CX-491 Panasonic Retroreflective Photoelectric Sensor – Polarizing Filters, 3 m, NPN
The Panasonic CX-491 is a compact retroreflective photoelectric sensor from the CX-400 Ver.2 series, fitted with polarizing filters. The filters let the sensor tell the light returned by its reflector apart from light bouncing off shiny surfaces. As a result, it reliably detects specular (mirror-like), translucent and opaque objects, such as metal cans, foil packs or glossy cartons, which can fool a standard retroreflective sensor. It covers a 3 m sensing range, has an NPN output switchable between Light-ON and Dark-ON and responds in 1 ms or less. It comes complete with an RF-230 reflector, so it is ready to install out of the box.
Key Features of the CX-491
- Retroreflective type with polarizing filters
- 3 m sensing range (with RF-230 reflector, supplied)
- Detects ø50 mm or larger opaque, translucent or specular objects
- NPN open-collector output, 100 mA, Light-ON / Dark-ON switchable
- Fast 1 ms response time
- Continuously variable sensitivity adjuster
- Automatic interference prevention: two sensors can be mounted close together
- Visible red LED beam (680 nm) for easy alignment
- Orange operation LED and green stability LED
- IP67 protection; CE, UKCA and UL Recognized
Technical Specifications – CX-491
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Panasonic |
| Part number | CX-491 |
| Series | Compact Photoelectric Sensor CX-400 Ver.2 |
| Sensing type | Retroreflective with polarizing filters |
| Sensing range | 3 m (with RF-230 reflector) |
| Sensing object | ø50 mm or more opaque, translucent or specular object |
| Repeatability | 0.5 mm or less |
| Supply voltage | 12–24 V DC ±10 %, ripple P-P 10 % or less |
| Current consumption | 13 mA or less |
| Output | NPN open-collector, max. sink current 100 mA, 30 V DC or less |
| Residual voltage | 2 V or less at 100 mA; 1 V or less at 16 mA |
| Output operation | Light-ON or Dark-ON, switchable |
| Short-circuit protection | Incorporated |
| Response time | 1 ms or less |
| Sensitivity adjuster | Continuously variable |
| Interference prevention | Automatic (two units close together) |
| Emitting element | Red LED, modulated, 680 nm |
| Protection | IP67 (IEC) |
| Ambient temperature | −25 to +55 °C (storage −30 to +70 °C) |
| Ambient humidity | 35–85 % RH |
| Ambient illuminance | Incandescent light, 3,000 lx or less |
| Vibration / shock | 10–500 Hz, 1.5 mm amplitude (10 G max.) / 500 m/s² |
| Material | Enclosure PBT; lens and indicator cover acrylic |
| Cable | 0.2 mm² 3-core cabtyre, 2 m |
| Cable extension | Up to 100 m with 0.3 mm² or thicker |
| Weight | Approx. 50 g net |
| Accessory | RF-230 reflector, 1 pc |
Typical Applications
- Detecting shiny cans, bottles and foil-wrapped products on conveyors
- Package and carton presence checks on packaging lines
- Door, gate and pallet detection over distances up to 3 m
Buy Panasonic CX-491 from Atlantech Drives
Order the Panasonic CX-491 with fast worldwide shipping, from single replacements to volume orders for machine builders. Our commercial team responds quickly with price and lead time across the CX-400 range. Request your quote today.
