Leuze Sensor DMU318-1200/CT-M12 Ultrasonic distance sensor

Description

The DMU318-1200/CT-M12 utilizes high-frequency ultrasonic waves to evaluate the “acoustic transparency” or the distance to a target at extremely high speeds. While it can function as a distance sensor, its internal firmware is optimized for edge detection and material thickness monitoring. Because it relies on sound rather than light, it is the industry standard for detecting clear labels on clear backing, or identifying when two sheets of paper are accidentally fed into a printer instead of one.

The “CT” logic is particularly robust; it features a fast response time (switching frequency) that allows it to catch small gaps between products moving at high velocity on a conveyor. This model is housed in the standard M18 plastic (PBT) body, providing a balance between durability and lightweight integration.

Features

Specialized “CT” Logic: Optimized for counting and trigger applications, offering superior performance in detecting gaps between objects or overlaps in web materials.
1200 mm Mid-Range Reach: Provides enough distance to be mounted away from mechanical interference while maintaining a tight acoustic beam for precision.
Material Independence: Easily detects transparent films, high-gloss foils, and dark materials that typically cause errors in optical sensors.
High Switching Frequency: Engineered for high-speed production lines, ensuring that even narrow gaps are registered at maximum machine throughput.
M18 Plastic Housing: The PBT construction is resistant to industrial chemicals and cleaning agents, making it suitable for packaging and food-processing environments.
Integrated Temperature Compensation: Automatically adjusts for air temperature changes to ensure the “trigger” point does not drift during long production shifts.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Sensing Range	120 mm to 1200 mm
Blind Zone (Dead Band)	0 mm to 120 mm
Output Type	PNP / NPN Switching (Selectable/Push-Pull)
Operating Voltage	10 – 30 V DC
Switching Frequency	Up to 25 Hz (Optimized for counting)
Response Time	< 20 ms
Housing Material	Plastic (PBT) / Epoxy resin face
Connection	M12, 4-pin male connector

Applications

Double Sheet Detection: Preventing machine damage by identifying when two layers of material (paper, metal foil, or plastic) are fed simultaneously.
Clear Label Detection: Sensing the gap between transparent labels on a transparent liner where optical sensors are “blind.”
High-Speed Object Counting: Reliable counting of bottles, boxes, or components on a conveyor belt, regardless of their color or transparency.
Splice Detection: Identifying the taped “splice” or joint in a continuous roll of material to trigger a machine slowdown or rejection.
Edge Monitoring: Precisely tracking the edge of a web (paper/film) to ensure proper alignment during winding.