KEYENCE LR-W500C White-LED Photoelectric Sensor

KEYENCE LR-W500C White-LED Photoelectric Sensor

Product Overview
The KEYENCE LR-W500C is a white-LED photoelectric sensor with an adjustable spot and built-in amplifier. It is designed for high-visibility detection of small marks, color differences, contrast changes, and small objects. The M12 connector version provides quick installation and replacement in automated production lines, packaging equipment, and electronic assembly systems.

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Description

KEYENCE LR-W500C White-LED Photoelectric Sensor

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: KEYENCE
  • Model: LR-W500C
  • Sensor Type: White-LED photoelectric sensor with built-in amplifier
  • Connection Type: M12 4-pin connector
  • Detection Distance: 30 to 500 mm
  • Minimum Spot Diameter: Adjustable spot; approximately 3.5 mm at 100 mm, 9 mm at 250 mm, and 18 mm at 500 mm
  • Light Source: White LED
  • Response Time: 200 µs, 1 ms, 10 ms, 100 ms, or 500 ms, selectable
  • Control Output: NPN open-collector or PNP open-collector, selectable
  • Output Rating: 30 VDC or less, 50 mA or less, residual voltage 2 V or less
  • Output Mode: N.O./N.C. selectable
  • External Input: Tune or emission stop, selectable
  • Power Supply Voltage: 10 to 30 VDC, ripple P-P 10%, Class 2 or LPS power supply
  • Current Consumption: 65 mA or less at 24 VDC, excluding load; 120 mA or less at 12 VDC, excluding load
  • Protection Circuits: Reverse polarity protection, power surge protection, output overcurrent protection, output surge protection, output reverse polarity protection
  • Enclosure Rating: IP65/IP67 according to IEC 60529
  • Ambient Illuminance: Incandescent lamp 10,000 lx or less; sunlight 20,000 lx or less
  • Operating Temperature: -20 to +50°C, no freezing
  • Humidity: 35 to 85% RH, no condensation
  • Vibration Resistance: 10 to 55 Hz, double amplitude 1.5 mm, X/Y/Z directions, 2 hours each
  • Shock Resistance: 1,000 m/s², X/Y/Z directions, 6 times each
  • Weight: Approximately 110 g
  • Certifications: UL and CSA compliant versions available

Functional Features

  • White LED illumination: Provides high-contrast detection on colored, printed, or glossy surfaces.
  • Adjustable spot size: Allows precise targeting of small marks or objects.
  • Fast response time: Down to 200 µs for high-speed production lines.
  • NPN/PNP selectable output: Compatible with most PLC input types.
  • Timer functions: OFF, ON-delay, OFF-delay, and one-shot timer modes.
  • Mutual interference reduction: Up to two sensors can operate nearby using different frequency settings.
  • Tune input: Supports external tuning or emission stop control.
  • Robust protection: IP65/IP67 rating and multiple internal protection circuits.

Application Scenarios

  • Label and mark detection on packaging
  • Color contrast inspection
  • Small component presence detection
  • Electronics assembly line positioning
  • Food and pharmaceutical packaging verification
  • Print registration and web guiding checks
  • Robot pick-and-place confirmation

Performance Parameters

  • Detection Range: 30 to 500 mm
  • Spot Size: Adjustable; about 3.5 mm at 100 mm distance
  • Response Time: 200 µs to 500 ms selectable
  • Output Type: NPN/PNP open collector
  • Output Current: 50 mA maximum
  • Supply Voltage: 10 to 30 VDC
  • Current Draw: 65 mA max at 24 VDC, excluding load
  • Protection: IP65/IP67

Material Composition

  • Housing: Zinc die casting with nickel-chrome plating
  • Indicator Cover: PPSU
  • Button: PES
  • Lens Cover and Display: PMMA with anti-scratch coating
  • Cable Bushing: PBT
  • Spot Adjustment Dial: Iron with ferroferric oxide film treatment
  • Connector Ring: PMP
  • Connector Socket: PEI

Structural Features

  • Compact cylindrical body: Easy to mount on brackets, slides, and machine frames.
  • M12 4-pin connector: Enables fast wiring and replacement without cutting cables.
  • Adjustable spot dial: Allows manual optimization of the light spot size.
  • Front indicator display: Shows operation status and sensitivity condition.
  • Sealed housing: Supports use in dusty, humid, or washdown-prone environments.
  • Lightweight design: Approximately 110 g, reducing mounting load.

Working Principle
The LR-W500C emits white LED light onto the target object. The received light intensity changes when an object enters or leaves the detection area, or when surface color, contrast, or mark position changes. The built-in amplifier compares the received signal with the set threshold and switches the NPN or PNP output accordingly. The adjustable spot allows the sensor to focus on small features, while the selectable response time helps balance speed and stability.

Installation Requirements

  • Mount the sensor firmly to prevent vibration-induced misalignment.
  • Set the detection distance within the 30 to 500 mm range.
  • Adjust the spot size to match the target mark or object.
  • Use a shielded M12 cable compatible with the sensor pinout.
  • Keep the lens clean and free from oil, dust, and condensation.
  • Avoid installing the sensor where strong ambient light directly enters the receiver.
  • Select NPN or PNP output to match the PLC or controller input.

Precautions for Use

  • Do not use the sensor as a safety device for personnel protection.
  • Avoid direct sunlight or strong incandescent light on the sensing face.
  • Do not apply AC power; the device requires 10 to 30 VDC only.
  • When two sensors are installed close together, use different frequency settings to prevent mutual interference.
  • Response time becomes approximately 20% slower when different frequency settings are enabled.
  • Verify wiring polarity before powering the sensor.
  • For exact pin assignments, timer settings, and dimensional drawings, refer to the official KEYENCE LR-W500C manual.

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