ClearSight 9000 Clear Object Detection Sensors

ClearSight 9000 Clear Object Detection Sensors

Allen‑Bradley ClearSight 9000 Series are high-performance photoelectric sensors designed specifically for clear or transparent object detection. These sensors use a coaxial‑optic design to reliably detect transparent materials (e.g., glass, PET bottles, clear plastic) while rejecting background surfaces, making them ideal for demanding industrial automation applications.

Purpose of ClearSight 9000 Sensors

• To detect transparent objects such as bottles, vials, or clear packaging in automated production lines.

• To reduce false triggers caused by background surfaces, enabling reliable object detection even in complex environments.

• To provide precise control and feedback in bottling, packaging, and material-handling systems.

• To operate reliably in harsh or washdown industrial environments.

Key Features

Coaxial Optic Design
ClearSight 9000 uses a beam‑splitter and coaxial optical path: emitted light and received light travel along the same axis, minimizing optical artifacts and reducing false detection. nepsa-online.com+1

Selectable Light / Dark Operate
Users can choose whether the output activates when light is received (light operate) or when it is blocked (dark operate). gerrie.com

Adjustable Sensitivity
A potentiometer allows tuning of detection sensitivity for different types of transparent targets. reynoldsonline.com+1

High-Performance Response
Very fast response time: around 1 ms for DC models. reynoldsonline.com

Robust Operating Voltage
Typical DC supply range is 10–40 V DC for many models. Technology Bsa+1

Durable Construction
Sensors are built with rugged housing (Valox) and sealed to withstand harsh industrial conditions – including washdowns. support.rockwellautomation.com

LED Indicators
Three LED indicators: power, output, and margin/short-circuit (or alignment) provide quick feedback for setup and diagnostic verification. Manuals+

Wide Connectivity Options
Available in versions with:

• Cable (2 m)
• 4-pin DC Micro (M12) quick‑disconnect (QD) mc-mc.com+1
• 4‑pin Mini QD

Common Part Numbers

Here are some widely used catalog numbers for ClearSight 9000 clear object detection sensors:

• 42GRC‑9200‑QD — DC, 10–40 V, 1.2 m sensing distance, 4-pin DC Micro (M12), NPN/PNP, light/dark selectable. mc-mc.com+1
• 42GRC‑9200‑QD1 — Same as above but with 4-pin Mini QD connector. mc-mc.com
• 42GRC‑9200 — Cable version, 10–40 V DC, 2 m cable, same sensing characteristics. Kirby Risk
• 42GTC‑9202‑QD — Timing version (on/off delay) with AC/DC SPDT relay output, 5-pin Mini QD. HESCO Store
• 42GTC‑9203‑QD1 — Timing + clear object, 4‑pin AC/DC Micro QD. mc-mc.com

How ClearSight 9000 Works

The ClearSight 9000 sensor emits a red LED beam (660 nm), which is directed toward the target via a beam-splitter. Any light reflected from the target returns along the same axis to the photodiode. Because both emitter and receiver share the same path, the system effectively suppresses background reflections and enhances contrast for transparent objects. nepsa-online.com

Applications

• Bottling & Beverage Lines: Detecting clear glass or PET bottles.
• Pharmaceutical Packaging: Sensing of transparent vials, syringes, or ampoules.
• Automated Assembly: Detecting clear plastic parts in product assembly.
• Material Handling: Counting or verifying transparent items on conveyor systems.
• Food & Hygiene Environments: Suitable for washdown environments where sensors may be exposed to cleaning.

Benefits and Advantages

• Reliable Transparent Object Detection: High-contrast, coaxial optics minimize false detections.
• Fast and Precise: Quick response and adjustable sensitivity help adapt to different transparent materials.
• Flexible Integration: Multiple connection and output options make it easy to add to a variety of automation systems.
• Durability: Rugged housing and environment sealing increase sensor life and reduce maintenance.
• Diagnostic Feedback: LEDs for power, output, and margin help in commissioning and troubleshooting.

Design and Deployment Considerations

• Proper alignment is crucial because the coaxial design demands accurate aiming for consistent detection.
• Sensitivity settings should be calibrated for each type of transparent object, as different materials (glass, PET, film) behave differently.
• If subjects vary in size or reflectivity, it may be necessary to test different models or connectors (e.g., Micro QD vs. cable) to optimize performance.
• Use the timing versions (42GTC-series) if you need to filter out transient objects or delay output for synchronization with other systems.
• Conclusion

Allen‑Bradley ClearSight 9000 Clear Object Detection Sensors are powerful and reliable devices tailored for transparent material detection in industrial automation. Their coaxial optical design, fast response, ruggedness, and flexible connectivity make them an excellent choice for demanding applications in packaging, pharmaceuticals, and material handling. When correctly configured, these sensors improve detection accuracy, minimize false triggers, and support high-throughput, clean, and safe manufacturing processes.