EZ-BEAM® M18 Series Sensor

Datasheet
Stainless steel 18 mm barrel-style DC photoelectric sensor

• 18 mm threaded-barrel sensor
• 10 V DC to 30 V DC; choose SPDT (complementary) NPN or PNP outputs (150 mA
maximum, each)
• Easy to use; no adjustments are necessary
• Advanced self-diagnostics with separate alarm output (U.S. patent 5087838 (see
Specifications)); dual LED system indicates sensor performance
• Choice of integral cable or Euro-style quick disconnect connector
• Completely epoxy-encapsulated to provide superior durability, designed to meet
rigorous IP69K standards for use in high pressure washdowns
• Brackets available for a wide array of mounting options

WARNING:
• Do not use this device for personnel protection
• Using this device for personnel protection could result in serious injury or death.
• This device does not include the self-checking redundant circuitry necessary to allow its use in
personnel safety applications. A device failure or malfunction can cause either an energized (on) or de-
energized (off) output condition.

Models
EZ-BEAM M18 Series Sensing Mode Options

P
OPPOSED POLAR RETRO DIFFUSE FIXED-FIELD

M18 Series Opposed-Mode Emitter (E) and Receiver (R)

Models (Infrared, 950 nm) Range Cable Output Type

M186E 2 m (6.5 ft)

-
M186EQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
M18SN6R 2 m (6.5 ft)
20 m (66 ft) NPN
M18SN6RQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
M18SP6R 2 m (6.5 ft)
PNP
M18SP6RQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD

Standard 2 m (6.5 ft) cable models are listed. To order the 9 m (30 ft) cable model, add suffix "W/30" (M18SN6R W/30). Models
with a QD connector require a mating cable.

M18 Series Retroreflective Mode

Models Range Cable Output Type

Non-Polarized (Infrared, 950 nm)

M18SN6L 2 m (6.5 ft)
NPN
M18SN6LQ 4-Pin M/12Euro-style QD
2 m (79 in)
M18SP6L 2 m (6.5 ft)
PNP
M18SP6LQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
Polarized (Visible red, 680 nm)

Original Document 1 September 2020

49201 Rev. D
49201
 EZ-BEAM® M18 Series Sensor

M18 Series Retroreflective Mode

Models Range Cable Output Type

M18SN6LP 2 m (6.5 ft)

NPN
M18SN6LPQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
2 m (79 in)
M18SP6LP 2 m (6.5 ft)
PNP
M18SP6LPQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD

M18 Series Diffuse Mode (Infrared, 880 nm)

Models Range Cable Output Type

100 mm Range
M18SN6D 2 m (6.5 ft)
NPN
M18SN6DQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
100 mm (4 in)
M18SP6D 2 m (6.5 ft)
PNP
M18SP6DQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
300 mm Range
M18SN6DL 2 m (6.5 ft)
NPN
M18SN6DLQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
300 mm (12 in)
M18SP6DL 2 m (6.5 ft)
PNP
M18SP6DLQ 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD

M18 Fixed-Field Mode

Models Cutoff Point Cable Output Type

with 25 mm far limit cutoff

M18SN6FF25 2 m (6.5 ft)
NPN
M18SN6FF25Q 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
25 mm (1 in)
M18SP6FF25 2 m (6.5 ft)
PNP
M18SP6FF25Q 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
with 50 mm far limit cutoff
M18SN6FF50 2 m (6.5 ft)
NPN
M18SN6FF50Q 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
50 mm (2 in)
M18SP6FF50 2 m (6.5 ft)
PNP
M18SP6FF50Q 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
with 100 mm far limit cutoff
M18SN6FF100 2 m (6.5 ft)
NPN
M18SN6FF100Q 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD
100 mm (4 in)
M18SP6FF100 2 m (6.5 ft)
PNP
M18SP6FF100Q 4-Pin M12/Euro-style QD

M18 Fixed-Field Sensor Setup Tips

For highest sensitivity, the sensor-to-object distance should be such that the object will be sensed at or near the point of maximum
excess gain.
The background must be beyond the cutoff distance. Following these two guidelines makes it possible to detect objects of low
reflectivity, even against close-in reflective backgrounds.
In the drawings and discussion, E, R1, and R2 identify how the sensor’s three optical elements (Emitter “E”, Near Detector “R1”,
and Far Detector “R2”) line up across the face of the sensor. In Figure 2 on p. 3, Figure 3 on p. 3, and Figure 4 on p. 3,
these elements align vertically. In Figure 5 on p. 3, the elements align horizontally.
Note how the position of the tabs on the front of the sensor helps to define the sensing axis of the sensor (Sensing Axis). The
sensing axis becomes important in situations like those illustrated in Figure 4 on p. 3 and Figure 5 on p. 3.
As a general rule, the most reliable sensing of an object approaching from the side occurs when the line of approach is parallel to
the sensing axis.

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EZ-BEAM® M18 Series Sensor

Fixed Sensing
Field Fixed Sensing Cutoff
Cutoff Field Distance
Distance
Reflective
M18FF Sensor Background
M18FF Sensor
Core of
Core of
Emitted Emitted
E Beam E Beam
E R2
Strong R2
R1 Direct R1
R2 Reflection
Strong
to R1
Sensing R1 E = Emitter Reflective
E = Emitter
R1 = Near Detector
Direct
Reflection
Axis R1 = Near Detector Background R2 = Far Detector Away From
R2 = Far Detector Sensor
Figure 1. Sensing Axis Figure 2. Reflective Background - Problem Figure 3. Reflective Background - Solution

Background Reflectivity and Placement. Avoid mirror-like backgrounds that produce specular reflections. False sensor response
will occur if a background surface reflects the sensor’s light more strongly to the near detector (R1) than to the far detector (R2).
The result is a false ON condition (Figure 2 on p. 3). Use of a diffusely-reflective (matte) background will cure this problem. Other
possible solutions are to either angle the sensor or angle the background (in any plane) so that the background does not reflect
back to the sensor (Figure 3 on p. 3).
An object beyond the cutoff distance, either moving or stationary (and when positioned as shown in Figure 4 on p. 3), can cause
unwanted triggering of the sensor because it reflects more light to the near detector than to the far detector. Remedy the problem
easily by rotating the sensor 90° (Figure 5 on p. 3) to align the sensing axis horizontally. The object then reflects the R1 and R2
fields equally, resulting in no false triggering. A better solution, if possible, may be to reposition the object or the sensor.
Unwanted triggering of the sensor from an object beyond the cutoff can also be caused by attempting to sense a small object
moving perpendicular to the sensor face, or by an object moving through the off-center position shown. Making the object larger,
centering the sensor relative to the object, or rotating the sensor to place the sensing axis perpendicular to the longer dimension of
the object (Figure 5 on p. 3) will solve the problem.

Fixed Sensing
Field Reflective
Background or
Moving Object
Cutoff Fixed Sensing
Distance Cutoff
M18FF Sensor Field Distance
E Reflective
Background
R2 M18FF Sensor or Moving
R1 Object

R2 Response E, R2, R1
E = Emitter
R1 Response
R1 = Near Detector
R2 = Far Detector
Area of R1 Response E = Emitter
R1 = Near Detector
Area of R2 Response R2 = Far Detector
Area of R1 and R2 Response Area of R1 and R2 Response

Figure 4. Object Beyond Cutoff - Problem Figure 5. Object Beyond Cutoff - Solution

Wiring Connections

Standard Connection for Attached Cable and Quick Disconnect (QD) Models

bu (3) bn (1)
– +
10–30 V dc 10–30 V dc
bn (1) bu (3)
+ –
bk (4) bk (4)
Load Load
wh (2) wh (2)
Load Load

Figure 6. Sensors with NPN (Sinking) Outputs Figure 7. Sensors with PNP (Sourcing) Outputs

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 EZ-BEAM® M18 Series Sensor

brown
+
1
10–30 V DC 2
blue
– 4
3 1. brown
2. white
3. blue
Figure 8. Emitters with Attached Cable Figure 9. 4-pin M12/Euro-style male QD
4. black

Alarm Connection for Attached Cable and Quick Disconnect Models

bn (1) bu (3)
– +
10–30 V DC 10–30 V DC
bu (3) bn (1)
+ –
bk (4) bk (4)
Load Load
wh (2) wh (2)
Alarm Alarm

Figure 10. Sensors with NPN (Sinking) Outputs Figure 11. Sensors with PNP (Sourcing) Outputs

bn (1)
+
bu (3) 10–30 V DC
− 1
bk (4) 2
not used
wh (2)
4
not used 3 1. brown
2. white
3. blue
Figure 12. Emitter with Quick Disconnect Figure 13. 4-pin M12/Euro-style male QD
4. black

Specifications
Supply Voltage Indicators
10 to 30 V DC (10% maximum ripple) Two LEDs (green and yellow)
Green solid: power to sensor is ON
Supply Current (Exclusive of Load Current)
Green flashing: output is overloaded
Diffuse: 25 mA Amber solid: normally open output is conducting
Fixed-field: 35 mA Amber flashing: excess gain marginal (1-1.5×) in light condition
Opposed Mode Emitters: 25 mA
Opposed Mode Receivers: 20 mA Construction
Retro, Non-polarized: 25 mA Housings: Stainless Steel
Retro, Polarized: 30 mA Lenses: Lexan® (opposed models) or acrylic
Supply Protection Circuitry Connections
Protected against reverse polarity and transient voltages 2 m (6.5 ft) unterminated 4-wire PVC cable, 9 m (30 ft) unterminated 4-wire
PVC cable, or Integral 4-pin M12/Euro-style male quick disconnect

Configuration Output Protection Circuitry

SPDT (complementary) solid-state DC switch; choose NPN (current sinking) Protected against false pulse on power-up and continuous overload or short
or PNP (current sourcing) models. circuit of outputs
Light operate: Normally open output conducts when the sensor sees its own
(or the emitter’s) modulated light Output Response Time
Dark operate: Normally closed output conducts when the sensor sees dark; Opposed mode: 3 milliseconds ON, 1.5 milliseconds OFF
the normally closed output may be wired as a normally open alarm output, Polarized Retro, Non-polarized Retro, Fixed-field, and Diffuse: 3
depending upon connection to the power supply (U.S. patent 5087838) milliseconds ON and OFF
NOTE: 100 millisecond delay on power-up; outputs do not conduct during
Output Rating this time
150 mA maximum (each) in standard wiring; When wired for alarm output,
the total load may not exceed 150 mA Repeatability
OFF-State Leakage Current: < 1 microamp at 30 V DC Opposed mode: 375 microseconds
ON-State Saturation Voltage: < 1V at 10 mA dc; < 1.5 V at 150 mA DC Polarized Retro, Non-Polarized Retro, Fixed-field and Diffuse modes: 750
microseconds
Repeatability and response are independent of signal strength

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EZ-BEAM® M18 Series Sensor

Rating Operating Conditions

Leakproof design rated NEMA 6P, IP69K* (DIN 40050) –40 °C to +70 °C (–40 °F to +158 °F)
90% at +50 °C maximum relative humidity (non-condensing)
Vibration and Mechanical Shock
All models meet Mil. Std. 202F requirements.
Method 201A (Vibration; frequency 10 to 60 Hz, max., double amplitude
0.06" acceleration 10G).
Method 213B conditions H&I (Shock: 75G with unit operating; 100G for non-
operation)
* Cabled models meet IP69K if the cable is protected from high-
pressure spray

Dimensions

Yellow LED
output indicator
Yellow LED
Green LED output indicator
Jam nuts
(2 provided) power indicator
2m
(6.5 ft) Cable
M18 x 1 mm
Green LED thread
power indicator

37.0 mm
59.2 mm*
[1.46"] 78.0 mm*
[2.33"]
[3.07"]

Figure 14. Models with Attached Cable Figure 15. Models with 4-pin M12/Euro-style Quick Disconnect

* Polarized retroreflective and fixed-field cabled models = 65.0 * Polarized retroreflective and fixed-field QD models = 83.8 mm
mm (2.56 in) (3.30 in)

Performance Curves
The excess gain curves above show excess gain vs. sensing distance for M18 Series fixed-field sensors with 25-, 50- and 100-
millimeter cutoffs. Maximum excess gain for the 25-mm models occurs at a lens-to-object distance of about 7 mm; for the 50-mm
models, at about 10 mm; and for the 100-mm models, at about 20 mm. Sensing at or near these distances will make maximum use
of each sensor’s available sensing power. Backgrounds and background objects must always be placed beyond the cutoff
distance.
These excess gain curves were generated using a white test card of 90% reflectance. Objects with reflectivity of less than 90%
reflect less light back to the sensor, and thus require proportionately more excess gain in order to be sensed with the same
reliability as more reflective objects. When sensing an object of very low reflectivity, it may be important to sense it at or near the
distance of maximum excess gain.
The effects of object reflectivity on cutoff distance, though small, may be important for some applications. Sensing of objects of
less than 90% reflectivity causes the cutoff distances to be “pulled” slightly closer to the sensor. For example, an excess gain of 1
for an object that reflects 1/10 as much light as the 90% white card is represented by the heavy horizontal graph line at excess
gain = 10. An object of this reflectivity results in far limit cutoffs of approximately 20, 40 and 70 mm (for 25-, 50- and 100-mm cutoff
models, respectively).
Objects with reflectivity greater than 90% return more light to the sensor. For this reason, highly reflective backgrounds or
background objects such as mirrors, polished metal, and other sources of specular reflections require special consideration. To
use a highly reflective background, place it as far beyond the cutoff distance as possible and angle it to direct reflected light away
from the sensor.

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 EZ-BEAM® M18 Series Sensor

Opposed-Mode Emitter (E) and Receiver (R)

Excess Gain Beam Pattern

1000
M18 Series
M18 Series 1500 mm 60 in
E 1000 mm
Opposed Mode
40 in
X 500 mm 20 in
C Opposed Mode
100 0 0
E
S 500 mm 20 in

S 1000 mm 40 in
1500 mm 60 in
G 10
A 0 5m 10 m 15 m 20 m 25 m
16 ft 32 ft 49 ft 66 ft 82 ft
I
N DISTANCE
1
.1 m 1m 10 m 100 m
.33 ft 3.3 ft 33 ft 330 ft
DISTANCE

Retroreflective Mode
Excess Gain Beam Pattern
1000 1000
M18 Series M18 Series M18 Series
M18 Series 120 mm 4.7 in 150 mm 6 in
E E 80 mm
Non-Polarized Retro
3.2 in
Polarized Retro
100 mm 4 in
X X 40 mm 1.6 in
C Non-Polarized Retro C Polarized Retro
50 mm 2 in
100
E E 100 0 with BRT-3 Reflector 0 0 with BRT-3 Reflector 0
S S 40 mm 1.6 in 50 mm 2 in
with BRT-3 Reflector
S S 80 mm 3.2 in
with BRT-3 Reflector 100 mm 4 in
120 mm 4.7 in
G 10
G 10 150 mm 6 in

A A 0 .5 m 1.0 m 1.5 m 2.0 m 2.5 m

0 .5 m 1.0 m 1.5 m 2.0 m 2.5 m
I I 1.6 ft 3.2 ft 4.8 ft 6.4 ft 8.0 ft
1.6 ft 3.2 ft 4.8 ft 6.4 ft 8.0 ft
N N DISTANCE
DISTANCE
1 1
.01 m .1 m 1m 10 m .01 m .1 m 1m 10 m
.033 ft .33 ft 3.3 ft 33 ft .033 ft .33 ft 3.3 ft 33 ft
DISTANCE DISTANCE

Diffuse Mode
Excess Gain Beam Pattern
1000 1000 M18 Series
M18 Series M18 Series 15 mm
M18 Series 0.6 in 15 mm Long Range Diffuse 0.6 in
E E Short Range Diffuse
10 mm 0.4 in
X X 10 mm 0.4 in
5 mm 0.2 in
C Short Range C Long Range 5 mm 0.2 in
100 100
E Diffuse Mode E Maximum Gain Diffuse Mode 0 0
0 0
S S 5 mm 0.2 in
5 mm 0.2 in
S Maximum Gain S 10 mm 0.4 in
10 mm 0.4 in
15 mm 0.6 in
G 10 G 10 15 mm 0.6 in
A A 0 25 mm 50 mm 75 mm 100 mm 125 mm
I Minimum Gain I Minimum Gain 1 in 2 in 3 in 4 in 5 in 0 80 mm 160 mm 240 mm 320 mm 400 mm
3 in 6 in 9 in 12 in 15 in
N N DISTANCE
DISTANCE
1 1
1 mm 10 mm 100 mm 1000 mm 1 mm 10 mm 100 mm 1000 mm
.04 in .4 in 4 in 40 in .04 in .4 in 4 in 40 in
DISTANCE DISTANCE

Fixed-Field Mode Excess Gain

1000 1000 1000
M18 Series M18 Series M18 Series
E E E
Fixed-field mode X Fixed-field mode X Fixed-field mode
X with 50 mm far with 100 mm far
with 25 mm far C C
C limit cutoff 100 limit cutoff limit cutoff
E 100
E 100 E
S S S
S S S

G 10 G 10 G 10
A A A
I I I
N N N
1 1 1
.1 mm 1 mm 10 mm 100 mm .1 mm 1 mm 10 mm 100 mm .1 mm 1 mm 10 mm 100 mm
.004 in .04 in .4 in 4 in .004 in .04 in .4 in 4 in .004 in .04 in .4 in 4 in
DISTANCE DISTANCE DISTANCE

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EZ-BEAM® M18 Series Sensor

Accessories

Cordsets
4-Pin Threaded M12/Euro-Style Cordsets—Single Ended

Model Length Style Dimensions Pinout (Female)

MQDC-406 2 m (6.56 ft)

44 Typ.
MQDC-415 5 m (16.4 ft)
MQDC-430 9 m (29.5 ft) Straight
M12 x 1
MQDC-450 15 m (49.2 ft) 2
ø 14.5 1
3
MQDC-406RA 2 m (6.56 ft) 4
32 Typ.
MQDC-415RA 5 m (16.4 ft) [1.26"]

MQDC-430RA 9 m (29.5 ft) 1 = Brown

30 Typ. 2 = White
Right-Angle [1.18"] 3 = Blue
4 = Black
MQDC-450RA 15 m (49.2 ft)
M12 x 1
ø 14.5 [0.57"]

Mounting Brackets
All measurements are listed in millimeters, unless noted otherwise.

SMB18A SMB18C 40
• Right-angle mounting 30
• 18 mm split clamp, black
bracket with a curved slot
for versatile orientation C
thermoplastic polyester
41 A
• 12-ga. stainless steel A B • Stainless steel mounting 45
• 18 mm sensor mounting hardware included
B
hole
46
• Clearance for M4 (#8)
hardware 13
Hole center spacing: A to B = 24.2
Hole size: A = ø 4.6, B = 17.0 × 4.6, C = ø 18.5
A = ø 3 mm (2)
Hole size: B = ø 18 mm

SMB18SF SMB18UR
51
• 18 mm swivel bracket with • 2-piece universal swivel C
M18 × 1 internal thread B bracket
• Black thermoplastic polyester • 300 series stainless steel
42 A
• Stainless steel swivel locking • Stainless steel swivel
hardware included locking hardware included 137
• Mounting hole for 18 mm B
25 sensor
A
64
42
Hole center spacing: A = 36.0
Hole size: A = ø 5.3, B = ø 18.0
Hole center spacing: A = 25.4, B = 46.7
Hole size: B = 6.9 × 32.0, C = ø 18.3

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 EZ-BEAM® M18 Series Sensor

SMB30SK
• Flat-mount swivel bracket with 68
A
extended range of motion
• Black reinforced thermoplastic B
57
polyester and 316 stainless steel
• Stainless steel swivel locking
hardware included
78

Hole center spacing: A = 50.8

Hole size: A = ø 7, B = ø 18

Aperture Kits
NOTE: Aperture adds 3/16" to sensor length.

Aperture styles

Round Rectangular

Aperture
(Rectangular type shown)
Lens

Housing O-ring (2)

22.4 mm
(0.88") 12.7 mm
Outside Diameter (0.50")

AP18SC

Kit includes round apertures of 0.5 mm (0.02 in), 1.0 mm (0.04 in), and 2.5 mm (0.10 in) diameter. Each kit also
includes a thread-on aperture housing, a Teflon FEP® lens, and two 0-rings.
Used with S18, M18.

AP18SR

Kit includes rectangular apertures of 0.5 mm (0.02 in) wide, 1.0 mm (0.04 in) wide, and 2.5 mm (0.10 in) wide.
Each kit also includes a thread-on aperture housing, a Teflon FEP® lens, and two 0-rings.
Used with S18, M18.

Banner Engineering Corp. Limited Warranty

Banner Engineering Corp. warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year following the date of shipment. Banner Engineering Corp. will repair or
replace, free of charge, any product of its manufacture which, at the time it is returned to the factory, is found to have been defective during the warranty period. This warranty does not
cover damage or liability for misuse, abuse, or the improper application or installation of the Banner product.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE), AND WHETHER ARISING UNDER COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE USAGE.
This Warranty is exclusive and limited to repair or, at the discretion of Banner Engineering Corp., replacement. IN NO EVENT SHALL BANNER ENGINEERING CORP. BE LIABLE TO
BUYER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY EXTRA COSTS, EXPENSES, LOSSES, LOSS OF PROFITS, OR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM ANY PRODUCT DEFECT OR FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT, WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT OR WARRANTY, STATUTE, TORT,
STRICT LIABILITY, NEGLIGENCE, OR OTHERWISE.
Banner Engineering Corp. reserves the right to change, modify or improve the design of the product without assuming any obligations or liabilities relating to any product previously
manufactured by Banner Engineering Corp. Any misuse, abuse, or improper application or installation of this product or use of the product for personal protection applications when the
product is identified as not intended for such purposes will void the product warranty. Any modifications to this product without prior express approval by Banner Engineering Corp will
void the product warranties. All specifications published in this document are subject to change; Banner reserves the right to modify product specifications or update documentation at
any time. Specifications and product information in English supersede that which is provided in any other language. For the most recent version of any documentation, refer to:
www.bannerengineering.com.
For patent information, see www.bannerengineering.com/patents.

© Banner Engineering Corp. All rights reserved