CF/RB3-20 suitable for industrial environments?
Yes. The CF/RB3-20 has an IP67 protection rating and an operating temperature range of -40 to +55 °C, making it suitable for demanding industrial sensing applications.
Reliable Optical Sensing for Industrial Machinery
IMO CF series plastic optical fibres provide machine builders and automation engineers with compact, flexible sensing solutions for applications where installation space, sensing-head positioning and dependable object detection are important.
